Great Falls Mercy Flight Receive New Flight Gear from Donors

At some point over the last four decades, you have probably noticed a special helicopter that has a direct flight path over Great Falls.  Based at the Benefis Healthcare campus, the Mercy Flight program has saved hundreds of lives over the years.

via GIPHY

Now the flight crew that makes sure their patients are safe, secure and stabilized are also sporting some new protection from some very gracious donors to the Benefis Health System Foundation.

Get our free mobile app

Great Falls Mercy Flight Receive New Flight Gear from Donors

The Great Falls Mercy Flight program began operations in Montana in 1983 and have offered specialized care for both adults and children in need.  Those flight crews aboard the helicopter "may contain highly experienced and certified registered nurses, paramedics, and registered respiratory therapists" depending on the scenario.

READ MORE:  Centerfest Music Festival Warns Against Fake Ticket Sales

And while crews have always had state of the art equipment to help patients, flight gear needed a big upgrade.  Recently, those upgrades came to fruition with donors to the Mercy Flight Fund acquiring new tactical jackets for the crew.  The new jackets are flame-resistant, which according to Benefis are "costly but valuable".

How to Make a Donation to the Mercy Flight Fund with Benefis Foundation

Scott Schandelson, manager of Mercy Flight said that the new tactical wear for the crew will "increase the crew’s ability to survive a post-crash fire by allowing their uniform and outerwear to take the heat and flame so they can evacuate".  He added that:

flight teams can focus on patients knowing that should a
catastrophes occur; they have been provided with the training, equipment, and clothing that gives them the best chance to survive.  Thank you!

To learn more about the Mercy Flight program in Great Falls, or how to make a contribution to the Benefis Foundation, visit their website here.