Neosho hospital adds medical helicopter service

Freeman Health System has added LifeNet helicopter medical transport services to Freeman Neosho Hospital, according to a recent announcement from the health system.

Freeman Health System's partnership with LifeNet Medical Transport helicopter services enhances Freeman's emergency care by providing expert transport teams and expedited delivery of critically ill patents to Freeman's emergency rooms in Joplin and Neosho.

Last summer, LifeNet services became available at Freeman Hospital West and Freeman Hospital East in Joplin. Now, helicopter transport services also are available to Freeman Neosho Hospital. The added services will enhance patient care for Newton and McDonald counties. LifeNet helps get patients to the level of care they need more quickly.

Freeman Neosho's emergency room is open 24-hours every day and is staffed with emergency room physicians at all times. When patients need to be transferred from Freeman Neosho, the helicopter will transport them.

The LifeNet crew, specially trained in critical care transport, consists of four paramedics, four registered nurses, four pilots and one mechanic. Freeman's LifeNet serves the 150-mile area surrounding Joplin and Neosho, with access to cities including Springfield and Tulsa. As part of a network of helicopter services, Freeman's LifeNet has access to additional medical helicopters in the "Heartland" region of the country.