UnityPoint Health LifeFlight

UnityPoint Health LifeFlight is a hospital air ambulance programme based at UnityPoint Health, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, in Des Moines, Iowa. It flies helicopters to carry critically ill and injured patients. The site says it has done this since 1979.

Services

LifeFlight carries adult, child and newborn patients. It flies from emergency scenes and also between hospitals when a patient needs special medical or surgical care. The site says it was the first air ambulance service in central Iowa. Service runs 24 hours a day, every day.

The site also lists these special capabilities:

• Nitric oxide ventilation
• Intra-aortic balloon pump
• Bariatric transport
• Obstetrics
• Red blood cells and plasma carried on board

Aircraft and bases

The programme uses EC 135 and EC 145 helicopters. The site shows both helicopters on the roof of Iowa Methodist Medical Center. No other bases are listed.

Who runs it

This is a hospital programme of UnityPoint Health. The site states that the service is owned and operated by Air Methods, an air medical operator. It also shows CAMTS accreditation.

The site also gives a service area map and a form to request a public or educational event with the crew.

Facts

• Type: hospital programme, aircraft operated by Air Methods
• Base: Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines
• Aircraft: EC 135 and EC 145 helicopters
• Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Accreditation: CAMTS, as shown on the site

Contact

Emergency dispatch: 1-800-987-2862