Patients in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia who require emergency air transport may now benefit from faster treatment thanks to a new medical technology added to Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE Air Medical helicopters.

LIFE FORCE has announced that it has equipped its entire helicopter fleet with the LifeFlow® PLUS portable rapid fluid and blood resuscitation system. The hand-operated device allows flight crews to deliver blood, blood products and intravenous fluids more quickly to critically ill and injured patients suffering from conditions such as severe blood loss, shock and sepsis.

According to LIFE FORCE, the new system is designed to provide faster, more controlled fluid delivery than traditional methods, helping stabilize patients while they are being transported to the hospital. Officials say the upgrade is especially valuable in emergency situations where every minute can make a difference.

LIFE FORCE serves a large region that includes North Georgia, East Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Western North Carolina, with helicopter bases in Calhoun and Blue Ridge helping provide emergency air medical coverage for Northwest Georgia.