Copters were down when calls for help came in

Colorado Springs' two rescue helicopters were grounded for maintenance Monday when they received a call for help.

Their inability to fly did not affect the patient, a Black Forest resident who reportedly fell from a roof about 3 p.m. A helicopter had been requested on standby but wasn't needed, said Deputy Chief Brandon Payne of Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District. Three paramedics in an ambulance that had been dispatched assisted the patient, who is in good condition.

Memorial Star, a Med-Trans Corp. helicopter based at Memorial Hospital, was out of service from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for regularly scheduled maintenance. The Penrose-St. Francis Health Service's Flight for Life helicopter was grounded Monday afternoon for a repair.

In such a case, or when both helicopters are in use, helicopters in south Denver and Pueblo are called.