In the 1960s, the Vietnam Conflict showed the value of helicopters once again. The aircraft were larger, which allowed for a greater payload. Military officials placed trained care professionals on board to provide care while the aircraft was en route to the field hospital. Again, survival rates were significantly increased. Military personnel who previously would have lost their lives were saved because of these helicopters and crews.

The military use of helicopters got the attention of civilian hospital administrators who recognized that these aircraft could meet a growing need across the United States. In early 1972, officials in Denver, Colorado, were preparing a bid to host the 1976 Winter Olympic Games. The terrain of the games site was a problem. Road access to the venues was limited and ground transport times to hospitals were prohibitive. A life-threatening accident in those areas could result in tragedy.

Recognizing this problem, Saint Anthony's Hospital in Denver developed a plan to initiate helicopter service to this region. In late 1972, Flight for Life began operations and gained the distinction of being the nation's first hospital-based helicopter service. Denver was not awarded the Olympics, but a life-saving industry was born.

The following eight years saw hospitals across the country build on Denver's success. Major medical centers saw the important role that helicopters could play in the delivery of their services. Reduced transport times to the hospital, expert medical crews and an enhanced community image served to increase the number of helicopters in service. By 1980, twenty-five programs existed.

During the 1980s helicopter EMS expanded rapidly. Hospitals nationwide were exploring or developing their own programs. This resulted in duplication of services in many areas. By late in the decade the development slowed and several programs merged into single entities.

The use of helicopters in West Virginia is rooted firmly with the military. The West Virginia National Guard sent their helicopters around the state during the 1970s to transport patients from local communities to large medical centers. The inherent problem was a lack of dedicated crews on duty. Significant delays resulted from crews being called in from home to respond on missions.
By 1978, the West Virginia State Police began exploring the use of their law enforcement helicopters in an aeromedical role. This philosophy had reaped major benefits for other states, most notably Maryland. The State Police developed a plan to provide this service with two aircraft, the first based near Charleston while the second ship flew from Morgantown.

The program, which was called MedEvac, used pilots provided by the State Police and paramedics from local EMS agencies. The program promised a thirty-minute or less lift-off time and was well received throughout the state. Unfortunately the service was constantly under the watchful eye of legislative cost-cutters. They did not recognize the benefits versus the cost of the service, and West Virginia MedEvac faced an uncertain future each time the Legislature met.