We now fly in a custom-configured BK 117 that can fly under both visual and instrument flight rules. This aircraft will accommodate 2 patients with this team, or one patient and up to 4 caregivers, plus one pilot. Our range is approximately 150 miles for emergent calls, and up to 200-250 miles for other calls. Usually this involves adult intensive care unit patients coming in to Stanford. Overall we complete between 500-600 flights per year.
Every patient is cared for by specially trained flight nurses.
Their experience includes pre-hospital, emergency and intensive care, as well as extensive training in caring for critically ill patients in the airborne environment. The flight nurses provide care consistent with the care at Stanford, thereby becoming an effective extension of the medical staff of Stanford upon making contact with the patient. Specialty physicians are part of the transport team when necessary. Advanced procedures performed include rapid sequence induction intubations, central line placement, needle decompression of the chest, escharotomies, pericardiocentesis, and surgical airway intervention. In our non-flight time, we support the emergency department and the intensive care unit.