The same type of helicopter used in the French Alps for search-and-rescue missions and by the U.S. Army for some of its operations just became the newest aircraft in Wyoming Medical Center's Life Flight program.

Active since Aug. 14, the new helicopter has made approximately 49 flights across Wyoming, including a flight to Miracle Mile, the portion of the North Platte River between Seminoe and Pathfinder reservoirs.

It was the helicopter's first on-scene flight, according to Jason Collins, chief flight nurse at the hospital. Two passengers were ejected from a truck during a single-vehicle rollover accident and both were seriously injured.

The helicopter and an ambulance were able to transport them to the hospital, and Collins said they probably wouldn't have had as positive of outcomes without the helicopter.

The new helicopter has "all the bells and whistles," Collins said. The hospital received a new helicopter because the old one was becoming outdated.

"It was hard to get parts for it and it was becoming more expensive to operate," he said.

The new helicopter is only about three years old whereas the old helicopter was about 25 years old, according to Larry Rice, chief pilot.

Rice said the new helicopter makes his job easier. The autopilot system stabilizes the helicopter and keeps it from bouncing.

"It's like driving on the highway instead of driving on my county road," Rice said. "Most of the pilots enjoy it."

The new helicopter is significantly larger. It can transport two patients if needed and provides a lot more room for patient care, Collins said. The old helicopter was cramped when only one patient was in it.

The new helicopter also has a radar system, Collins said, that warns the pilot when he comes too close to the ground or other terrain.

The new helicopter cost about $6 million, Collins said, but that doesn't come directly from the hospital's budget. Wyoming Medical leases the helicopter, along with other aircraft, from Air Methods, based in Englewood, Colo.

Rice said the hospital pays a monthly fee and a per-flight fee. Rice is employed by Air Methods, while Collins is employed by Wyoming Medical Center.

Wyoming Medical Center operates the only Life Flight program in the state.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.