INHS establishes a full-time MedStar helicopter base in Moses Lake

Northwest MedStar, the air-transport medical service, is setting up a permanent base in Moses Lake.

For the past two summers the service has operated a helicopter day base about nine miles north of Moses Lake through an agreement with Grant County Fire District 5.

The decision by nonprofit INHS establishes a fulltime base, with a registered nurse, respiratory therapist, pilot and mechanic. They will handle emergency responses and assist in transports between regional hospitals.

A permanent hangar will be constructed later this year to house the helicopter.

The full-time base provides more direct air transport services and decreased response time for north central Washington, said an INHS press release.