Combined Efforts Increase Blood Supply For Those Who Need It Most

WATERTOWN, NY – November 7, 2024 – The LifeNet of New York air medical crews, based in Watertown and Potsdam, teamed up with the local chapter of the American Red Cross in New York to host a Battle of the Bases Blood Drive on Nov. 6 to address ongoing blood shortages. This friendly “battle” garnered more than 55 blood-unit donations. 

“We were excited to team up with our local chapter of the American Red Cross,” said LifeNet of New York Account Executive Colleen Gleeson. “Given blood shortages across the state, we are grateful to help bring awareness to this critical resource. It’s humbling to know these donations are saving hundreds of lives.”

The availability of blood is important to LifeNet of New York because their crews carry whole blood on board their aircraft to administer it in flight or at the scene of an incident, greatly increasing the chances of survival for those suffering from severe blood loss.

“The Red Cross is proud to have Air Methods’ LifeNet program as the sponsor of two successful blood drives. Plus, we had four first-time donors, which is exciting,” said American Red Cross Blood Services Representative Jerilyn DePasquale. “Both organizations are committed to saving lives and supporting our communities, making this collaboration a natural fit. Most people are familiar with Red Cross blood drives, but many are unaware of what happens to their blood once it has been donated. One of the places it can end up is on a LifeNet helicopter saving someone’s life.”

Each unit of blood can save up to three lives. Cumulatively, more than 55 units of blood were donated in this blood drive alone, potentially saving the lives of approximately 165 people. While each base made a significant impact in the community, the LifeNet of New York base in Watertown brought home the championship for most blood donations.

The LifeNet team provides support to first responders and hospitals, offering the community critical care 24/7/365 and responding to emergency medical and trauma events including heart attacks and strokes, burns, and other critical ailments and incidents—serving as a flying intensive care unit. The clinical team is extensively trained through Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure, providing the highest level of prehospital care, and enabling clinicians to work in lockstep across the region. Both the LifeNet Watertown and Potsdam locations have been in service for more than a decade providing lifesaving care to those who need it most.