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Information
The LifeNet Air flight program is the oldest aeromedical flight program in the state of Arkansas. The flight program, which began in 1983 as St. Michael's AirLife, has now flown over 9,000 accident free medical missions.
Patients Who Need LifeNet Air Transport:
- Near drowning or hypothermia situations
- Cardiovascular emergencies such as irregular heart rhythm, shock, acute coronary syndrome, thrombolytic therapy, unstable angina or pacing
- Obstetrical emergencies such as premature labor, hypertension
- Respiratory emergencies, including adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma, chronic COPD or anaphylaxis
- Life threatening injuries from motor vehicle, farming, industrial or hunting accidents
- Penetrating injuries such as gunshot or stab wounds
- Spinal cord injuries and/or trauma with neuro impairment or respiratory distress
- Partial or total amputation of an extremity excluding digits
- Severe burns of face, neck, chest, or inhalation burns including burns with respiratory distress
- Neurological emergencies such as head injuries with altered level of consciousness
Information Needed When Contacting LifeNet Air:
- Call 1-800-582-5433
- Requester's Name
- Location of Patient
- Receiving Facility
- Referring and Receiving Physician Names
- Patient's Condition and/or Chief Complaint
- Special Patient Needs Such As Pacemaker, Ventilator, Arterial Lines, need for intubation or special intravenous medications
Program History
The LifeNet Air flight program is the
oldest aeromedical flight program in the state of Arkansas. The flight program,
which began in 1983 as St. Michael's AirLife, has now flown over 9,000 accident
free medical missions.
The flight program employs a Bell 407 Helicopter,
which has the potential to travel at speeds up to 140 knots or 162.4 miles
per hour.
The flight program averages pver 30 flights
per month. During the course of a month, the flight program will do
interhospital (60%) and on-scene (40%) flights. The Bell 407 will travel up
to 165 miles for interhospital transfers and up to 70 miles for on-scene
flights.
The LifeNet Air Flight Team is made up of a flight RN
and a flight paramedic.
Qualifications required for the flight RN are:
-
Licensed Registered Nurse
-
Dual EMS Certification (Texas & Arkansas) as a EMT
or Paramedic
-
Over to 2 years of Critical Care experience
-
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider
-
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider
-
Neonatal Advanced Life Support Provider
Qualifications required for the flight paramedic are:
-
Dual EMS Certification (Texas & Arkansas) as a
Paramedic
-
Nationally Registry
-
Over 2 years of Ground Ambulance experience
-
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider
-
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider
-
Neonatal Advanced Life Support Provider
LifeNet's air program operates in conjunction with Air
Methods. Please note that while LifeNet's air medical program uses Air Methods for Part 135 services, LifeNet is not associated with the Air Methods community based program called Life Net.
 Air Methods
Corporation was originally incorporated in 1982 and now serves as one of
the largest providers of aeromedical emergency transport services and
systems.
The Company determines its operating segments
based on the type of products and services offered. As of December 31, 1998,
the Company’s Flight Services Division provided aeromedical transportation
services to hospitals located in 16 states under 21 operating agreements
with terms ranging from one to ten years and had transported 142,000
patients.
Mercy Air Service, the Company’s wholly owned
subsidiary, is an independent provider of air medical transportation
services in southern California. The Company’s Products Division designs,
manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace
products.
Air Methods employs 140 pilots, 70 Airframe &
Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics and is a FAA Certified Repair Station and are a
Certified Bell Helicopter Service Center.
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