LifeFlight provides coverage

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — LifeFlight of Maine was stationed at TAMC last Wednesday so the crew could assist as needed during the local crisis caused by flooding at several central Aroostook locations. TAMC and Crown Emergency Care reached out to the critical care air transport, as TAMC is a member of EMHS, and LifeFlight is a joint venture program between EMHS and Central Maine Healthcare in Lewiston.
“Part of our emergency preparedness plan calls for the use of mutual aid when needed to help us safely care for the residents of the 16 communities served by Crown Emergency Care,” said Daryl Boucher, director of emergency services and critical care at TAMC. “We routinely move our own staff and ambulances throughout our service area to assure that all of the residents have emergency care at all times. Today, we expanded that plan and reached out to our friends and colleagues at LifeFlight by asking them to have a helicopter come to TAMC and be based here for the day.”
The hospital took this step after local flooding caused road and bridge closures that isolated the east side of Fort Fairfield, as well as Washburn.
“These road closures make it impossible to access these areas by vehicle should an emergency occur and someone needs medical attention,” said Benjamin Everett, ambulance services supervisor, who spent most of last Wednesday traveling between areas of Washburn, Limestone and Fort Fairfield to monitor the situation and coordinate Crown efforts in those communities. “Another issue of concern is that pedestrians and vehicles are sometimes putting themselves into a potential harmful environment that may require them to be rescued.”
With the goal of ensuring a safe, effective response to those needing emergency care during this time, the plan to engage LifeFlight was put into action.
“LifeFlight is a valuable resource for us in times like this. They can respond directly to a scene if needed, as well as transport patients south if necessary with our limited EMS availability,” said Everett. “Our Crown crew works closely with them to clear a landing zone, communicate from the ground to the pilot and crew, and deliver the patient to the helicopter.”
While the helicopter will remain in Presque Isle as long as it is needed, according to Boucher, the hope is that it won’t see much air time.
“We hope we do not have to use them, but they are here if we need them,” he said. “We wanted them in place to be sure we can provide safe, effective care to the local communities despite these trying circumstances.”
LifeFlight is just one of the effective collaborations the hospital and Crown Emergency Care depends on for mutual aid. Local fire departments, police departments and other hospitals are also valuable partners during emergencies.