News Announcement

Clarian Health's LifeLine Critical Care Transport Celebrates 30 years and 32,000 flights

07/15/09

INDIANAPOLIS - In July 1979, LifeLine Critical Care Transport completed Indiana's first rotor wing patient transport. Today, LifeLine continues to provide lifesaving critical care transportation to the Central Indiana community and beyond, as it marks its 30th year of service and achievement of 32,000 flights.

the milestone was commemorated by a proclamation signed by Governor Mitch Daniels, designating July 15, 2009, as "LifeLine Day." Ellen Whitt, representative of the Indiana State Department of Health, presented the proclamation on behalf of the Indiana Office of the Governor.

Mary Mann, a resident of Cloverdale, Ind., was in attendance at the official celebration at Methodist Hospital this morning to share her story of survival after being transported from the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 3. Mann was returning from work in Monrovia, Ind., when her vehicle flipped and rolled several times. She recalled what LifeLine meant to her that day.

"I heard the helicopter flying in and landing, then being taking through the corn stubble and loaded into the chopper," she said. "I remember looking up and seeing two very friendly, calming faces. That helicopter ride saved my life. I believe that all the events of that morning were not just mere coincidences, but the results of many hours of medical training, and having access to a world-class medical helicopter."

Other guests at the celebration included Clarian Health Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Samuel Odle, who spoke about LifeLine's importance to the community. Joel Hochhalter, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Omniflight Helicopters, Inc., spoke to the partnership between Omniflight and LifeLine, and concluded the remarks by presenting LifeLine with a plaque. Omniflight is the operator of LifeLine helicopters.

Since its inaugural flight and single aircraft operation, LifeLine's fleet has grown to include four, BK-117 helicopters, one King Air 90 airplane and three mobile intensive care unit ambulances, coordinated by a dedicated communications center housed in Methodist Hospital. The only critical care transport team in Indiana to offer three different modes of transport, LifeLine is able to serve all patient populations -- from neonatal to adult.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved such milestones in the history of our service to the Indiana and Clarian communities," says Shelly Maersch, RN, BSN, MBA, director, LifeLine Critical Care Transport. "Looking forward we plan to continue to set the standard of critical care transport by continuously striving for excellence in all we do, every day."

LifeLine's priority is the safe transport and care of the most critically ill and injured patients -- primarily locally and regionally, but also nationally. Owned by Clarian Health, Indiana's most comprehensive health system, LifeLine provides patients rapid access to comprehensive critical and emergency care and is the only hospital-based transport service affiliated with Methodist Hospital, the largest Level I Trauma Center in the state, and Riley Hospital for Children, the region's only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

LifeLine operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with four bases located in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Terre Haute and Columbus. LifeLine provides outreach and training opportunities to local EMS and emergency response agencies around the state, as well as an educational presence at community events.

About Clarian Health -- Clarian Health is an Indiana-based, private, non-profit organization offering a broad base of tertiary services, specialized pediatric care and a Level I Trauma Center. Clarian is Indiana's most comprehensive health center and one of the busiest hospital systems in the nation. Clarian owns or is affiliated with over 20 hospitals and health centers throughout Indiana, including Methodist and Indiana University Hospitals, Riley Hospital for Children, Clarian West Medical Center and Clarian North Medical Center. Clarian Health is also affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine, the nation's second largest medical center and a national leader in medical education and research. Clarian Health operates the Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children campuses as a single hospital under Indiana law.

For moe information contact Jennifer Strempka at 317-962-4582.