HAILEY, Idaho — Medical emergencies in the Wood River Valley no longer require waiting for helicopters to fly in from distant cities, as two air medical services have established bases in this remote Idaho community.

Before this summer, the area was without a local base for a helicopter to respond to medical emergencies. If a helicopter were needed to airlift a patient, officials would call for one to come from Boise or the Twin Falls area, usually, if they were available.

Blaine County voiced its desire to eliminate reliance on helicopters from other jurisdictions. This summer, two organizations made that desire come to life.

Air St. Luke's launched its new helicopter base at the St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in Hailey on Aug. 9, and Life Flight Network plans to add a second

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