The History of Lifeguard
1979
First patient transported in the Lifeguard UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. Pilot flies from airport and picks up two area ambulance paramedics at Mercy Hospital.
1981
St. Luke's Hospital hires two full-time pilots with the help of the St. Luke's Foundation. Pilots work either 48 or 72 hour shifts.
Lifeguard is based at St. Luke's Hospital. Two Area Ambulance paramedics travel to St. Luke's by ambulance to go on flights.
1982
First part-time pilot is hired.
1984
Nurses are added to the flight crew mix with one paramedic from Area Ambulance. Neonate transporter is added to the capabilities with a NICU nurse and a respiratory therapist.
1985
UH-1 "Huey" helicopter is replaced with the purchase of a Long Ranger 3 and flies with a flight nurse and an Area Ambulance paramedic team full time. Pilots go to 12-hour shifts with the hiring of a third and forth pilot.
1990
St. Luke's Hospital hires paramedics to staff Lifeguard with flight nurses.
1997
St. Luke's replaces the Long Ranger 3 helicopter with a Bell 407 helicopter.
2006
Lifeguard celebrates 25 years of being based at St. Luke's Hospital.
