FlightCare (MyMichigan Health)

FlightCare is an air medical transport service operated by MyMichigan Health. It provides emergency air transportation of critically ill and injured patients across Michigan and to neighboring states. FlightCare transports adults, children, and newborns, offering advanced critical care during flights. The program has been serving Michigan since 1987, with over 15,000 patients transported to date.

The service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, weather permitting. Its main service area covers central and northeastern Michigan, including Michigan's Lower Peninsula and the Thumb region. FlightCare can also respond to requests from hospitals, physicians, ambulance services, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies.

FlightCare uses an Airbus EC-135 P2+ helicopter owned and operated by Med-Trans Corporation. This twin-engine aircraft flies at speeds over 140 miles per hour and is equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and communications technology. The helicopter supports safe operations day and night with technology such as night vision goggles and collision avoidance systems.

Each flight crew includes one pilot, one flight nurse, and one flight paramedic. Pilots hold FAA commercial rotorcraft certification, instrument ratings, and have over 2,000 flight hours. Medical crews provide advanced critical care with full resuscitation equipment, including medications and blood products. Neonatal patients travel in an isolette for safe transport.

FlightCare provides specialized care for a variety of emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, stroke, traumatic brain and spine injuries, burns, trauma, and pediatric emergencies. It does not transport women in active labor, prisoners, or patients requiring devices like balloon pumps or ECMO. Family members are not allowed to fly with patients.

The service holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) since 1998. FlightCare also belongs to the Association of Air Medical Services and the Michigan Association of Air Medical Providers. It offers community education and outreach programs on clinical care and safety to hospitals, emergency services, and the public.

Services

• Adult critical care transport
• Pediatric transport
• Neonatal transport in isolette
• Cardiac emergency transport
• Respiratory emergency transport
• Stroke patient transport
• Trauma and burn transport
• Infectious disease patient transport
• Advanced life support
• Blood product transport