LIFE STAR Makes MidState its Third Home
As part of plans to bring the LIFE STAR aircraft to the center of the state, MidState became the third home to the helicopter on Aug. 7, 2015.
“This third home base will allow LIFE STAR to reach a wider patient geography, and as always, bring the patient to the most appropriate clinical setting, often Hartford Hospital’s level 1 trauma center,” said Cindy Russo, vice president, operations, MidState Medical Center.
For 30 years, people throughout New England have relied on LIFE STAR and its stellar flight crew to swiftly and safely connect them with critical care. A LIFE STAR crew consists of a nurse, flight respiratory therapist, pilot, mechanic and communication specialist. The critical care service is available to all patients within a 150-mile radius of bases.
Approximately 1,200 patients are transported by LIFE STAR annually,” said Christopher Watkins, LIFE STAR business manager. LIFE STAR began operating in the state in 1985, and has since transported more than 30,000 patients.
Each LIFE STAR helicopter can carry two patients at once, and can travel at 155 miles per hour. In June, LIFE STAR crews began carrying blood products in order to perform blood transfusions when necessary.
“This third home base will allow LIFE STAR to reach a wider patient geography, and as always, bring the patient to the most appropriate clinical setting, often Hartford Hospital’s level 1 trauma center.”
– Cindy Russo, vice president, operations, MidState Medical Center
MidState and the Meriden community welcomed LIFE STAR home in August via employee events and a business after hours with local chambers of commerce. A hangar will be built over the next year.
“We are so pleased to have brought this life-saving program closer to our community,” said Russo.