LVHN MedEvac (Lehigh Valley Health Network)

LVHN MedEvac is the air and ground critical care transport service of Lehigh Valley Health Network, based in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. It is a hospital programme. The network is described on its site as part of Jefferson Health.

Services

MedEvac moves critically ill and injured people in northeast Pennsylvania. Teams carry adults, children and newborns. Cases include trauma, burns, heart and breathing problems, stroke and other brain illness, and high risk pregnancy. Crews can handle ventilators and cardiac assist devices such as ECMO, ventricular assist devices and balloon pumps. Every vehicle carries whole blood.

Aircraft and bases

The site says MedEvac runs four helicopters and one ambulance around the clock, and a second ambulance for 12 hours a day. Since 2007 it has partnered with Air Methods, the FAA Part 135 operator that oversees the aviation side.

Coverage area

The site says the coverage area includes eastern Pennsylvania and southeastern New York. Patients have access to the network's trauma centers and burn center.

Team and training

The site says MedEvac has cared for more than 90,000 patients since 1981. Crews finish skills days, rotations with medical directors, safety education and simulation lab sessions each year. A crew led safety council works with outside agencies. The site also gives landing zone safety tips and lists the program leaders.

Hospital access

Patients can reach the network's Level 1 trauma center, a Level 2 pediatric trauma center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Crews also train each quarter on advanced airway skills.

Facts

• Service of Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.
• The site says air and ground programs are accredited by CAMTS.
• It began flying in 1981 and added ground critical care transport in 2013, according to the site.
• Aviation operator: Air Methods.