LifeStar becomes first in Connecticut to carry blood

LifeStar becomes first in Connecticut to carry blood

27-Aug-2015 Source: Hartford Hospital

On June 29, 2015, LIFE STAR crew members made history.They performed the first blood transfusion in the    state    to a critically injured patient while en route to Hartford Hospital’s Level-One Trauma Center.

Weeks earlier, LIFE STAR began carrying blood products on board the Hartford Hospital-based aircraft. On July 7th, LIFE STAR II began carrying blood products on board its second aircraft based at Backus hospital – just hours later, flight crews aboard that flight administered blood to another critically injured patient for the first time.

“We are proud to be the first in the state to carry blood products on board the LIFE STAR helicopter,” said Kenneth Robinson, M.D., Program Director, LIFE STAR. “We are committed to giving a patient in a critical state the best chance of survival with our state-of-the art equipment on board the aircraft, and our highly-skilled crew members. Now, to be able to transfuse blood during midflight only reaffirms our commitment to the patient.”

In early 2014, the idea to carry blood on board LIFE STAR was developed through an initiative led by Lauri Bolton, M.D., medical director, LIFE STAR; and Heather Priest, flight nurse/paramedic, LIFE STAR.

Typically, first responders administer a saline    solution to replace the amount of blood lost. While effective, saline does not have the oxygen-carrying ability of blood – vital to major organs including the brain.

The idea soon developed into a comprehensive collaboration between several departments across the Hartford HealthCare system including; Hartford Hospital’s LIFE STAR program, Infusion Center, Emergency Medicine, Trauma, and the Transfusion Center at Backus Hospital.

Hartford Hospital recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the LIFE STAR program. Since its launch in 1985, LIFE STAR has transported more than 30,000 people and saved thousands of lives proving once again the sky is no limit.

About Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region’s busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America’s Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.

, , ,

Copyright © 2024 HeliHub

Website by Design Inc

Helihub logo

X