AirCARE1 Receives FAA Approval for Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Air Ambulance Operations

AirCARE1 Achieves FAA Authorization for Inhaled Nitric Oxide Transport

AirCARE1, a leader in air ambulance services, has recently received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to carry inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) aboard its Learjet 60 aircraft. This significant milestone comes after the completion of extensive clinical and operational evaluations, reinforcing the company's commitment to high standards of patient care during air transport.

Inhaled nitric oxide is a specialized medical gas that plays a critical role in providing respiratory therapy to patients during air travel. The therapy works primarily by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, which improves oxygenation levels in the bloodstream and reduces stress on the heart for those who respond positively to treatment. The approval to transport iNO means that AirCARE1 can enhance patient outcomes by ensuring continuous access to this vital therapy where it’s clinically necessary.

Enhanced Transport Options for Medically Fragile Patients

This new authorization opens up new transport possibilities for clinically fragile patients who require uninterrupted respiratory care throughout their journey. iNO therapy is particularly beneficial for infants facing severe oxygenation challenges arising from pulmonary hypertension. The FDA has approved iNO for these patients specifically to improve oxygen levels and decrease their reliance on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Continuing therapy during transport helps maintain the stability of the patient’s pulmonary condition, which is crucial for their safety and recovery. Additionally, this treatment may also assist patients suffering from severe burns and related respiratory complications, providing emergency support during their transfer to specialized medical facilities.

A Commitment to Safety and Compliance

Christina Kennedy, RN, BSN, CFRN, Program Director and active Flight Nurse at AirCARE1, spearheaded the integration of iNO into operational protocols. Kennedy states, "Bringing iNO aboard our aircraft allows us to extend this highly specialized, hospital-level respiratory therapy to patients who need it throughout transport."

This profound commitment to safe and compliant air medicine is echoed by the company’s founder, Denise Waye, BSN, RN. She highlights that Kennedy’s leadership illustrates AirCARE1’s drive towards advancing air medical practices responsibly and safely.

Transporting iNO entails stringent adherence to regulation, which classifies it as a hazardous material. Consequently, AirCARE1 has invested in specialized equipment, secured highly trained clinical staff, and developed aircraft-specific procedures to manage its safe use in-flight.

By completing the FAA authorization process, AirCARE1 has systematically integrated iNO into its regulated operational framework, ensuring all practices meet rigorous health and safety protocols. This expansion demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care for patients during air medical transfers.

About AirCARE1

AirCARE1 is a CAMTS-accredited long-range air ambulance provider that operates medically equipped Learjet 60 aircraft configured as airborne intensive care units. With a team of experienced medical and aviation professionals, AirCARE1 conducts bedside-to-bedside patient transfers across North, Central, and South America.

For inquiries and further information about AirCARE1 and its services, please contact Christina Kennedy, Chief Flight Nurse and Program Director, at 877-760-7760.