In 1975, the death of a young logger in a remote area of Northwest Montana focused attention on the need to reach victims as quickly as possible. In response, ALERT (Advanced Life-support and Emergency Rescue Team) was formed as the first rural air ambulance service in the United States.
The Northwest Montana History Museum’s new exhibit It’s Go Time: ALERT Marks 50 Years opens Sept. 30 and pays tribute to members of the local logging industry and medical community who recognized the need for an air rescue program similar to the medevac helicopters used during the Vietnam conflict.
In 1980, Clyde Smith, owner of Smith Logging Company, offered his business as collateral to help purchase a helicopter to be owned by the hospital to replace the previously leased aircraft. Since then, the program has advanced into an elite lifesaving air rescue system.
Visitors will see artifacts from one of the first flight nurses (Alvina Hix, pictured), including an orange jumpsuit (below) worn in the 1970s, a photo of ALERT’s first mascot, and original forms, instructions, and paperwork issued during the early years of protocol development.
The exhibit contains little-known trivia about the ALERT program, such as its rescue of a business tycoon in Glacier National Park. Items on loan from the early days of ALERT also are featured.
One of the original flight nurses will be present at the opening reception, offering a personal connection to history.
It’s Go Time: ALERT Marks 50 Years opens 50 years and five days after ALERT’s first official flight of Sept. 25, 1975.
Details: Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30
(regular museum hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays)
Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 Second Ave. East, Kalispell; 406-756-8381; nwmthistory.org