www-lifeforceairmed-com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:55:56 GMT

The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems Site Visit

The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems will conduct an accreditation site visit of LIFE FORCE Air Medical on June 2-3, 2026.

The purpose of the site visit will be to evaluate the program’s compliance with nationally established medical transport standards. The site visit results will be used to determine whether, and the conditions under which accreditation should be awarded to the program.

CAMTS accreditation standards deal with issues of patient care and safety of the transport environment. Anyone believing that he or she has pertinent or valid information about such matters may request a public information interview with the CAMTS site surveyors at the time of the site visit. Information presented at the interview will be carefully evaluated for relevance to the accreditation process. Requests for public information interviews must be made in writing and sent to CAMTS no later than 10 business days before the site survey begins. The request should also indicate the nature of the information to be provided during the interview. Such request should be addressed to: ADMIN@CAMTS.ORG .

The Commission will acknowledge such written requests in writing or by telephone and will inform the program of the request for an interview. The Commission will, in turn, notify the interviewee of the date, time and place of the meeting.

This notice is posted in accordance with CAMTS requirements and shall not be removed until the site visit is completed.

Erlanger LIFE FORCE awarded "Flight Program of the Year" by the Association of Air Medical Services at an event recently in Salt Lake City, Utah

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:36:02 GMT

Erlanger LIFE FORCE Honored as Flight Program of the Year by the Association of Air Medical Services

Salt Lake City, Utah—[November 5, 2024] — Erlanger LIFE FORCE has been awarded the prestigious "Flight Program of the Year" by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) during a ceremony held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This distinguished award highlights LIFE FORCE’s dedication to clinical excellence, safety, and its continued commitment to advancing air medical services for patients across a four-state region.

The award is a testament to LIFE FORCE’s 35 years of service, during which the program has conducted over 50,000 patient transports, excelling in high-acuity critical care, specialty medical transport, and trauma response. Founded in 1988, LIFE FORCE has evolved into a leader in air medical innovation, implementing advanced technologies and maintaining a commitment to quality and safety. In collaboration with Med-Trans Corporation, LIFE FORCE operates six bases, with a fleet of cutting-edge SPIFR EC135, Airbus EC145-e and Bell 407 aircraft designed for specialized patient care and enhanced safety in challenging environments.

LIFE FORCE is widely recognized for its rigorous safety standards, which include comprehensive Crew Resource Management (CRM), Aviation Resource Management (AMRM) training, and a Just Culture philosophy to ensure a safety-oriented operation. Their commitment to safety has resulted in an accident-free record for over three decades, a milestone in the industry. In March 2023, LIFE FORCE experienced an incident but demonstrated its exceptional safety culture and robust response protocols, ensuring the well-being of both crew and patient, reaffirming its dedication to a safe and reliable service.

Beyond clinical care, LIFE FORCE is a strong advocate for community health, conducting over 100 outreach events annually, including safety seminars, disaster planning, and critical care education sessions for local EMS and healthcare providers. LIFE FORCE’s continuous education initiatives reflect their belief in community engagement and their mission to advance emergency care standards both locally and nationally.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from AAMS,” said Robbie Tester, Vice President of Patient Logistics with Erlanger LIFE FORCE. “This award reflects the unwavering dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering safe, advanced, and compassionate care to the communities we serve.”

The LIFE FORCE program exemplifies the values and vision of Erlanger by prioritizing both patient care excellence and the well-being of its crew. With ongoing support from Erlanger and Med-Trans, LIFE FORCE is well-positioned to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in air medical services for years to come.

For more information, please contact:

Stacy Prater
Regional EMS Liaison / Outreach Education Coordinator / Flight Paramedic
LIFE FORCE Air Medical
Email: Stacy.Prater@erlanger.org

###

LIFE FORCE ADDS NEW ASSOCIATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 03:33:28 GMT

LIFE FORCE would like to welcome Yuvraj Kalra, MD, as the new Associate Medical Director for pediatric transports. Dr. Kalra graduated from Kasturba Medical College in India in 2005. After medical school, he completed his pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga (UTCOM) in 2010. After completing his residency, he completed his pediatric critical care and pediatric cardiology fellowship at the University of Alabama Children’s Hospital in Birmingham and pediatric critical care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

Dr. Kalra was appointed to the Medical Staff at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger in 2017 and is currently the Medical Director of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Extracorporeal Support. He also holds the position of Associate Professor of Pediatrics for UTCOM. Dr. Kalra brings an impressive background of education and knowledge in pediatric critical care medicine to the LIFE FORCE program.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Kalra to our team. Having a dedicated medical director for pediatric transports solidifies our commitment to transporting sick and injured kids.” Robbie Tester, Senior Director of LIFE FORCE.

LIFE FORCE ADDS SIXTH HELICOPTER IN NORTH CAROLINA; ERLANGER SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH MURPHY MEDICAL CENTER

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 03:35:11 GMT

CHATTANOOGA TN -- Erlanger Health System officials announced today that LIFE FORCE plans to add a sixth helicopter to its fleet of air ambulances in August. The new LIFE FORCE air ambulance, operated by Med-Trans Corporation, will be based in Andrews, North Carolina at the Western Carolina Regional Airport outside of Murphy, North Carolina. Erlanger Health System also announced that they have signed a letter of intent with Murphy Medical Center.

"We are extremely pleased that LIFE FORCE is now expanding 'critical care in the air' services even further into the western North Carolina region," said Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE, President and CEO of the Erlanger Health System. "Placement of this helicopter is the result of several years of solid relationship building with surrounding hospitals and the support of state and local elected officials and enables thousands of residents to quicker access to regional facilities like Erlanger Health System when they need it most."

The additional aircraft is expected to begin accepting patient flights on August 15, 2017 and the letter of intent is in response to an advanced relationship that is being discussed between Erlanger Health System and Murphy Medical Center. The due diligence process required by the letter of intent should take both organizations approximately 90 days to complete with the goal of reaching a definitive agreement on the future relationship by September-October timeframe.

"Erlanger and Murphy have signed an exclusive Letter of Intent to explore how our organizations can partner closer together to enhance and grow the existing medical care already being offered by Murphy Medical Center" said Robert M. Brooks, Executive VP & COO for Erlanger Health System. "The Letter of Intent is the first step in the process of exploring what the best structure could be for both Murphy Medical Center and Erlanger Health System."

The addition of the new LIFE FORCE helicopter brings the LIFE FORCE fleet to six total helicopters - four dual engine aircraft equipped with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and two single-engine aircraft that use visual flight rules, or VFR. In mountainous regions, aircraft not equipped with IFR can frequently get fogged in at their bases and are unable to answer patient transport requests. With an IFR aircraft now in that region, patients will have quicker access to higher level of care with increased safety, during periods where outside visual references are obscured.“Med-Trans Corporation is pleased to be able to support the Erlanger Health System to provide this critical service to the community” said Med-Trans president Rob Hamilton.

Erlanger's LIFE FORCE provides the clinical team for medical operations and Med Trans Corporation provides pilots and mechanics for the aeromedical service, along with the aircraft. Med Trans equips the LIFE FORCE fleet with Airbus H135 helicopters and Bell 407 helicopters. The H135 model will be stationed at the Andrews base.

"Since 1988, LIFE FORCE has been bringing the hospital to the patient and this is something that communities have come to rely on," said Robbie Tester, VP of Operations of Erlanger Health System. "We are pleased to be able to expand that service further into the Western Carolina region to continue serving the residents, hospitals, local EMS agencies. The IFR components certainly increase safety and efficiency for the crews as well as those living or visiting in that region. It provides area residents easier access to world class facilities like Erlanger Health System when they need it most," he said.

LIFE FORCE is accredited by the commission for accreditation of medical transport systems and is nationally ranked as one of the highest performing air medical services in the country. As the only air ambulance program region that carries ultrasound, blood and plasma products and is credentialed by physicians at Erlanger to perform emergency surgical airway procedures while in-flight, LIFE FORCE also provides on-the-scene and in-flight critical care treatment such as trauma service, heart and stroke intervention, cutting edge pediatric care and high risk labor services to the patients in the aircraft.

About LIFE FORCE Air Medical

In addition to the Andrews location, LIFE FORCE has five other bases of operation throughout the region to serve residents within a 150-mile radius of Chattanooga. With headquarters at Erlanger's downtown location at 975 East Third Street in Chattanooga, LIFE FORCE also provides emergency helicopter transport from bases in Cleveland, Sparta, Winchester, Tn. and Calhoun and Blue Ridge, Ga. LIFE FORCE transported more than 2,500 patients in 2016. Learn more about LIFE FORCE at www.lifeforceairmed.com.

About Erlanger Health System

Erlanger Health System is an academic medical center affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and is a Level-One Trauma Center for adults. Children's Hospital at Erlanger is also the region's only pediatric hospital providing the highest level of trauma, critical and inpatient care, as well as the region's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Erlanger is the only provider of tertiary care services spanning a 50,000 square-mile region encompassing southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama and western North Carolina. The health system consists of five hospitals and six emergency departments, provides medical services for a fleet of five helicopters and offers centers of excellence in neurosciences, cancer care, cardiology, orthopedics, trauma, women and children's care and transplant services. With a history that dates back more than a century, Erlanger is the seventh largest public healthcare system in the United States and second largest employer in Chattanooga, Tenn. Each year, a half a million people are treated by the team of healthcare professionals who are part of Erlanger. Visit www.erlanger.org.

About Med-Trans Corporation

Med-Trans is a leading national air medical provider focused on establishing partnerships with hospital systems, medical centers and EMS agencies with more than 90 bases across 23 states. Med-Trans offers customized air ambulance programs through alternative delivery/shared resource models, community based models and traditional hospital-based models. Its patient fleet numbers approximately 110 aircraft comprised predominantly of light single and twin-engine helicopters and twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft. For more information, visit www.med-trans.net.

INAUGURAL LIFE FORCE CALL OF THE YEAR AWARDS RECOGNIZE REGIONAL EMS PROVIDERS; EROC DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF LATE DR. JAMES CREEL

Thu, 25 May 2017 03:36:46 GMT

Erlanger Health System’s air medical program, LIFE FORCE, held a ceremony to honor local EMS heroes who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the inaugural Call of the Year awards during national EMS Week. LIFE FORCE flight crew members and awards committee selected outstanding calls in the categories of Medical, Pediatric and Trauma.

Medical Call of the Year was awarded to Scott Garrison and Myron Schroepfer of Hamilton County EMS and Larry Robbins of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The patient suffered a heart attack while hunting alone in the woods. He was several miles away from help and traveled as far as he could. When he spoke with dispatch he was asked to fire his gun in order to help rescuers locate him. This gave a general direction, but he was not located until the responders heard him whistling in response to their calls as he was too weak to respond otherwise. The first responders’ perseverance to find his location and provide medical care before transport helped to keep the patient alive.

LIFE FORCE 2 crew members’ nomination for Pediatric Call of the Year recognized Jamie Hillis Parsley and Greta Stone of Dekalb County EMS and the St. Thomas Dekalb Emergency Room for their quick response and treatment of a 2-year-old child with inhalation burns from a house fire. This is a difficult diagnosis as the evidence of injury is not an immediate wound one can see with the naked eye. These EMS workers and Emergency Department personnel did not cease until the patient was stabilized.

Trauma Call of the Year went to Tim Nelson and Whitney Howard of AMR McMinn County and Paul Johnson, Brad Johnston, Brian Greenlaw, John Amos and Will Davis of the McMinn county Sheriff’s Office. These first responders applied lifesaving tourniquets to a patient injured in a motor vehicle accident. . The patient suffered multiple broken bones, a severe head injury and near amputation of both legs. Without this team’s forethought and instinct to apply tourniquets, the patient would not have survived.

Erlanger’s Dr. Lisa Smith recognized the first responders who worked the Woodmore bus crash in November of 2016. Hamilton County EMS, Puckett EMS, Angel EMS, Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Fire Department, CHI Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service, Southeast Ambulance Service and Bradley County EMS were are given a token of appreciate with the deepest gratitude and honor for their service in a tragic time for the area. Working together, these departments were able to save many lives that day and honor those lost.

The Erlanger Regional Operations Center (EROC) was dedicated in memory of the late Dr. James Creel with his family present to witness the honor. Dr. Creel will always be remembered as a pioneering physician and visionary leader in the Emergency Medicine community. He impacted thousands of lives as a leader, teacher and medical professional. Dr. Creel was ABEM certified for more than 30 years and certified in Undersea and Hyperbaric medicine. He was instrumental in designing and developing both an Emergency Medicine Residency and EMS Fellowship training and was the Medical Director of Pre Hospital and Disaster Medicine, EROC and Tennessee’s Region 3 Regional Medical Control Center at Erlanger. He held many leadership positions at Erlanger and within the community. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Medical Director of Puckett EMS and has served as Medical Director of Hamilton County EMS for the past 28 years. He laid the foundation for our current EMS system through vigilant training and support for our local EMS personnel.

EMS Week, May 21-27, honors the first responders, EMS workers and Emergency Medicine personnel in the nation. These men and women are responsible for delivering top-notch care to patients in their time of need. Erlanger is fortunate to work with these professionals, both on their team and in partnerships around the region. This year's theme is "EMS Strong: Always in Service."

TWO LIFE FORCE CREW MEMBERS EARN HIGHLY COVETED DESIGNATION

Mon, 01 May 2017 03:44:53 GMT

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Erlanger Health System and LIFE FORCE are proud to announce Jim Fox, LIFE FORCE Business Development Director, and Ray Cadwallader, LIFE FORCE 5 Base Manager, achieved the Certified Medical Transport Executive (CMTE) designation from the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS).

The AAMS hosted the Medical Transport Leadership Institute (MTLI) in Wheeling, WV this week. MTLI helps participants develop leadership and management skills specific to medical transport through formal education programs emphasizing both management theory and its direct practical application. To become certified, applicants must participate in a rigorous educational program over the course of two years, pass a comprehensive written examination and satisfactorily complete a team project related to a timely industry challenge.

“Achieving the CMTE designation requires dedication and hard work to complete the rigorous program,” said Robbie Tester, VP of Operations for Erlanger Health System. “Jim and Ray are exceptionally deserving of the title and recognition. They are invaluable assets to our team and community. We are fortunate to have them and congratulate them on their achievements.”

The AAMS was established in 1980 as an international trade association headquartered in the Washington, DC area. As a non-profit trade association, AAMS advocates for and represents their membership in order to enhance their ability to deliver quality, safe and effective medical care and transportation for each patient. They also provide countless professional development opportunities for their members from local classes to international conferences. To learn more about the AAMS, visit www.aams.org.

LIFE FORCE has been providing air medical transport to the Chattanooga region since 1988 and operates five bases in Tennessee and Georgia that cover 50,000 square miles. LIFE FORCE is accredited by the commission for accreditation of medical transport systems and is nationally ranked as one of the highest performing air medical services in the country. All LIFE FORCE flight nurses and paramedics are board certified in critical care transport. LIFE FORCE is one of only 5% of the programs in the country that has achieved this standard.

LIFE FORCE FLIGHT PARAMEDIC WINS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 03:46:27 GMT

LIFE FORCE Air Medical is proud to announce Jason Clark , clinical educator and flight paramedic, as the recipient of the 2017 Tim Hynes Award, formerly known as the Flight Paramedic of the Year Award. The award is presented by the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics each year to an exceptional paramedic who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and paramedic professionalism, as nominated by their peers. The award was presented to Clark during the Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference in San Antonio, TX on April 11th.

“Jason has been instrumental in developing a clinical culture at LIFE FORCE that emphasizes bringing the very best patient care directly to the field in the patients’ time of need,” said Robbie Tester, VP of Operations for Erlanger Health System. “He is a true asset to our program and has made an immense impact not just on our crews and the way we do things every day, but also the air medical community across the United States.”

A Nationally Registered Paramedic and Certified Flight Paramedic serving as Clinical Educator for LIFE FORCE Air Medical since 2014, Clark has also served as Director of Business Development and Director of Education at Hospital Wing and began his air medical career at Air Evac Lifeteam as a flight paramedic in 2005.

Clark has brought new innovations, including the introduction of liquid plasma, ultrasound, and specialized pediatric and neonatal transport protocols, which continually improves the high quality standard of care that LIFE FORCE provides for patients. He has spent countless hours educating not just LIFE FORCE crews but the communities they serve, and spends time lecturing at various conferences including AMTC, EMS World Expo and will be teaching pre-hospital ultrasound this summer at EMS Gathering in Cork, Ireland.

ERLANGER BLEDSOE HOSPITAL DONATES LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT TO BLEDSOE AND SEQUATCHIE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 03:40:03 GMT

Representatives from Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital attended both Bledsoe and Sequatchie County High Schools on May 12th and donated Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to each of the schools.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Minutes can literally make a difference between life and death. The sooner a heart rhythm is restored the better the outcome for the patient. AEDs are a safe and easy to use system that can restore heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest. Both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association advocate for AEDs to be readily available in public areas including schools.

“When the athletic staff at Bledsoe County High School approached our LIFE FORCE team about the possibility of having an AED at the field house, we knew this was a very important request we could not pass up,” said Stephanie Boynton, CEO of Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital. “We are pleased to provide this much need equipment to both high schools. We hope that if it will ever be needed one day it will save a life in time for emergency personal to assist and transfer the patient to our emergency department.”

Both AEDs are portable and can be moved to any location for further medical assistance. It is also possible for the athletic teams to take the AEDs with them whenever they travel for their sporting events.

LIFE FORCE CELEBRATES 28 YEARS

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 03:48:01 GMT

28 years ago today, LIFE FORCE transported our first patient.

An air medical service was first proposed for the Chattanooga area in 1975, but it wasn't until 1988 that Erlanger Health System launched the program. Flying a Bell 412, a large helicopter capable of transporting two patients, three flight crew members, and two pilots (although we typically didn't utilize that setup), we took off at 6:30 PM for Emerald-Hodgson Hospital (now Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Sewanee) to transport a four year-old in respiratory arrest due to a chronic lung condition aggravated by a cold.

Many things have changed since 1988, but one thing hasn't -- LIFE FORCE has always been, and will always be, committed to safely providing the highest level of critical care in the air. We thank you for supporting our program and look forward to serving our communities for many more years!

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF LF4

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:14:05 GMT

Using your mouse to navigate, click and drag on the image to take a virtual tour of LIFE FORCE 4's cabin area. The aircraft flown at LIFE FORCE 4 is a Bell 407 -- we also fly this aircraft at LIFE FORCE 3. The biggest difference you will see between the Bell 407 and the H135 (flown at LF1, LF2, LF5) is that the patient is loaded into the aircraft from the side, not the back.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF LF1

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 04:16:24 GMT

Always wanted to see the inside of LIFE FORCE 1? Check out the virtual tour of the cabin below. Use your mouse to click and drag the image -- you can look in all directions.

LIFE FORCE: THE GOLDEN HOUR WINS AWARD

Wed, 25 May 2016 04:41:02 GMT

Congratulations to Alyssa Spirato WTVC and photographers Brent McDonald and Mikey Fuller on placing first in the Associated Press Awards for Best Serious Long News Story with their piece, "LIFE FORCE: The Golden Hour".

You may remember seeing the multi-part story last November on WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 News . The segments showed viewers what happens when someone has a traumatic accident and LIFE FORCE transports them to Erlanger's Level One Trauma Center.

If you missed the segments, you can watch them at:
LIFE FORCE: What We Learned About the Golden Hour
http://bit.ly/LFgoldenhour2
The Golden Hour: Inside a Ride with LIFE FORCE
http://bit.ly/LFgoldenhour1

Pictured left to right: Regena Young, from Erlanger Trauma Services who moulaged Alyssa to look like a real trauma patient, Alyssa Spirato, Reporter (and acting trauma patient), and Vanessa Guin, from Erlanger Business Development/LIFE FORCE who wrote the trauma scene script and coordinated multiple departments at Erlanger. And photo credit to Brent McDonald, who is always behind the camera.

Congratulations again to the team at NewsChannel 9 on winning an AP award, and thank you for helping tell our story.

EVENT MEDICINE TEAM @ IRONMAN

Sun, 22 May 2016 04:42:35 GMT

IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3 was underway. Our Event Medicine team was on-site and ready to help if you needed us. ‪#‎IM703chatt‬

MEET BLAKE, TRAUMA SURVIVOR

Wed, 18 May 2016 04:43:53 GMT

16 year-old survives MVC, shares story

Did you know that National Trauma Survivors Day is today? In January 2015,Blake Cooper's mom, Kristy, got the call no mom wants to get -- her son had been in a car accident. Blake was flown to Erlanger Health System where Renee, one of the trauma nurses (also known as red shirts) met him on the helipad. Blake had a traumatic brain injury, among other injuries, and spent many days in a coma, many weeks in ICU, and eventually went a rehab facility.

Today, Blake, his mom, and his trauma nurse were guests on This N That to tell Blake's miraculous story and talk about National Trauma Survivors Day. See the segment below:

Happy National Trauma Survivors Day to all of the former patients we have had the privilege ofhelping through the years. You all inspire us every single day. #NTSD #TraumaSurvivorsDay

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY @ THE LOOKOUTS

Sun, 15 May 2016 04:45:08 GMT

It's First Responders Day at the Chattanooga Lookouts! We picked up Looie at Erlanger Health System and met our friend Aiden Brown at AT&T Field with the game ball so he could throw out the first pitch!

NOAH: THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 04:46:56 GMT

Today, LIFE FORCE's biggest little fan, 5 year-old Noah Phillips, joined the LIFE FORCE crew along with Children's Hospital at Erlanger CEO Don Mueller, to help spread the word that April is National Autism Awareness Month. Noah was joined by his dad, Chattanooga Fire Department Firefighter Paramedic, Skyler Phillips, and his mom, Melissa. Look for Noah's story on WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 News .

IRENE HIGGINS' STORY

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 04:51:02 GMT

Yesterday, LIFE FORCE 1 visited Unipower in Dunlap, Tenn., to reunite with former patient, Irene Higgins, at her Celebration of Life ceremony.

On January 27th, Higgins nearly died of cardiac arrest while working. Her coworkers, who had been recently trained in CPR and AED operation, were able to keep her alive until first responders arrived. She was transported by Puckett EMS TN / N.GA to the helipad at Erlanger Sequatchie Valley where they met LIFE FORCE. Higgins was then airlifted to Erlanger Baroness where she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy by UT Erlanger Cardiologist, Dr. Alison Bailey.

At the Celebration of Life ceremony, Higgins was able to honor and thank her coworkers, the first responders and physicians that helped save her life. Higgins' miraculous turn of events serves as an important reminder that bystander CPR and early defibrillation from an AED can help save a person's life.

WRCB Channel 3 Eyewitness News was on location yesterday to cover the event. See the full interview here: http://bit.ly/AEDsaves

AIDEN BROWN RECEIVES STAR OF LIFE AWARD

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 04:24:46 GMT

LIFE FORCE is excited to announce that along with Dekalb County 911, Dekalb County EMS, we have been recognized by TN Emergency Medical Services for Children (TNEMSC) as recipients of the Dr. Michael Carr Tennessee EMSC Star of Life Award. Last summer a boating accident almost took Aiden brown’s life, but thanks to the agencies above, Aiden is able to join us tonight to accept this award. See the full story below:

Last June, eight year-old Aiden Brown, his family, and friends were on Center Hill Lake enjoying their new pontoon boat. Aiden was sitting near the front of the boat and his mother, Julie, was sitting near the back of the boat watching Aiden. Julie turned to look at the tube that was being pulled behind the boat with someone on it. When she looked back for Aiden, he was gone.

They immediately shut down the engine and Aiden resurfaced about 10 feet behind the boat. His life vest was shredded and he was bleeding badly. Aiden’s father, Troy, dove in as the person on the tube began to swim to Aiden, too. They pulled him onto the boat and 911 was called. Fortunately the call was able to get out as most of the lake has bad reception.

Aiden’s face, head, and neck had been cut badly by the rotor on the boat. Along with lacerations to his face, he had an open wound that extended across his neck to his bottom lip, and an 8-inch laceration across his chest that exposed his heart and lungs. They used towels to apply pressure and do all they could to control the bleeding while driving as fast as they could to the closest marina.

When Dekalb County 911 received the call, they not only dispatched Dekalb County EMS to the marina, they also put LIFE FORCE 2 in Sparta on standby. As the family pulled into the marina, the ambulance was backing in. Troy carried Aiden to the ambulance and he and the EMS crew worked to control the bleeding while rushing to the nearest landing zone. LIFE FORCE 2 had just landed in the grassy area as the ambulance pulled up.

The LIFE FORCE 2 crew joined the EMS crew in working to stabilize Aiden. Within 26 minutes, his bleeding and airway were controlled, he was placed on a ventilator, under anesthesia, given pain medication and loaded into the back of the aircraft all through the efforts of Aiden’s dad, Dekalb County EMS, and LIFE FORCE.

During the 25-minute flight to Children's Hospital at Erlanger , Aiden received warmed blood and plasma and his vital signs and color began to improve. Once arriving at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Aiden went straight into the children’s trauma unit and was immediately evaluated by Pediatric Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Pete Kelley, and the pediatric trauma team. He was rushed to surgery where they repaired his open chest wounds including the heart, lungs, spleen, liver, and sternum. He was then taken to CT for evaluation of his head, neck, and facial injuries and returned to surgery where those were also repaired. During surgery, Aiden received four additional units of blood products and following surgery, was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.

The second day after surgery, Aiden was taken off the ventilator, his breathing tube was removed, and he was awake. On day three, he continued to improve and his right side chest drainage tube was removed. The fourth day after surgery, his left side drainage tube was removed and on day five, he started a liquid diet, taking medications by mouth and was moved out of PICU, into a normal room. On day eight, Aiden was discharged and returned home to Sparta with his family.

Aiden’s story is truly a miracle and last December, Aiden was named one of Children’s Hospital’s Miracle Children. Aiden is a strong young man who had a will to survive and he and his family continue to be an inspiration to us. We are honored to have been able to help him.

CHATTANOOGA MARATHON

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 04:53:31 GMT

Did you participate in the Chattanooga Marathon last weekend? We did -- we "ran" event medicine.

With 30 medical professionals on our team including folks from Hamilton County, TN Emergency Services and Chattanooga Fire Department , we were able to provide 8 aid stations, 3 ambulances, 3 golf carts, 3 rapid response vehicles, and 1 tent with 10 beds at the finish. Our event medicine team was ready to help if you needed us!

FIRST SHIFT, NEW HANGER

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 04:57:18 GMT

Life Force 1 is now in Cleveland.

After a few construction delays due to weather, LIFE FORCE 1 officially moved in the new hangar in Cleveland, Tenn. yesterday, February 18th. LIFE FORCE 1 will now be in Cleveland 24/7.

MEET THE CREW: SUSAN MUSILLI

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:58:50 GMT

Meet the (New) Crew: Susan Musilli

Susanearned her BSN from the University of Kentucky and worked as an ERnurse at UK Chandler Medical Center. She then went to work at VanderbiltMedical Center. Susan holds the specialty nursing certifications ofCertified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse(CPEN). She enjoys spending time with her family and is currentlytraining for her second full marathon.

Welcome to the LIFE FORCE family, Susan!

MEET THE CREW: SHANE TURNER

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 04:59:55 GMT

Meet the (New) Crew: Shane Turner

Shanehas been working in healthcare for more than 10 years and began hiscareer as an EMT. After working on an ambulance for three years, he thentransitioned to the fire department and earned his paramediccertification. He also worked in an adult emergency room, children'semergency room, and most recently on a pediatric critical care transportteam. Shane lives in Georgia with his wife and three kids.

Welcome to the LIFE FORCE family, Shane!

LEADERSHIP CHATTANOOGA CLASS

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:06:36 GMT

LIFE FORCE was excited to host part of the Leadership Chattanooga class. They toured EROC where they learned how patients are transferred to Erlanger Health System , then they toured the hangar where they learned about the history of the LIFE FORCE program, EC 135 capabilities, crew configuration, training, and safety precautions. Thanks to all who joined us!

LIFE SAVING SURGERY IN THE SKY

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 05:08:14 GMT

"This is world class. This is Erlanger."

We are SO excited to debut our new commercial! Have you seen it yet?

ONE YEAR REVIEW

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 05:09:42 GMT

LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EVEN BETTER 2016.

2015 was a great year for the LIFE FORCE program -- we were awarded the Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Region Three Service of the Year awards. We also opened the Erlanger Regional Operations Center (EROC), expanded into Winchester, Tenn. with the arrival of LIFE FORCE 5, started day basing LIFE FORCE 1 in Cleveland, Tenn., broke ground on the new LIFE FORCE bases in Cleveland and Winchester, started construction on the new LIFE FORCE 1 hangar in Cleveland, and filmed a new commercial for our program.

Most importantly though, we were able to continue to serve our communities by providing high quality air medical service to our patients, work with regional hospitals, community fire and EMS agencies, provide educational opportunities for healthcare professionals, and participate in many community events. We are thankful to be able to do what we do, and look forward to 2016.