Minneapolis, MN (May 1, 2017) – Life Link III’s seventh base of air medical transport services has opened at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and is operating 24/7 to provide critically needed additional air medical transport to residents in this rapidly growing region. Life Link III’s medically-configured helicopters and airplanes serve as flying intensive care units (ICUs) providing critical care prehospital services from accident scenes and from local hospitals to those that can provide specific expertise or a higher level of care.
“This is the realization of a vision held not only by Life Link III, but also by the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission and community to enhance patient care in the Brainerd Lakes Region,” said Kolby Kolbet, vice president of clinical services of Life Link III. “Our focus is on providing the very best air medical service possible to the people of this vital, growing central part of Minnesota.”
As one of the largest hospital-based non-profit consortium programs in the United States, Life Link III brings three decades of patient-focused air medical expertise to the region. Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, has been a member of the Life Link III consortium since 2010, and joins eight other hospital systems throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota in benefitting from Life Link III’s life-saving care. “Our unique ‘One Call’ system ensures the most appropriate aircraft is dispatched for each patient in need, whether it is Life Link III’s or another service. This underscores our commitment to providing patient-centered care,” stated Life Link III’s president and CEO, Edward Eroe.
While Life Link III is a new permanent member of the Brainerd Lakes region, it has a long, safe and trusted history of air medical transport in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Its strong safety record is enhanced by state of the art Garmin aviation instrument technology and night vision goggles (NVG), one of the biggest safety improvements in helicopter EMS to enhance night operations, especially when flying into accident scenes. “Life Link III’s industry-leading on-board medical capabilities set us apart from other air medical transport services,” said Kolbet. “Access to on-board diagnostic equipment in the form of point of care laboratory testing and point of care ultrasound assists our critical care certified nurses and paramedics in optimizing patient care across the age spectrum. Life Link III is able to provide the best care – and the best chances for positive patient outcomes.”
About Life Link III
Life Link III operates seven helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Cloquet, Hibbing, and Willmar, Minnesota, and Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The company’s helicopter and airplane services provide on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport for patients requiring critical care. Life Link III’s transportation services are accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Services), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met. Life Link III is a non-profit consortium and is the air medical transport program for 45 hospitals for the following member-owner organizations: Allina Health, CentraCare Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, Fairview Health Services, Regions Hospital/HealthPartners®, Hennepin County Medical Center, St. Luke’s, and Sacred Heart Hospital. www.lifelinkiii.com
