Scottsbluff, NE - At approximately 7:30 a.m. on May 9, Regional West’s Air Link helicopter conducted an emergency crash drill in the sky over Banner County. At no time was the Air Link crew in danger, and the drill was completed with the safe return of the aircraft to Regional West.

This drill was the first of its kind that Air Link has conducted. As is usually the case with emergency drilling, a number of problems were identified and will be addressed in an after action plan.

In the case of this drill, there was confusion due to radio traffic and a miscommunication between the helicopter and Regional West’s Communications Center. Emergency crews were mistakenly asked to respond to the scene despite the fact that no crash had occurred.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, we offer care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.