As crowds swell for the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Black Hills Life Flight is enhancing its emergency response network by adding a temporary helicopter in Spearfish. This supplements their permanent fleet of two helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft stationed in Rapid City and Hot Springs. Provided by Air Methods, the extra chopper boosts regional coverage without disrupting normal operations.
Flight paramedics emphasize the importance of air transport in navigating the rally’s remote, winding roads. “A quick 10 to 15-minute hop gets patients to trauma centers fast,” said paramedic Jaryd Pugh.
Crews report that most serious rally injuries—like brain trauma, amputations, and severe chest damage—are preventable. Common causes include riding without helmets, under the influence, and speeding.
Each helicopter crew includes a pilot, a critical care nurse, and a paramedic, with whole blood onboard to treat critical blood loss mid-flight. For longer hauls to trauma centers in Denver or Sioux Falls, Life Flight’s fixed-wing plane is ready to deploy.
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