Mohawk Valley, NY – As a trusted emergency air medical provider serving the state of New York for more than 20 years, LifeNet is expanding critical care coverage by opening a new location in Oneida County. The opening of LifeNet 7-14, a subdivision of Air Methods, serves as a community resource providing comprehensive coverage to central New York’s residents and visitors.
LifeNet 7-14 joins the existing aircraft bases LifeNet 7-2, 7-8, and 7-10 — in Johnstown, Sidney, and Watertown including 7-9 Potsdam’s fixed wing service — which all respond to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. The LifeNet team provides additional support to first responders, hospital systems, and non-profit emergency resources, and offers the community critical care 24/7/365, responding to emergency medical and trauma events including heart attacks and strokes, pediatric emergencies, burns, and other incidents. Additionally, the team provides critical interfacility transports when patients need to move between hospitals for specialized care.
“By opening this resource, LifeNet is positioned to not only improve access to emergency services but improve response times,” said LifeNet Account Executive Colleen Gleeson. “With the need for additional services on already taxed EMS and healthcare systems not just in this state, but across the country, LifeNet is equipped and stands ready to support patient care and transport for the region.”
LifeNet 7-14 operates an EC130 aircraft, transporting patients to their destination quickly. The aircraft coupled with the highly skilled flight team makes all the difference in saving a life. The flight team includes a pilot, nurse, and paramedic.
The LifeNet Flight Team is certified and has state-of-the-art specialty care training that provides the same level of care one would receive in the hospital during air medical transport from the scene or for inner facility transports. Equipped with industry-leading equipment and medical devices, the team carries and has the ability to administer blood in flight, provide advanced airway intervention; cardiac and blood flow monitoring; ventilator management; medication administration and titration – monitoring potential side effects; and other advanced surgical procedures.
“Having access to blood for scene calls and/or in flight is such a valuable resource in our community,” said Gleeson. “With this tool, patients have the potential for better outcomes. Administration of blood, combined with rapid air transport, can truly help critically ill or injured patients who otherwise might not survive.”
Due to unpredictable weather events, LifeNet 7-14 operations will be based at its sister location in Watertown, NY, and will provide service to the Mohawk Valley Region from this location until weather conditions permit relocation to a permanent base in Oneida County. LifeNet’s high-caliber crew stands ready to serve when called upon by contacting emergency dispatch at 1-800-435-3822.