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One of America's First
In 1977, Baptist Hospital established the third hospital-based aeromedical helicopter program in the United States. In 2004, LifeFlight Mobile began operations to serve South Alabama, South Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. LifeFlight 3 was added in 2006 to cover a greater area of South Alabama and to extend coverage into central Alabama. Operating 24 hours a day, Baptist LifeFlight can be airborne within minutes of a call, traveling at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. This significantly reduces the transport time of critically ill patients, either from a transferring hospital or from the scene of an emergency.
Baptist LifeFlight Nurses and Paramedics
The Baptist LifeFlight crew is highly trained and experienced in critical care. Registered nurses must have a paramedic certification, a minimum of three years in nursing with one year each of critical care and emergency department experience, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Paramedics are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a busy EMS service and must also have ACLS and PALS certifications. New crew members also receive extensive additional training from LifeFlight's medical directors.
Standards of Practice:
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Baptist LifeFlight nurses and paramedics provide for the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of critically injured or ill patients of all ages from the scene of an accident or from referring facilities.
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Baptist LifeFlight nurses and paramedics assume the responsibility of sharing knowledge about emergency care systems with other members of the health care team, patients and the community.
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Baptist LifeFlight nurses and paramedics are actively involved in research that directly relates to improved patient care in the air medical transport industry, and/or improves the professional standards of practice that promote the flight nurse and paramedic as a professional. |
Critical Skills:
A rigorous ongoing continuing education program is necessary to support the extensive knowledge and skills that are expected of the flight crew. The following is a list of the skills that the flight crew is trained in and prepared to utilize:
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Endotracheal intubations |
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Use of chemical paralytic agents |
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Placement of central venous access via the femoral or subclavian route |
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Surgical airways |
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Pericardiocentesis |
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Chest needle decompression |
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Intraosseous access |
Aviation Services Provided By CJ Systems Aviation Group Inc. | |
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