posted January 14, 2025

Blood on board pivotal in pre-hospital, lifesaving care

GETTYSBURG, PA – January 14, 2024 – To show appreciation for the lifesaving care he received, former patient Kyle Hoover, along with his family, reunited with Air Methods’ WellSpan WellFlight air medical team Saturday morning at their base in Gettysburg.

Hoover, a 31-year-old Newburg resident, was struck by another vehicle in March 2024. Due to the severity of his injuries, including a severed femoral artery, he required emergency blood transfusions both at the scene and during transport by WellFlight’s emergency air medical team. WellFlight’s ability to carry and administer blood on board was crucial in saving his life.

“Having that blood supply on the helicopter was truly a lifesaver for me,” said Hoover. “I was told by a first responder that not all helicopters carry blood. But this one did, and I’m grateful.”

WellFlight carries its own blood supply, allowing its critical care clinicians to administer it when needed while preserving hospital stock. Having blood products on hand allows the flight team to begin a transfusion at the scene of an accident which can be continued through arrival at local trauma centers, a vital resource that improves patient outcomes.

“It’s not every day that we get to reunite with our patients, let alone know the outcome once we transport a patient to a trauma center. This is really special for us to reunite with Kyle and his family,” said Flight Paramedic and Clinical Base Lead Jesse Weller. “We’re thankful to be a small part of his journey to recovery.”

Despite the trauma, including a hematoma (brain bleed), collapsed left lung, dislocated left shoulder, broken ribs and sternum, fractured wrist, shattered pelvis, torn knee ligaments, severed femoral artery, and multiple abrasions over his body, Hoover has made a remarkable recovery.

“God sent the right helicopter that day,” said Hoover’s mother Tammy, recounting the day of the accident. “We are incredibly thankful our prayers were answered and wanted to thank the crew for helping to save Kyle’s life.”

The WellSpan WellFlight team is certified and has state-of-the-art specialty care training that provides the same level of care one would receive in the hospital during air medical transport from the scene or for interfacility transports. The team is equipped with industry-leading medical devices and advanced technologies, enabling them to perform advanced airway interventions, cardiac and blood flow monitoring, medication administration, and other surgical procedures in flight. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) — the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry. They provide lifesaving services without requiring a membership to avoid a costly bill.