LifeSave Kansas has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), recognising its dedication to safety and clinical excellence. Over its 24 years of service, the programme has delivered critical care throughout Kansas.

“Our LifeSave bases in Emporia, Wichita, Liberal and Garden City were inspected and found to meet the stringent safety and quality requirements to achieve full CAMTS accreditation,” says Kandi Sagehorn, clinical director with Air Methods, the USA's leading air medical service provider and parent company of LifeSave Kansas. “This is an exciting accomplishment and I am proud of the LifeSave team members and leaders who continually work to ensure each base's compliance with the accreditation standards.”

Shannon Kilmartin, a flight nurse with LifeSave 21, adds: “It highlights the dedication, expertise and hard work of our entire team. I’m thankful to everyone who works to maintain the rigorous standards required for this honour.”

The programme’s fixed wing and helicopter crews provide emergency care across Kansas. One notable example occurred in August, when a fixed wing crew transported seven-month-old Hazel Randolph to California for life-saving heart surgery. After being diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect and initially placed on hospice care, Hazel’s mother, Loren Randolph, found specialists at Stanford University Medical Center who could perform a unique surgery.

“Hazel had open heart surgery on September 5 and was discharged on October 3,” says Randolph. “It was considered a full repair, which means she won’t need another surgery for quite some time. We are home now and she is doing amazing. She is the definition of a miracle!”

Flight paramedic Aaron Sutton adds: “Our medical flight crew had the privilege of safely transporting Hazel from Oklahoma to California, accompanied by her loving parents. Our priority was ensuring the baby's comfort and stability throughout the journey and we’re grateful to have played a role in her continued care.”

LifeSave Kansas operates its aircraft as flying intensive care units, with equipment and medications to provide advanced emergency care in flight. Flight teams are equipped to perform procedures and administer blood, ensuring the best chance of recovery for critically ill patients.