Vanderbilt LifeFlight

Activation Criteria

Emergency Contact Phone Numbers

(800) 288-8111 and (615) 322-3211
Or call direct on a Vanderbilt LifeFlight Direct Access Telephone

Physiologic Criteria

• GCS < 13 (does not follow commands)
• S/S of shock (rapid HR; altered mental status; cool, clammy, pale skin, etc.) Remember hypotension is a late sign of shock.
• Pediatric Trauma (may not see s/s of shock until late)
• Geriatric Trauma (also may not see s/s of shock until late)
• Hypothermia
• Airway compromise (actual or potential)

Anatomic Criteria

• Penetrating injuries to the torso
• Limb paralysis
• Limb amputation proximal to the wrist or ankle where bleeding cannot be controlled
• Trauma combined with burns of > 15% particularly those involving the face or airway

LifeFlight may be placed on standby until initial patient assessment shows that physiologic or anatomic criteria have been met.

Information we need

• Your agency name and callback number
• Location of the scene or landing zone
• Ground contact
• Radio frequency (prefer 155.205)
• Brief patient information (status of ABCs/mental status)
• Has any other Air Medical Service been requested for this flight?

Patient Information

• Number of patients
• Adult or pediatric?
• Extrication in progress?
• Approximate patient weight
• Neurologic and respiratory status