Improving patient outcomes by transfusing packed red blood cells and plasma during emergency air medical transports  

Stillwater, OK, Feb. 20, 2025 – Stillwater-based MediFlight of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Life Flight, based in Okmulgee and Pryor, now carry plasma on board all their emergency air medical helicopters, further improving patient care during critical transports. While both programs have carried packed red blood cells to administer in-flight for over 40 years, the addition of plasma provides essential clotting factors, increases blood volume, and stabilizes blood pressure, further improving outcomes for patients suffering from severe blood loss. 

“Being able to administer IV blood products prehospital can truly make the difference in a patient surviving a medical or trauma emergency,” said Tulsa Life Flight Paramedic Chase Boyd. “Adding plasma as a resource in resuscitation for these acute patients really bridges the gap between the field and tertiary care, and is a direct reflection of our determination at Tulsa Life Flight and MediFlight of Oklahoma to deliver the highest level of care for our communities.” 

The clotting power of plasma makes it a critical tool for treating patients suffering from severe bleeding as a result of a trauma, such as a car accident. When it is promptly transfused to trauma patients, plasma has been shown to reduce mortality. By carrying their own blood products, MediFlight of Oklahoma and Tulsa Life Flight can deliver this lifesaving treatment at the scene without diminishing hospital blood supplies. 

“We have been providing pre-hospital blood products since 1982, and have now added another tool in the complement of highly specialized equipment our frontline teams have to help those in need when minutes count the most,” said Teresa Snell, area manager with Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider and parent company of MediFlight of Oklahoma and Tulsa Life Flight. 

All Air Methods clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.