LifeTeam always is ready to serve Marion County
Representatives of Midwest LifeTeam presented information Monday to Marion County Commission.
The helicopter ambulance service has been serving Marion County since 2003.
Mike Johnson of Midwest Lifeteam said the theory of early activation has changed.
"It used to be helicopters weren't requested until EMS was on the scene," said Johnson. Currently, LifeTeam can be dispatched the same time as EMS. If the helicopter is not needed, there are no charges to the patient or county for launching.
"Midwest LifeTeam would rather be launched frequently and not needed than to be too late to a scene once," said Johnson.
He emphasized the company was patient-driven, with the patient's best interest always in mind.
Rural areas like Marion County utilize air ambulances because of the large territory the ambulances cover.
"Mortality from life threatening injuries are three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas," said Johnson.
The early activation concept is to have patients reach definitive care as quickly as possible.
"The 'Golden Hour' concept was from the Vietnam War," said Johnson, where the mortality rate significantly increases after the first hour when injury or illness occurs.
When the need arises for Midwest LifeTeam to respond, a helicopter takes to the air within five minutes.
Helicopters are located in Wichita, Emporia, and Hutchinson.
The company doesn't have any contracts with hospitals, so patients are taken to the closest or the appropriate hospitals, depending on the case. They also grant patients' requests.
Level I trauma patients typically are transported to Wesley Medical Center or Via Christi-St. Francis, both in Wichita.
Burn patients are transported to Via Christi-St. Francis, Wichita, or KU Medical Center, Kansas City.
"There have been times when LifeTeam has been dispatched to an accident scene, examined a patient, and determined the patient didn't need to transported," said Johnson. When that occurs, there is no charge for the run.
Specific criteria is followed for activation of a LifeTeam helicopter including highway speed accidents, entrapment, near drowning, electrocution, farm-related accidents, partial or total amputation, paralysis, major burns, heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions and illnesses.
Local EMS and dispatch personnel are trained to determine the need for launching.
Air time for a helicopter from Hutchinson to reach Hillsboro is 21 minutes with 21 minutes transport time; Marion, 27 minutes, 23 minutes of transport time; and Peabody, 20 minutes, 15 minutes of transport time.
Air time for a helicopter from Emporia to reach Lincolnville is 21 minutes, with 31 minutes of transport time; Marion, 26 minutes, 22 minutes of transport time; and Florence 19 minutes, 24 minutes of transport time.
In 2004, Marion County had 46 requests, nine transports with four transports from hospitals. In 2005, so far there have been 28 requests, 13 transports with four hospital transports.
"I deal with a lot of counties," said Johnson. "Marion County has a lot to be proud of."
He said the county had a good communications and EMS systems with dedicated volunteers.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked about patients who didn't have insurance.
Johnson said LifeTeam had changed its practice regarding uninsured.
"We'll give the patient a follow-up phone call to see how he's doing," said Johnson, "and then set up billing payments."
The company can write-off part or all, dependent on the hardship of the patient.
Michele Abbott-Becker said there have been times when two air ambulances are needed.
"LifeTeam may call for a second helicopter for us," said Abbott-Becker. "They don't hesitate to assist us."
Johnson explained they are willing to contact competitors because patient care is more important than competition.
