Air Methods

Historically, air medical crews in New York had been barred from initiating blood transfusions using supplies stored at their bases due to outdated state regulations that classified these services as blood bank distribution centers. New York is the only state with such a law, effectively preventing aerial medical crews from administering blood transfusions despite delivering the highest level of critical care during transport.

Our objective was to underscore the real-world consequences of government overregulation for rural New Yorkers. The urgency became undeniable in 2021, when a farming accident left a patient critically injured and a New York-based aircraft unable to provide blood in-flight. He was instead transported by a Pennsylvania aircraft—where blood transfusions are allowed. Though he lost both legs, the in-flight transfusion saved his life. That lifesaving care was only possible because it came from across state lines.

HPA engaged the New York State Legislature, Department of Health, and Executive Chamber to introduce critical legislation (S. 4085/A.2561) to enable air ambulance providers to carry and administer lifesaving blood transfusions during in-flight emergency care. Through a joint advocacy effort, the legislation passed both houses and was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2021.