The i-STAT is an advanced, handheld blood analyzer that provides real-time, lab quality results within minutes. This means the crew can perform blood tests while in flight and use the results to adjust the treatment and care given to the patient.

Some of the most critically ill cardiac patients can require four, five or more intravenous (IV) lines for fluids and medications. A few short years ago, these patients would have been considered too sick to even transport. But with these state-of-the-art infusion pumps, the LifeFlight crew can manage up to six different IV lines and make sure patients can get to the care they need.

Nearly half of all LifeFlight’s calls occur after dark. With night enhanced vision (NVG), pilots and crew members can see landing zone obstacles such as wires, towers, trees and rocks while flying in the dark. This improves safety and protects the aircraft’s precious cargo.

The respiratory therapy-quality, critical care ventilator can meet the airway needs of literally any patient. It can be programmed to control ventilation based on either volume or pressure; that is, the crew can set it to provide a specific volume of air or provide air up to a set pressure.

These monitors diagnose a patient’s vital signs so treatments can be modified as necessary. They have been specifically designed for air medical transport—with special attention given to vibration, weight and ease of use in challenging field situations. Special characteristics make it critical for pediatric and therapeutic hypothermia, and improve airway management for every patient.

Two units of universal donor blood are carried on every flight. Most ambulance services do not have donor blood on hand, so LifeFlight is critical for patients who have suffered severe internal or external bleeding, or have medical forms of anemia.