Donors 'Make It Happen' as Technology Expands Mercy Flight’s Capabilities

HAVRE – Fog lingering in the Milk River Valley could have blocked Mercy Flight from reaching a patient in distress, but donors invested in technology upgrades and training that expanded the air ambulance’s reach.

Mercy Flight operates with visual flight rules (VFR), a practice that relies on good visibility. However, Mercy Flight can now also fly with instrument flight rules (IFR). This summer, Mercy Flight had its first IFR mission to reach a patient.

“Last year, we would have had to turn down this flight due to conditions, but our crew completed the mission safely to the Havre airport and got the patient where he needed to be for the care he required,” said Scott Schandelson, manager of Mercy Flight. “This is really exciting.”

Mercy Flight is still working through the 18-month IFR project. Flight crews can get from airport to airport but are still working on precision instrument-only approaches to Benefis and northern Montana hospitals.

Foundation donors contributed $11,000 toward the project.

"We are lucky to have Foundation donors who say, ‘Let’s make it happen’ when it comes to supporting projects, services, and tools that make us more effective across the system and the region,” Scott said. “It raises our level of care and results in better outcomes and experiences for patients.”

You Can Help ‘Make It Happen’ for Mercy Flight
Your support of critical missions saves lives. Visit Benefis.org/Give or select a Mercy Flight license plate for your car to make a difference when every minute counts.