Life Force announced its newest capability of offering high flow oxygen therapy to patients during air medical transports. They are the first air medical team in the state of Tennessee to offer this therapy.
Officials said, "High flow oxygen therapy, primarily used in a hospital setting, helps reduce the need for invasive ventilation. This method of oxygen delivery has been proven very effective and allows patients to receive oxygen while reducing strain on their body to support healing.
"In recent years, there have been more patients placed on this type of oxygen therapy in hospitals and studies have shown that it is extremely beneficial while remaining noninvasive. This oxygen therapy is typically delivered via a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). High flow oxygen therapy bridges the gap between traditional noninvasive and invasive methods, is proven to be effective in improving gas exchange and decreasing the patient’s work of breathing with the goal of patient improvement without mechanical ventilation."
“The ability to offer this advanced therapy that was previously only available inside the hospital setting will greatly benefit our community by providing the right care during a critical time,” said Robbie Tester, senior director of Life Force. “We are excited to be able to provide this higher level of care to our community and look forward to continuing to expand our capabilities.”
This therapy is delivered on-board Life Force helicopters by combining a transport ventilator with a humidifier. This combination of devices provides the same functionality as those utilized in the hospital. Life Force is the only air medical provider in the state of Tennessee to carry this new advanced oxygen therapy.
Life Force transports patients of all ages and medical conditions. This new therapy will allow the transport of patients who require oxygen flow rates greater than 15 liters-per-minute in cases of hypoxemia, or below-normal oxygen in their blood, caused by various disease processes such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary diseases such as COPD or congestive heart failure (CHF).
Life Force began operations in 1988 and currently has six bases of operations to include: Cleveland, TN, Sparta, TN, Calhoun, GA, Blue Ridge, GA, Winchester, TN and Murphy, NC. The LIFE FORCE fleet consists of four twin engine IFR helicopters and two single engine VFR helicopters. The program possesses a record of aviation excellence and safety. Life Force has also maintained accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).