October 18, 2007
Wounded Bird Takes Flight

By Linda Larson

On Saturday, October 13th, the Classic Lifeguard Bell 407 helicopter that had been resting on Grover C. Dils Medical Center’s helipad during the previous week, lifted into the air and flew back home to Page, Arizona. It was called on the 8th to fly a patient to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, but when it was time to lift off, the helicopter wouldn’t start. “It has a digital FADEC engine,” said Matt Stein, Classic Lifeguard’s Program Director, “and sometimes they have start issues.” Despite the setback, the patient was successfully transported to St. George via ambulance, according to hospital sources. The crew of the air ambulance also rode along in support, making sure the patient arrived safely. Later that week, technicians came to Caliente and fixed the helicopter, then flew it back to Page.