LifeFlight added a new

helicopter, based at Clarion

Hospital
The New LifeFlight 1, N978LF, an EC 135
Clarion Hospital, LF-2
LifeFlight
Bases
Canonsburg Hospital (LifeFlight 1)
-Hospital based
-No run up, scene stand by
-24 hours

Clarion Hospital (LifeFlight 2)

-Hospital based
-No run up scene stand-by
-24 hours a day
 LifeFlight Bases
Butler Airport (LifeFlight 4)
-Airport based
-Run up scene standby allowed
-24 hours
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

• LifeFlight is credentialed to operate as an IFR service

• IFR conditions occur when weather conditions such as fog, rain, or
snow, obscure a pilot’s vision
• IFR requires the use of instruments and electronic signals to complete
a flight plan
IFR Flights
• Each aircraft is equipped to complete Instrument Flight Rule missions
• This status is decided by the Pilot and the Operational Control Center
at Metro Aviation
• IFR adds approximately 15-30 minutes to each flight; the referring
facility should be informed of the time delay
• If an aircraft is going by IFR, dispatch will update the command
physician with any changes
LifeFlight DNR Policy
• If a patient needs to be transported and has a DNR, the referring
facility, POA, patient, and crew, need to review the particulars of
transport
• Some patients desire maximal medical care but do not want
intubation
• Ideally, patient transports involving a DNR will be discussed prior to
flight/mission acceptance
Command Scenario- Air
LF is requested for an interfacility transport. The patient is an intubated
young female, 80kg, in septic shock. She is adequately sedated and
exhibits the following VS: (BP: 100/60, P: 100, R: 16, Sp02: 92% on Fi02
80). The patient has a foley, 2 peripheral lines, and a femoral triple
lumen. She is currently on propofol, norepinephrine, fentanyl,
dobutamine, and vancomycin.

What are transport considerations specific to this case ?

Command Scenario- Air
LF is requested for an emergent trauma scene run. The ground crew
advises that the patient is a 12 yo 60 kg male who was ejected from an
ATV. The patient was initially combative but now more somnolent. VS:
(BP: 140/90, P: 62, R: 10, Sp02: 95% RA). The patient has one peripheral
IV. The airway is currently managed via nasopharyngeal airway and a
BVM.

What are transport considerations for this particular case?

What orders might you anticipate having to approve ?
Medical Command Physician Resources:
• Current LifeFlight protocols
• Attending emergency physicians
• The LifeFlight crew
• Medical directors
Questions /
Comments
Feel free to contact the medical directors with any
questions, concerns, or requests for follow up

Dr. Matthew Poremba

matthew.Poremba@ahn.org
412-228-7813

Dr. Ben Lawner

blawner@ahn-emp.com
954-829-1367