Levels of Care
IU Health LifeLine is Indiana's oldest and most comprehensive transport program with the highest quality transport provided with the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your patient.
IU Health LifeLine will not burden your patient with unnecessary medical debt. As a not-for-profit hospital-based program, IU Health LifeLine does not surprise or balance bill its patients.
IU Health LifeLine provides healthcare agencies and departments across the state with three levels of medical transport: Basic Life Support, Advanced Support and Critical Care.
Transport Levels of Care
Be ready by learning how IU Health LifeLine defines Transport Levels of Care. Download the infographic (PDF) below:
Our Services
IU Health LifeLine provides healthcare agencies and departments across the state with three levels of medical transport: Basic Life Support, Advanced Support and Critical Care.
Transport Levels of Care
Be ready by learning how IU Health LifeLine defines Transport Levels of Care. Download the infographic (PDF) below:
Excellence in patient care begins with a clear definition of critical care transport.
Our standard of critical care transport includes:
- A critical care nurse on every transport
- The integration of clinical specialists
- Specialty medical direction
- Support of two Level I Trauma Centers, IU School of Medicine and the IU Health Academic Health Center
Critical Care by Air & Ground
We believe full access to the patient is mandatory in critical care transport. We further define and deliver advanced transport medicine with the use of i-STAT®, blood products, intra-aortic balloon pumps, advanced ventilators, tecotherm cooling devices and twin engine helicopters that are instrument flight rules (IFR) capable. IU Health LifeLine is committed to delivering safe and expeditious ICU level care.
With a comprehensive air and ground fleet, IU Health LifeLine is able to reach facilities and accident scenes in Indiana, Eastern Illinois and Western Ohio, with critical care transport. We use AirbusEC145s, one of the most advanced helicopters used for air medical transport in the nation. Ground transports are made in safe and efficient Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs).
Our transport teams across the state keep IU Health LifeLine operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have adult/pediatric and pediatric/neonatal teams on call at all times. The critical care transport teams include highly-skilled pilots, registered nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and additional specialists depending on the patient’s condition, such as a neonatal nurse practitioner or high-risk obstetrics nurse for specialty transports.
Offering the Highest Credentials in Critical Care Training
IU Health LifeLine team members carry advanced certifications, and have previous experience working in environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units and busy EMS systems.
Our transport team members also train with a full-scale Human Patient Simulator, in various settings, including a helicopter interior, critical care ground unit, and a hospital room, allowing them to develop and maintain their advanced skills for all patient demographics. All members of the IU Health LifeLine team complete Crew Resource Management (CRM) courses. CRM teaches crew members how to operate safely and efficiently inside a dynamic transport environment.
Well Equipped Air Medical Helicopters and Ambulances Safely Transport Critically Ill and Injured
The first priority of IU Health LifeLine is safety. Air and ground transport vehicles are equipped with advanced life-saving equipment and technology. We uphold strict standards that meet and exceed state and federal regulations. From powerful twin engines that allow for a wider range of patients, to larger interiors that allow full patient access and additional clinical specialists, our fleet is designed to facilitate the delivery of care.
Air
- Indiana University Health LifeLine provides critical care transport by air with the Airbus EC145. The EC145 has advanced avionics and features that include:
- Dual Engines-The EC145's twin engines provide extra power for larger patients and extra crew, and redundancy for added safety.
- Larger Cabin Size-The larger EC145 interior allows full body access to patients during transport, and the ability to bring more crew members and equipment onboard.
- GPS/IFR-When visibility is reduced due to certain weather conditions, IU Health LifeLine can safely fly using the GPS/IFR capabilities of the EC145. IU Health LifeLine has also invested in creating GPS approaches for several key hospitals in the state.
- HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System) and TAS (Traffic Avoidance System) -These systems detect the aircraft's surroundings, providing avoidance alerts for potential terrain and obstacle conflicts as well as other aircraft.
- Satellite Tracking and Communication-This feature allows our team to know exactly where the helicopter is in the transport route - down to the minute of the patient's arrival. Crews also have the capability to communicate with hospital staff if needed.
Ground
IU Health LifeLine operates a ground fleet of roomy ambulances especially equipped for critical care transport. These Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs) provide the same crew and equipment used in the air.
Critical Care
Excellence in patient care begins with a clear definition of critical care transport.
Our standard of critical care transport includes:
- A critical care nurse on every transport
- The integration of clinical specialists
- Specialty medical direction
- Support of two Level I Trauma Centers, IU School of Medicine and the IU Health Academic Health Center
Critical Care by Air & Ground
We believe full access to the patient is mandatory in critical care transport. We further define and deliver advanced transport medicine with the use of i-STAT®, blood products, intra-aortic balloon pumps, advanced ventilators, tecotherm cooling devices and twin engine helicopters that are instrument flight rules (IFR) capable. IU Health LifeLine is committed to delivering safe and expeditious ICU level care.
With a comprehensive air and ground fleet, IU Health LifeLine is able to reach facilities and accident scenes in Indiana, Eastern Illinois and Western Ohio, with critical care transport. We use AirbusEC145s, one of the most advanced helicopters used for air medical transport in the nation. Ground transports are made in safe and efficient Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs).
Our transport teams across the state keep IU Health LifeLine operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have adult/pediatric and pediatric/neonatal teams on call at all times. The critical care transport teams include highly-skilled pilots, registered nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and additional specialists depending on the patient’s condition, such as a neonatal nurse practitioner or high-risk obstetrics nurse for specialty transports.
Offering the Highest Credentials in Critical Care Training
IU Health LifeLine team members carry advanced certifications, and have previous experience working in environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units and busy EMS systems.
Our transport team members also train with a full-scale Human Patient Simulator, in various settings, including a helicopter interior, critical care ground unit, and a hospital room, allowing them to develop and maintain their advanced skills for all patient demographics. All members of the IU Health LifeLine team complete Crew Resource Management (CRM) courses. CRM teaches crew members how to operate safely and efficiently inside a dynamic transport environment.
Well Equipped Air Medical Helicopters and Ambulances Safely Transport Critically Ill and Injured
The first priority of IU Health LifeLine is safety. Air and ground transport vehicles are equipped with advanced life-saving equipment and technology. We uphold strict standards that meet and exceed state and federal regulations. From powerful twin engines that allow for a wider range of patients, to larger interiors that allow full patient access and additional clinical specialists, our fleet is designed to facilitate the delivery of care.
Air
- Indiana University Health LifeLine provides critical care transport by air with the Airbus EC145. The EC145 has advanced avionics and features that include:
- Dual Engines-The EC145's twin engines provide extra power for larger patients and extra crew, and redundancy for added safety.
- Larger Cabin Size-The larger EC145 interior allows full body access to patients during transport, and the ability to bring more crew members and equipment onboard.
- GPS/IFR-When visibility is reduced due to certain weather conditions, IU Health LifeLine can safely fly using the GPS/IFR capabilities of the EC145. IU Health LifeLine has also invested in creating GPS approaches for several key hospitals in the state.
- HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System) and TAS (Traffic Avoidance System) -These systems detect the aircraft's surroundings, providing avoidance alerts for potential terrain and obstacle conflicts as well as other aircraft.
- Satellite Tracking and Communication-This feature allows our team to know exactly where the helicopter is in the transport route - down to the minute of the patient's arrival. Crews also have the capability to communicate with hospital staff if needed.
Ground
IU Health LifeLine operates a ground fleet of roomy ambulances especially equipped for critical care transport. These Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs) provide the same crew and equipment used in the air.
IU Health LifeLine specializes in pediatric and neonatal transports for critically ill or injured children and infants. As part of the state's largest healthcare system, IU Health LifeLine brings Riley Hospital for Children's NICU, PICU and emergency department to patients statewide.
IU Health LifeLine utilizes highly trained clinicians to provide a high level of critical care for pediatric and neonatal patients. IU Health LifeLine teams have advanced certifications, knowledge and training that allows them to better assess, manage and improve outcomes for critically ill children.
For pediatric or neonatal critical care transports, the crew includes:
- Pediatric Critical Care Nurse
- Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
Depending on the patient need, we are able to add a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner to the transport.
Specialized Technology for Pediatric and Neonatal Patients
Indiana University Health LifeLine aircraft and ground units provide critical care and stabilization for critically ill children with cutting edge pediatric/neonatal-specific technology.
Additional specialized technologies, specific to pediatric/neonatal transports include:
- Tecotherm Neo Active Cooling–One of only two services in the country currently providing this life-saving intervention for neonatal critical care transports.
- Nitric Oxide–A leading edge therapy for neonatal and pediatric patients in respiratory failure (please notify when requesting transport).
- Isolette®–A self contained, state of the art unit for thermo regulation and care of the neonate.
- Hamilton-T1 Ventilator– a leading-edge ventilator designed specifically for critical care transport. This is the same equipment used at Riley Hospital for Children.
- High Flow Oxygen–this is a tremendous bridge to get pediatric/neonatal patients from referral to receiving without having to invasively intubate a patient.
- High Frequency Ventilation- the next step in ventilator support for critically ill neonate and pediatric patients.
Neonatal & Pediatric Team
IU Health LifeLine specializes in pediatric and neonatal transports for critically ill or injured children and infants. As part of the state's largest healthcare system, IU Health LifeLine brings Riley Hospital for Children's NICU, PICU and emergency department to patients statewide.
IU Health LifeLine utilizes highly trained clinicians to provide a high level of critical care for pediatric and neonatal patients. IU Health LifeLine teams have advanced certifications, knowledge and training that allows them to better assess, manage and improve outcomes for critically ill children.
For pediatric or neonatal critical care transports, the crew includes:
- Pediatric Critical Care Nurse
- Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
Depending on the patient need, we are able to add a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner to the transport.
Specialized Technology for Pediatric and Neonatal Patients
Indiana University Health LifeLine aircraft and ground units provide critical care and stabilization for critically ill children with cutting edge pediatric/neonatal-specific technology.
Additional specialized technologies, specific to pediatric/neonatal transports include:
- Tecotherm Neo Active Cooling–One of only two services in the country currently providing this life-saving intervention for neonatal critical care transports.
- Nitric Oxide–A leading edge therapy for neonatal and pediatric patients in respiratory failure (please notify when requesting transport).
- Isolette®–A self contained, state of the art unit for thermo regulation and care of the neonate.
- Hamilton-T1 Ventilator– a leading-edge ventilator designed specifically for critical care transport. This is the same equipment used at Riley Hospital for Children.
- High Flow Oxygen–this is a tremendous bridge to get pediatric/neonatal patients from referral to receiving without having to invasively intubate a patient.
- High Frequency Ventilation- the next step in ventilator support for critically ill neonate and pediatric patients.
On Dec. 1, 2015, IU Health LifeLine began offering Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) transport services, reflecting the same commitment to safety, patient care and customer service as our critical care services.
IU Health Lifeline ALS/BLS service serves the entire IU Health system.
Like all IU Health LifeLine services, our ALS/BLS transports are overseen by a board-certified medical director with established protocols focused on providing the best care for the patient. Our Communications Center specialists work closely with the requesting facility to determine the appropriate level of transport.
Multidisciplinary Support from IU Health
Our approach to ALS/BLS transport goes well beyond simply transporting patients from point A to point B. Through our affiliation with IU Health and our decades of experience in critical care, our teams provide the highest standard of care to every patient. Some of the benefits provided by IU Health LifeLine include:
- We arrive fully prepared for any special needs of patients based on the initial request
- As part of the comprehensive IU Health LifeLine team, we can quickly upgrade the transport to critical care if needed
- Non-invasive airway management capabilities including BiPAP® and CPAP
Advanced Life Support & Basic Life Support
On Dec. 1, 2015, IU Health LifeLine began offering Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) transport services, reflecting the same commitment to safety, patient care and customer service as our critical care services.
IU Health Lifeline ALS/BLS service serves the entire IU Health system.
Like all IU Health LifeLine services, our ALS/BLS transports are overseen by a board-certified medical director with established protocols focused on providing the best care for the patient. Our Communications Center specialists work closely with the requesting facility to determine the appropriate level of transport.
Multidisciplinary Support from IU Health
Our approach to ALS/BLS transport goes well beyond simply transporting patients from point A to point B. Through our affiliation with IU Health and our decades of experience in critical care, our teams provide the highest standard of care to every patient. Some of the benefits provided by IU Health LifeLine include:
- We arrive fully prepared for any special needs of patients based on the initial request
- As part of the comprehensive IU Health LifeLine team, we can quickly upgrade the transport to critical care if needed
- Non-invasive airway management capabilities including BiPAP® and CPAP
IU Health LifeLine brings leading edge care to seriously ill or
injured patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every clinician on our
critical care team is highly skilled, and must have a minimum of three
years’ prior experience in their clinical field.
Every request is assessed prior to dispatching the crew, and we are able to add clinical specialists depending on the patient need. This includes:
- High-Risk Obstetrics Registered Nurse (OB RN)
- Perfusionist
- Advanced specialists from IU Health Methodist Hospital for unique scene situations
No matter air or ground, IU Health LifeLine provides unsurpassed critical care capabilities.
- Blood and plasma carried on every critical care transport
- Hamilton-T1 ventilators
- Vscan™ portable ultrasound
- i-STAT® for portable labs
- Nitric Oxide (please notify when requesting transport)
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
- Intra aortic balloon pump
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
In addition, our crew members are skilled in the management of:
- Arterial lines
- Central lines
- Chest tubes
- ICP/Ventriculostomy drains
- Rapid Sequence Intubation
- Ventilators
The Right Crew, Equipment & Technology for Every Need
IU Health LifeLine brings leading edge care to seriously ill or
injured patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every clinician on our
critical care team is highly skilled, and must have a minimum of three
years’ prior experience in their clinical field.
Every request is assessed prior to dispatching the crew, and we are able to add clinical specialists depending on the patient need. This includes:
- High-Risk Obstetrics Registered Nurse (OB RN)
- Perfusionist
- Advanced specialists from IU Health Methodist Hospital for unique scene situations
No matter air or ground, IU Health LifeLine provides unsurpassed critical care capabilities.
- Blood and plasma carried on every critical care transport
- Hamilton-T1 ventilators
- Vscan™ portable ultrasound
- i-STAT® for portable labs
- Nitric Oxide (please notify when requesting transport)
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
- Intra aortic balloon pump
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
In addition, our crew members are skilled in the management of:
- Arterial lines
- Central lines
- Chest tubes
- ICP/Ventriculostomy drains
- Rapid Sequence Intubation
- Ventilators
Metro Aviation: Making Access to Expert Critical Care Faster & Easier
IU Health LifeLine aircraft are operated by Metro Aviation, Inc. Metro Aviation provides a team of experienced pilots and skilled maintenance professionals, all of whom have diverse aviation backgrounds including military and civilian service.
Aviation Experience
Our Metro Aviation pilots must meet or exceed strict FAA regulations and industry standard certifications. In addition, pilots must complete 2,500 flight hours before putting on an IU Health LifeLine flight suit, and are among the best in the industry.
Safety is Critical at IU Health LifeLine
Our in-house Metro Aviation mechanics are experienced in all aspects of the airframe and power plant of the fleet. They follow a rigorous, ongoing preventative maintenance schedule that ensures our fleet is ready, reliable and safe.
IU Health LifeLine helicopters are operated by Metro Aviation, Inc.
Aviation Partner
Metro Aviation: Making Access to Expert Critical Care Faster & Easier
IU Health LifeLine aircraft are operated by Metro Aviation, Inc. Metro Aviation provides a team of experienced pilots and skilled maintenance professionals, all of whom have diverse aviation backgrounds including military and civilian service.
Aviation Experience
Our Metro Aviation pilots must meet or exceed strict FAA regulations and industry standard certifications. In addition, pilots must complete 2,500 flight hours before putting on an IU Health LifeLine flight suit, and are among the best in the industry.
Safety is Critical at IU Health LifeLine
Our in-house Metro Aviation mechanics are experienced in all aspects of the airframe and power plant of the fleet. They follow a rigorous, ongoing preventative maintenance schedule that ensures our fleet is ready, reliable and safe.
IU Health LifeLine helicopters are operated by Metro Aviation, Inc.
