Novant Health Airlink celebrates 20,000 patients transported, adds whole blood supply on-board

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health’s AirLink helicopter fleet celebrated a major millstone and an addition to its on-board resources. 

The fleet recently added whole blood to their supplies on-board, in addition to red blood cells and plasma. 

Whole blood comes directly from a donor, as opposed plasma or red blood cells, which have to be separated out of a donation. All three types of blood have different applications based on what a patient needs. 

Having whole blood on the aircraft can greatly reduce the time it takes for a patient in need of blood to get the care they need. 

One study found that the addition of whole blood can reduce mortality by 48%. 

Trauma Surgeon Dr. Will Powers described the addition as a game-changer. 

“There’s emerging evidence to suggest that not only getting that earlier improves our survival, but also decreases our risk of needing further transfusions once the patient arrives at the trauma center,” Powers said. 

The AirLink program also celebrated the milestone of 20,000 patients that have been transported locally since the program started in 2001. 

Flight Paramedic Dennis Thacker was on that first flight 23 years ago. 

“Everybody wanted to be the first man, everybody wanted to have that first patient transport cause it was a big deal. You don’t get an opportunity much in your career to do firsts like that,” Thacker recalled. “The way the service has grown from one aircraft to now four, and the multiple different out basing sites that we’ve done as we’ve grown.” 

Powers noted that as Western NC reels from Helene, blood donations are needed now more than ever. 

“In a situation like this where we have a devastating blow to our western neighbors, there’s not an opportunity for that part of the state to contribute to the overall blood supply.” 

To find a place to donate blood through the American Red Cross, you can visit their website.