Lifeline

    As a symbol of our strength and dedication, Indiana University Health LifeLine is crucial to our ability to care for patients across the state. While IU Health LifeLine is most recognized for emergency scene response, we play a crucial role in patient transfers from community hospitals to larger hospitals if advanced care is needed. Our clinical expertise and investment in technology allows us to perform advanced treatment from the moment we reach the patient until we arrive at the destination hospital.

    Lifeline Treatment

    The close connection between IU Health LifeLine and the 24/7 Transfer Center connects all members of a patient’s care team before and during a transport. This early communication allows us to be proactive in delivering the highest level of patient care.

    Pediatric & Neonatal

    We provide a Pediatric Critical Care Nurse (PCCN), a Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) on pediatric and neonatal transports as needed. In addition to the emergency room-like technologies already available, an isolette may also be used for neonatal patients in need of stabilization and advanced care.

    Patients can be transported to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health or Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health North Hospital, recognized in 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties by U.S.News & World Report, for care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

    Orthopedics

    Trauma patients suffering from orthopedic injuries are transferred to the nationally ranked orthopedic surgeons of IU Health. Their extensive experience make them prepared to handle even the most complex cases. Additionally, the IU Health LifeLine team is fully equipped to treat trauma patients during transport by bringing blood on board and accessing the level I trauma centers at IU Health Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

    Neuroscience

    Brain and spinal injuries require prompt, specialized care in order to improve recovery. IU Health LifeLine has priority access to Indiana’s only nationally ranked neuroscience program and the ability to provide immediate care results in quicker response and improved outcomes.

    Cardiovascular

    IU Health LifeLine is skilled and experienced at treating patients with complex heart conditions during transport. We have priority access to the nationally ranked cardiovascular program at IU Health and are the only program in the state with blood on-site for expedient access and immediate use on transports.

    To assist in blood transfer throughout the body, a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) or a Balloon Pump can be carried on board. In some cases, our ability to utilize these technologies during transport are essential to patient care and improve outcomes.

    Trauma

    On call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, IU Heath LifeLine provides priority access to the Level 1 trauma centers of IU Health Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. When time is of the essence, air medical helicopter capabilities get patients to these facilities as quickly and safely as possible. Our air medical helicopters are fully equipped with lifesaving technologies. IU Health LifeLine also has access to blood on-site which enables us to save time and improve patient outcomes.

    High-Risk Obstetrics

    Some childbirth complications can be predicted, but some happen with little to no warning. In some cases, a baby and mother need to get to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) immediately for specialized treatment and technology. IU Health LifeLine brings a labor and delivery nurse for all high-risk obstetrics transports and can begin providing care immediately upon arrival.

    Special technologies improve advanced care during transport. These could include: a fetal monitor for continuous monitoring, and a baby pod to safely secure an infant, in a temperature controlled environment should birth occur during transport.

    Lifeline Innovation

    IU Health LifeLine has invested in the most advanced equipment available in order to provide the IU Health level of care to patients across the state. Our number one priority is safety, which is why we continually meet and exceed state and federal regulations to keep our helicopters and mobile intensive care units (critical care ground ambulance) at peak performance. The level of technology available in our vehicles makes them just as capable of providing patient care as a hospital emergency room or critical care unit.

    • Air

      IU Health LifeLine flies the Eurocopter 145 (EC145) to provide emergency critical care transport by air. It is the largest, most advanced helicopter for medical air transport in the nation, fully equipped with life-saving technologies. The EC145 has a larger cabin size to provide full-body access to patients as well as carry more team members and medical equipment. Additional safety features include: dual engines, GPS, satellite tracking, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), Traffic Avoidance Collision System and satellite weather radar.

    • Ground

      IU Health LifeLine operates Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) to provide emergency critical care transport by ground. MICUs provide the same level of care that you would find in a hospital emergency room or critical care unit. Technology available includes: GPS and satellite tracking, advanced treatment technologies communication abilities and comfort amenities.

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      Lifeline Team

      IU Health LifeLine teams are the most experienced and credentialed professionals in the industry. Crew members include an EMT, paramedic, adult RN, high-risk OB RN, pediatric RN, RRT, an NNP and are configured depending patient condition and age. All crew members undergo advanced simulation at The Simulation Center at Fairbanks Hall. With an emphasis on patient safety, teams are also required to complete crew resource management (CRM) to improve communication and teamwork during flight.

      Our pilots are often retired military veterans, prepared to handle any situation. Pilots are required to complete at least 40 hours of training annually to stay up-to-date with the most recent aviation advancements.

      Find a Doctor

      Find a doctor at IU Health by entering one or multiple keywords, and we’ll help you find the best match. For example: "LifeLine, Avon" will return the most relevant results for physicians and advanced providers who treat dermatologic conditions nearest to Avon, Indiana.

      Lifeline Stories

      Our patients often speak best to our qualifications and achievements. View our Lifeline patient stories below.
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