LIFESTAR is an aeromedical transport service of the University of Tennessee Medical Center that provides regional rapid transportation of injured patients. LIFESTAR transports approximately 200 patients per month.
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LIFESTAR's fleet consists of two Bell 430 medium twin helicopters, a Bell 206 L4, and a Bell 407. Both Bell 430 helicopters are equipped with all the features of a ground ambulance, with additions of 12 lead EKG's, and chemical blood analysis kits. The helicopters accommodate one FAA certified pilot, one flight paramedic, one flight nurse, and room enough for two patients.
LIFESTAR operates three bases with its main base is at the UT Medical Center, Knoxville. Additionally, bases are located in Sevier County, Tennessee at the Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge airport and Monroe County, Tennessee at the Sweetwater Fire and Rescue Station No. 2. One of the 2 helicopters is always based in Knoxville with the other rotating between the outlying bases.
Initiation of a LIFESTAR flight may come by way of medical or law enforcement personnel, initiated at either the accident site, or from a referring hospital. Justifications for aeromedical flight may be specialties not available at the referring location, prolonged ground transportation, or adverse road conditions.