Air Methods Kentucky

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October 9, 2011

KY base completes its first hypothermia induction treatment

The newly-established KY-11 (Bedford) base recently performed its first hypothermia induction treatment on a post cardiac arrest patient. The crew was MBS Joe Michna, EMT-P, and Bryan Lake RN/EMT-P, with pilot Greg Long.

The treatment involved a patient from a scene flight from Switzerland county EMS at a remote landing site. The patient was in cardiac arrest on our arrival, and ground transport to the local hospital was initiated. We had successful ROSC (Return Of Spontaneous Circulation) en route, so we had our aircraft meet us at the helipad to facilitate rapid transport to Baptist East.

“This is a huge step forward, as this is a new treatment recommended by the American Heart Association as a class 1 intervention. We are excited to see the outcome!” said Michna, noting that to his knowledge, Air Methods Kentucky is currently the only prehospital provider in the area offering this treatment.

For more information about therapeutic hypothermia, go to http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/812407-overview.

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About Air Methods Kentucky

Air Methods Kentucky is a full-service air medical transport system covering Kentucky and southern Indiana. Founded in 1982 as the first civilian air medical program in Kentucky, in 1995 it became the first air medical program in the state to earn CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) accreditation. It operates 10 helicopter ambulances and one fixed wing ambulance throughout its region, with state offices headquartered in Lexington. With a mission of safety, quality, and integrity, Air Methods Kentucky is committed to providing its patients and medical and emergency service partners with a high level of care and professionalism. For more information about Air Methods Kentucky, visit http://www.airmethodsky.com.

About Air Methods Corporation

Air Methods Kentucky is owned by Air Methods Corporation (NASDAQ: AIRM), the nation’s largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems. The company is dedicated exclusively to air medical transport, focusing on the quality of care to patients, and safety in aviation operations. With 28 years of experience, the company transports more than 84,000 patients annually who require intensive medical care from either the scene of an accident or general care hospitals to highly skilled trauma centers or tertiary care centers. For more information about Air Methods Corporation, visit http://www.airmethods.com.