LIFESTAR
LIFESTAR is an aeromedical transport service of the University of Tennessee Medical Center that provides regional rapid transportation of injured patients. LIFESTAR transports approximately 200 patients per month.
Fleet
LIFESTAR's fleet consists of two Eurocopter EC135 helicopters, and two Bell 407's. The helicopters are equipped with all the features of a ground ambulance, with additions of 12 lead EKG's, and chemical blood analysis kits. The helicopters accommodate one FAA certified pilot, one flight paramedic, one flight nurse, and room enough for one patient.
Bases
LIFESTAR operates four bases. Its headquarters and offices are at the UT Medical Center, Knoxville. LIFESTAR 1 is based in Morristown, Tennessee at the Greenville Emergency and Rescue Squad building. LIFESTAR 2 is based in Sweetwater, Tennessee at Sweetwater Fire Department's station #2. LIFESTAR 3 is based in Sevierville, Tennessee at the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport. LIFESTAR 4 is based in Andersonville, Tennessee at the David Jones Industrial Park.
Activation
Initiation of a LIFESTAR flight may come by way of medical or law enforcement personnel, initiated at either the accident site, or from a referring hospital. Justifications for aeromedical flight may be specialties not available at the referring location, prolonged ground transportation, or adverse road conditions.