News

US/Washington: Life Flight Network Begins Operating New Helicopter Base in Longview

November 18, 2008

August of this year, Life Flight Network announced it would expand its 30-year presence in the Pacific Northwest by basing a helicopter in the Kelso-Longview area. Life Flight Network will officially begin 7/24 helicopter operations in Longview, Washington on Friday November 14, 2008.

"This addition expands our ability to provide rapid, life saving, critical care to the citizens of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon. A local helicopter will drastically decrease our response time while simultaneously increasing the availability of our Portland based aircraft. Physicians, Nurses, Firefighters, and Paramedics are welcoming this new level of service," says Michael Griffiths, Executive Director for Life Flight.

St. John Medical Center, a major supporter of Life Flight, will temporarily host the flight crew and helicopter until a long-term solution is finalized. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and other EMS agencies are also assisting Life Flight with long-term solutions.

Historically, Life Flight helicopters and planes have been utilized for seriously injured victims that need rapid transportation to a Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Center, but Life Flight's role is growing. Fire departments, private ambulances, and hospitals understand the importance of using Life Flight for seriously ill medical patients, in addition to trauma patients. "Often times, heart attack and stroke patients benefit just as much as trauma patients from the high-level of care provided by the flight crews. It's not just rapid transport, its rapid transport with the best possible clinical care", says Griffiths.

Life Flight Network provides a Membership program that eliminates any out-of-pocket expense. Go to www.lifeflight.org to sign-up today. Reciprocal agreements with other area flight programs, including Airlift Northwest based in Seattle and Northwest MedStar based in Spokane, extend a member's coverage area throughout many areas of the Pacific Northwest. "Membership not only provides peace of mind to the member, but it helps provide much needed financial support to this vital community resource", says Griffiths.

About Life Flight Network: Life Flight Network is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). Helicopters and fixed-wing planes are staffed with a critical care trained Registered Nurse and Paramedic. In additional to typical ambulance equipment; advanced medications, equipment, and blood are available. Life Flight is a non-profit organization owned by Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, and Providence Health System of Oregon. Other bases include Eugene (OR), Hillsboro (OR), Aurora (OR), and Dallesport (WA). Life Flight was the 2008 recipient of the Oregon EMS Commitment to Quality Award.