3/16/2006 - Alabama’s LifeSaver Emergency Helicopter Service Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Lifesaver was the first airborne emergency service to go into operation in the state of Alabama. Started by Dr. Robert Carraway, M.D. LifeSaver has operated since January 2, 1981 .The program has transported over 35,000 patients and flown over 2.5 million accident free miles. Omniflight Helicopters purchased Lifesaver June 1, 2001 now continues the legacy.
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Currently Lifesaver utilizes the Longranger "Bell 206 series" turbine powered helicopters, among the safest aircraft in the World. All aircraft are fully equipped to provide a high level of care to patients. Each aircraft can transport one or two patients with a highly skilled staff consisting of a registered nurse, paramedic and experienced pilot. Lifesaver operates 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. What used to be a Physician-Nurse team is now a Paramedic-Nurse team that utilizes about 40 medical staff according to Flight Nurse, Lynda LaRue R.N.
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The program is dedicated to transporting the critically injured and ill patients from anywhere within 150 miles of each base. Bases are located in Birmingham, Anniston and Auburn/Opelika. Each is capable of transporting patients to any facility that best serve the patients needs, either from an accident scene or prearranged by physician from one hospital to another.
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Authorized pre-hospital agencies or other designated individuals and agencies may request Lifesaver in concordance with regional plans. Inter-facility transports may be arranged physician to physician. Equipment may be dispatched during arrangement in progress and in compliance with all Cobra regulations.
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LifeSaver is also an EMS support team member of major sporting events like NASCAR Talladega Races and the Barber Motorsports Park. When scheduling allows, larger aviation events or airshows occasionally may have a team participate with a display/standby helicopter.
Dr. Michael Carpenter said," Over the past 25 years, we have relied significantly on the first responders, Fire Departments, Police and all the area hospitals! We have built excellent relationships and trust in the community for doing right and being safe. Each and everyday we not only want to thank those men and women in the hospitals, fire and police departments, and the trained First Responders, but as our slogan goes, we want "to be a part of their team"! It is important for us to remember that we are not Heroes and that we are Professionals.
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Lynda LaRue, R.N. said, "Three helicopters are on ready status with two on back-up. Plans include updating and refurbishing the equipment and eventually standardizing the paint scheme. There is a possibility of expanding into new areas."
Lifesaver is proud to offer this service to surrounding communities." We will continue to strive to have a close relationship with all agencies that call upon us when the need arises. It is our goal to provide a high level of care with rapid transport," according to the LifeSaver web site.
Company Overview
Omniflight Helicopters is one of the oldest and largest providers of air medical services in the United States, operating in 14 states in association with over 30 major medical centers. In 2003, several shareholders, including two private equity funds purchased. Omniflight from its founder's family, and recapitalized the Company. This has allowed the company to become one of the most financially sound companies in the industry. Additionally, in combination with the acquisition, numerous management personnel were added to the Company, thereby creating one of the most experienced management teams in the industry. These recent changes have positioned Omniflight to capitalize on significant growth opportunities in the air medical industry, as well as enhance its service to the existing customer base." We are committed to retaining the best of the company's 40 year history and combining it with the best the future has to offer," from Omniflight's web site.
FMI: Omniflight, LifeSaver -Betty Meyer, Staff Report
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