Minneapolis, MN (10/14) – Life Link III is pleased to announce that FAA approval has been received to launch its new regional fixed wing critical care transport service out of the company’s Blaine, Minnesota base. Life Link III’s new dedicated Pilatus PC-12 NG is designed to provide another option for regional patient transports. This is the newest addition to Life Link III’s portfolio of transport offerings, complementing the company’s jet and rotor wing aircraft.
According to Kolby Kolbet, the vice president of clinical services, “state-of-the-art medical equipment has been installed in the Pilatus to ensure our clinical teams can provide exceptional care for all types of patients including neonates and those who require circulatory support requiring ECMO and intra-aortic balloon pumps.” Features such as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability also offer increased options for patient transport when adverse weather impacts other means of transport. The cabin is able to accommodate seating for up to 7 individuals (pilot, co-pilot, and up to five seats in the cabin) in addition to the patient stretcher, making it more accommodating for family members to accompany the patient. The aircraft has a 285 knot (328 mph) cruising speed and is capable of flying up to 1,845 nautical miles. Stated Kolbet, “One of the biggest advantages this new aircraft brings is the ability to land on short runways, making Life Link III’s critical care services more accessible to transport patients from hospitals located in greater Minnesota.”
The new dedicated fixed wing aircraft will be available 24/7 and dispatched via Life Link III’s Communication Center.
About Life Link III
Life Link III operates six helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, 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 44 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
