Classic Lifeguard began service with one helicopter and a medical crew of two
basic EMT's on Memorial Day 1988. Classic began as a seasonal service to assist
the National Park Service in transporting trauma patients off of Lake Powell to
a trauma center. Classic started lifeguard air ambulance operations because the
park service would often call Classic tour helicopters from Bryce Canyon to
airlift injured people off the lake. Mark Henderson, owner of Classic; and Dan
Rudert, pilot, decided to start Classic Lifeguard in response to the repeated
requests for air evacuation services from the park service.
From the beginning Classic has strived to maintain a professional relationship
with the folks who call us for assistance. We work closely with the National
Park Service, Navajo Nation EMS, AZ and UT Highway Patrol, Page
Fire Department, and the various other agencies in Utah and Arizona. Our
reputation of excellence has allowed us to grow in this unique and diversified
field.
Much has changed since our first steps in providing air ambulance service. When
the program was started, the helicopter was stationed at the airport and the crews
stayed in a rented house nearby. Now we enjoy a large hanger with living quarters built
in. No more scraping snow off the helicopter in the middle of winter!
We have learned much and will continue to learn as this industry is constantly
evolving. We have logged over 5000 missions since we
began service in 1988. Safety is our number one priority and that will continue to be our
focus as we operate in a very dangerous and unique environment.