News
Follow Life Link III as we continue to focus on making a positive impact on our patients, partners, and community. Media inquiries can be directed to Katie Burkhart at kaburkhart@lifelinkiii.com.
2023 Life Link III Community Report
Enjoy this look back at the highlights and successes of 2023. It has been our pleasure to serve as our region’s trusted air medical partner, and we look forward to continuing to redefine possibilities in mobile medicine.
Life Link III Makes History as First and Only Critical Care Air Medical Transport Program to Achieve AACN Beacon Award for Excellence Gold
SHOREVIEW, Minn.–Life Link III, the premier critical care air medical transport program serving Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Midwest, has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the field of critical care air medical transport. The program has been awarded the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence Gold, marking a historic first as the only critical care air medical transport program in the nation to receive this prestigious honor at any level.
The AACN Beacon Award for Excellence is a significant recognition program in healthcare that honors exceptional patient care environments. Established in 2003, the Beacon Award is typically awarded to hospital-based units, making Life Link III’s achievement particularly groundbreaking. The program recognizes units at three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with Gold representing the highest level of sustained excellence in unit performance and patient outcomes.
The Beacon Award evaluates units across three crucial areas: Patient Outcomes, Work Environment, and Nursing Workforce. It assesses various factors including leadership structures, staffing, communication, knowledge management, evidence-based practices, and patient outcomes. This comprehensive evaluation makes the Gold-level achievement a testament to excellence across all aspects of critical care delivery.
“This unprecedented achievement is a testament to the exceptional quality of care and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by every member of the Life Link III team,” said Kolby Kolbet, Chief Clinical Officer at Life Link III. “As the first and only critical care air medical transport program to receive this level of recognition, we’ve set a new standard in our industry. From our flight nurses and paramedics to our pilots, mechanics, communication specialists, operational control specialist, and administrative staff, each person has played a crucial role in reaching this historic milestone.”
The Gold-level recognition signifies that Life Link III has demonstrated excellence across all evaluated areas, including:
- Implementation of evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes
- Efficient and effective operations
- A positive and supportive work environment that engages all staff and key stakeholders
- Superior performance in patient care and safety metrics
This achievement places Life Link III at the forefront in innovation among critical care transport providers. While several hospital-based units have achieved Beacon status, Life Link III stands alone as the only critical care transport program to be recognized, further emphasizing the exceptional nature of this accomplishment.
For patients, this award translates to receiving the highest quality of care during the most critical moments of their medical journey. For healthcare partners, it reinforces confidence in Life Link III’s ability to provide seamless, top-tier critical care transport.
The AACN Beacon Award for Excellence Gold status is not just a recognition of current excellence but also a challenge for Life Link III to continue pushing boundaries and improving every aspect of its service.
Lisa Knipping Names Life Link III Chief Financial Officer
Bloomington, Minnesota (March 20, 2024) – Life Link III has announced that Lisa Knipping has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective March 18, 2024. Ms. Knipping has served as the organization’s Senior Director of Finance since 2020 and succeeds Robert “Bob” Sannerud who retired from Life Link III on March 15, 2024, after a successful, 15-year tenure.
As Chief Financial Officer, Lisa will lead Life Link III’s financial management strategy, while overseeing all aspects of finance, accounting, and fiscal planning. Ms. Knipping brings a robust professional background in finance and has a proven track record of aligning creative solutions with complex financial challenges. Her strategic mindset, combined with a deep understanding of financial operations and industry dynamics, will be instrumental in guiding Life Link III through its next phase of growth.
“Lisa quickly became a tremendous contributor to Life Link III’s leadership team. As a results-driven leader, she has brought a dynamic, forward-thinking mindset which has led to several innovative solutions. We look forward to continuing our important work with Lisa to advance both Life Link III’s Mission, as well as our strategic roadmap to achieve our long-term objectives,” says Josh Howell, President & Chief Executive Officer.
Lisa has over 20 years of financial and operations leadership experience working in the healthcare and data intelligence industries, including roles at TeamHealth and Thomson Reuters. She holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, and B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. She is also a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM).
“Since 1985, Life Link III has served as a critical link for air medical resources for this region,” says Lisa Knipping. “As I move forward in my role as Chief Financial Officer, I look forward to continuing to support the high standards we have set as an organization and positioning Life Link III for future growth and success.”
Contact
Katie Burkhart
Sr. Director, Marketing & Partner Engagement
(763) 221-5339
kaburkhart@lifelinkiii.com
2022 Community Report
We are pleased to present you with our 2022 Community Report. At the heart of all that we do is a simple commitment to answering the call, partnering day after day to provide the best possible experience and outcomes to our patients in need. Join us for a look back at 2022.
2021 Community Report
Join us for a look back at 2021! After another year of answering the call and providing patient care and air medical transport to our communities, we reflect back on the highlights and successes of our team. Our thanks to all of our colleagues and partners in care for their continued dedication in putting the patient first.
Life Link III Receives Full CAMTS Accreditation
Bloomington, Minnesota (April 29, 2022) – Life Link III is proud to announce that it has been awarded full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) for both its rotor wing and fixed wing services. The CAMTS accreditation status is one of the most prestigious industry designations that may be achieved and extends across the entire Life Link III program including its fixed wing base and helicopter bases located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Life Link III has been a CAMTS accredited program since 2007 with reaccreditation required every three years. The most recent accreditation has been awarded from April 1, 2022, to April 1, 2025.
Dr. Bjorn Peterson Named Life Link III Chief Medical Officer
Life Link III has announced that Dr. Bjorn Peterson is now serving as Chief Medical Officer for the organization. Dr. Peterson brings extensive experience in working in emergency medicine, both in EMS and pre-hospital critical care. He succeeds Dr. R.J. Frascone, who officially retired from Life Link III following 36 years of service on April 1, 2022.
Public Notice: 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 Link III on March 2nd – March 4th, 2022.
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.
Date Posted: 02/08/2022
Life Flight Network and Life Link III to Partner on Safety, Quality, Training and Advocacy
BLOOMINGTON, Minn./AURORA, Ore., December 8, 2021—Two independent, hospital-owned, not-for-profit air ambulance programs, Life Flight Network and Life Link III, today announced the signing of a letter of intent to launch a strategic alliance. This alliance will bring the organizations together to collaborate on best practices, process improvement, quality initiatives, and safety, all with a focus on the patients and communities they serve.
The alliance formalizes a long-standing collaborative relationship between the two organizations. Life Flight Network and Life Link III are similarly structured air medical consortiums, with each program utilizing similar onboard medical equipment and operating many of the same aircraft models. Together they have shared their resources and expertise over the years, drawing on the best of each organization’s prowess. Executive leadership from both organizations will now meet routinely, establishing benchmarks and metrics that promote shared learning and raise the bar on industry standards.
Dr. RJ Frascone Named 2021 Recipient of the Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award
Bloomington, Minnesota (November 8, 2021) – At the 2021 Air Medical Transport Conference we had the opportunity to celebrate a truly extraordinary person who has dedicated their life’s work to the service of others. Life Link III’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. RJ Frascone, was named the 2021 recipient of the AAMS Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award.
This esteemed honor recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the overall enhancement, development, leadership or promotion of the emergency medical transport community and has been actively involved or participated in an emergency medical transport organization. With a distinguished career of more than 40 years working in healthcare, Dr. Frascone has dedicated his life’s work to the practice of emergency medicine, prehospital medicine, and clinical excellence in the air medical industry.
Life Link III Announces Plans for New Air Medical Base in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Bloomington, Minnesota (October 20, 2021) – Life Link III announced today that it plans to open a new base of operations in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in spring 2022. This new base, which marks the company’s eleventh helicopter base location throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, will provide additional air medical resources with industry-leading clinical capabilities to support Life Link III’s consortium member-owners and surrounding communities. Read more here.
2020 Community Report
We are pleased to share our 2020 Community Report. We hope you enjoy as we reflect back on a truly unprecedented year. Our thanks and gratitude to our team and our countless partners in patient care and public safety for continuing to prioritize the needs of our patients and community above all else.
Life Link III Announces Plans for New Air Medical Base in Rhinelander, Wisconsin
New base announced for spring 2021
Bloomington, MN (December 21, 2020) –Life Link III announced today that they plan to open a new air medical base in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This new base, which marks the company’s tenth air medical base throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, is scheduled to begin 24/7 operations starting in spring 2021. This base will be located at the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport, which allows the company to support the growing needs of this area and Life Link III’s consortium member-owners. Read More….
Spalding University partners with FlightBridgeED to launch online Post-Licensure Certificate in Critical Care Transport
Spalding University partners with FlightBridgeED to launch online Post-Licensure Certificate in Critical Care Transport
Classes designed for nurses, paramedics will begin in late January 2021; program is pending approval from SACSCOC
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Nov. 20, 2020) – Spalding University – an institution in Louisville, Kentucky, with a rich history of training health care workers – is set to launch one of the nation’s only online certificate programs in Critical Care Transport, which will provide licensed registered nurses and paramedics with the skills and knowledge to care for and transport critically ill or injured patients. MORE..
Life Link III Acquires FlightBridgeED
Bloomington, Minnesota (October 13, 2020) –
Life Link III announced today that they have acquired FlightBridgeED, LLC, a Kentucky-based critical care education company. The two organizations have shared a long history as strategic partners, brought together by their commitment to the advancement and delivery of critical care education and research. MORE..
Allen Wolfe, Jr. Joins Life Link III
Minneapolis, Minnesota (August 7, 2020) –
At Life Link III we are committed to promoting clinical excellence through education. To support our ever-growing organization, we are honored to welcome Allen Wolfe, Jr. to Life Link III as our Senior Director of Clinical Education!
Allen is a highly-regarded leader in the air medical industry with a proven record in defining and enhancing clinical education. Allen will be a valuable addition to our organization as we continue to focus on our growth and commitment to clinical excellence. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Allen shared insight as to why he knew that Life Link III was where he wanted to be. He stated, “Life Link III upholds the values similar to mine of putting the needs of the patients first in everything they do. They invest in developing their employees and leaders to ensure patients receive the highest quality care. Life Link III is a special place, with energetic, and talented people who are driven to grow and succeed. I live my life by the Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for faster, higher, stronger. An image Life Link III seems to possess.”
Important Update for Hospital Partners: Introducing Sea-Long Helmets
Minneapolis, Minnesota (July 20, 2020) – On July 20, 20202 Life Link III will be rolling out new equipment as part of our on-going response to COVID-19. For patients that are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and are not intubated, we will now be utilizing Sea-Long Helmets. This non-invasive helmet ventilation provides the patient with a constant flow of oxygenated air, encapsulated completely within a closed helmet. This significantly reduces the chance of disease transmission.
Life Link III contracts for first IFR-certified AW119 in the civil market
Rome, Italy (July 7, 2020) – Life Link III has announced that they have finalized an agreement with Leonardo Helicopters to become the first civilian user of the new AW119, a fully FAA IFR-certified single engine helicopter. This aircraft, which has also been selected by the U.S. Navy, allows for high performance and safe operations in low visibility and challenging weather conditions. MORE…
Life Link III Receives Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate & Announces Plans to Open New Air Medical Base in Rush City, Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN (April 29, 2020) – Life Link III is pleased to announce that it has been awarded its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and future plans to open a new air medical helicopter base in Rush City, Minnesota in Summer 2020. Both of these initiatives are moving forward in support of Life Link III’s hospital member-owners and to ensure adequate air medical coverage is available to residents throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Midwest. MORE…
Life Link III Receives Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate & Announces Plans to Open New Air Medical Base in Rush City, Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN (April 29, 2020) – Life Link III is pleased to announce that it has been awarded its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and future plans to open a new air medical helicopter base in Rush City, Minnesota in Summer 2020. Both of these initiatives are moving forward in support of Life Link III’s hospital member-owners and to ensure adequate air medical coverage is available to residents throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Midwest. MORE…
2019 Community Report
Our 2019 Community Report is now available and can be viewed by clicking here: 2019 Community Report
Learn more about our highlights from 2018 and our continued commitment to our patients, our partners, and our team. To request a hard-copy of the report, please contact marketing@lifelinkiii.com.
FlightBridgeED and Life Link III Team Up to Launch New Research Academy
Nashville, TN (December 3, 2019) – FlightBridgeED and Life Link III are proud to announce they are teaming up on the development of a new Research Academy to promote evidence-based research within the air medical industry. With both organizations sharing a strong commitment to promoting research and clinical excellence, this partnership will focus on bringing industry-leading organizations together with a shared focus on the advancement of research and critical care education. This initiative will also include support and partnership with ESO and UCLA: Prehospital Care Research Forum to provide the necessary data and education to build a robust and successful research academy. LEARN MORE….
Life Link III Receives Full CAMTS Accreditation
Minneapolis, MN (May 1, 2019) – Life Link III is proud to announce that it has been awarded full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) for both its rotor wing and fixed wing services. The CAMTS accreditation status is one of the most prestigious industry designations that may be achieved and extends across the entire Life Link III program including its fixed wing base and eight helicopter bases located in Minnesota and Wisconsin… MORE
Public Notice: Commission of Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems – Accreditation Site Visit of Life Link III
Minneapolis, MN (January 7, 2019) – The Commission of Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems will conduct an accreditation site visit of Life Link III in 2019.
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 that 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 requests should be addressed to:
Office of the Executive Director
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems
PO Box 130
Sandy Springs, SC 29677
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 requirement and shall not be removed until the site visit is completed.
Life Link III Opens New 24/7 Air Medical Helicopter Base in Marshfield, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, MN (May 21, 2018) – Life Link III has announced the opening of its new air medical helicopter base in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This new base is a 24-hour operation located at the Marshfield Clinic Medical Center campus, establishing Life Link III’s eighth base throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. 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 higher level of care… MORE
Life Link III Launches OneLink™ Air Medical Transport App for Hospitals and First Responders
Minneapolis, MN (January 16, 2018) – Life Link III announced today the launch of OneLink™, a mobile app that allows hospitals and first responders to request air medical transport with the click of a button. Life Link III’s OneLink™ connects a mobile device, tablet or desktop directly to the Life Link III Communication Center to request an aircraft when critical care transport is necessary. All transport requests are transferred immediately to Life Link III’s computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to get the request initiated as quickly as possible – when time is of the essence and the patient condition is critical… MORE
2018 Community Report
Our 2018 Community Report is now available and can be viewed by clicking here: 2018 Community Report
Learn more about our highlights from 2018 and our continued commitment to our patients, our partners, and our team. To request a hard-copy of the report, please contact marketing@lifelinkiii.com.
Life Link III Announces Marshfield Clinic Health System as New Consortium Member & Plans for New Base of Operations in Marshfield, Wisconsin
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Life Link III is pleased to announce that Marshfield Clinic Health System will be joining as a member of the Life Link III consortium and plans to establish a new base of operations in Marshfield, Wisconsin with initial coverage beginning in early 2018 with full operations ramping up in the following months. Marshfield Clinic Health System marks the tenth member of the Life Link III consortium, a unique model which focuses on collaboration across competing health care providers to advance access to critical care… MORE
Life Link III Named 2017 Recipient of the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award
Minneapolis, MN (October 25, 2017) – Life Link III has been named the 2017 recipient of the Vision Zero Aviation Safety award by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). This award, sponsored by Airbus, recognizes an air medical program that has demonstrated a commitment to aviation safety, spotlights specific safety initiatives and encourages the sharing of ideas so others in the industry may benefit from them… MORE
Life Link III Named Program of the Year by Association of Air Medical Services
Minneapolis, MN (October 9, 2017) – Life Link III has been named Program of the Year by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). This award, sponsored by Airbus, recognizes an air medical program that has demonstrated a superior level… MORE
Dr. R.J. Frascone Named Medical Director of the Year
Minneapolis, MN (September 11, 2017) – Life Link III announced today that R.J. Frascone, MD, FACEP, has been named Medical Director of the Year by Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA). This national honor recognizes a medical director who has demonstrated… MORE
Star Tribune Names Life Link III a 2017 Top 150 Workplace
Minneapolis, MN (June 23, 2017) – Life Link III has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational… MORE
Life Link III Air Medical Services Opens New 24/7 base of operations at Brainerd Regional Airport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2017 Contact: Liz Rammer, VP of Marketing, Life Link III (612) 638-4925 marketing@lifelinkiii.com Minneapolis, MN (May 1, 2017) – Life Link III’s seventh base of air medical transport services has opened at the Brainerd… MORE
Life Link III Launches New 24/7 Regional Fixed Wing Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14, 2016 Contact: Liz Rammer, VP of Marketing, Life Link III (612) 638-4900 info@lifelinkiii.com Life Link III Launches New 24/7 Regional Fixed Wing Service Minneapolis, MN (10/14) – Life Link III is… MORE
Life Link III Expanding Air Medical Services to Brainerd, Minnesota
New base will add air medical service for fast-growing region. Minneapolis, MN (August 22, 2016) – Life Link III is pleased to announce the establishment of a new base of operations in Brainerd, Minnesota, to serve the increasing health cares… MORE
