For the first time ever, a new PC-12 fixed-wing Avera Careflight plane is based in Pierre.
Clinical Vice President of Avera’s Emergency Medicine Service Line Dr. Jared Friedman says time is of the essence in case of serious trauma, heart attack or stroke.
Chief Medical Officer and President of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre Dr. Mikel Holland says having Careflight based in town gives residents in central South Dakota faster access to the right level of care for their illness or injury.
Flight nurse Adam Bergdale says the plane has full critical care capabilities.
Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Jamie Seiner says one of the main questions they hear when people are considering moving to Pierre is what medical care is available.
A staff of three are stationed at the hanger around the clock, including a nurse, a paramedic and a pilot. They are ready to go at a moment’s notice, and can lift off within 15 minutes. The fixed-wing plane flies from airport to airport to pick up patients who need transport to Pierre, Sioux Falls or another Avera location where they can receive the right level of care. The plane and crew in Pierre are expected to average about one flight per day.
The 13,000-square foot hangar at the Pierre airport provides 10,000 square feet of hangar space plus staff sleeping quarters, a meeting room, training room, commons area and storage space.
Before now, there was an hour and a half wait until a fixed-wing aircraft could fly to Pierre.
The new hangar is located at the Pierre Regional Airport. Jim Peitz, owner and operator Mustang Aviation and Alliance Aircraft Sales, built and owns the structure and rents it to Avera.
