Duke Life Flight

Duke Life Flight Duke Life Flight is a CAMTS accredited critical care and Emergency Air and Ground transport agency.
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Let’s roll. Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) Association of Air Medical Services Braun Ambulances
05/31/2026

Let’s roll.



Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) Association of Air Medical Services Braun Ambulances

A big thank you to Alex and Ruda for treating our on-shift crews to dinner. It was the perfect start to a full night of ...
05/31/2026

A big thank you to Alex and Ruda for treating our on-shift crews to dinner. It was the perfect start to a full night of medevac missions. We appreciate your support of the team!



Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)Association of Air Medical ServicesMetro AviationDuke Health

Hard to beat those Carolina skies from the ambulance bay. Let’s see your view-drop a photo and tell us where you’re chec...
05/31/2026

Hard to beat those Carolina skies from the ambulance bay.

Let’s see your view-drop a photo and tell us where you’re checking in from tonight.



Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)Association of Air Medical Services

Trauma Month may be ending, but the mission continues.To every EMS, fire, rescue, law enforcement, communications, hospi...
05/30/2026

Trauma Month may be ending, but the mission continues.

To every EMS, fire, rescue, law enforcement, communications, hospital, trauma, and transport partner: thank you.

Keep training.
Keep preparing.
Keep showing up.

Be the difference.

EMS responds to a rural farm accident where a worker’s lower leg was pinned between heavy equipment and a trailer. The p...
05/30/2026

EMS responds to a rural farm accident where a worker’s lower leg was pinned between heavy equipment and a trailer. The patient is awake, alert, and in severe pain.

Initial assessment:

HR 124
BP 110/68
RR 22
SpO₂ 96%
GCS 15
Obvious deformity to the lower leg
Severe swelling and pain
Pale, cool foot
Weak distal pulse
Decreased sensation in the foot
No major external bleeding

The CT image shown is only an example of what this type of injury could look like after imaging. This patient is still in the field, and decisions must be made based on mechanism, exam, circulation, pain, and transport time.

Clinical question:
This may look like “just a leg injury,” but what complications are you watching for? What is your plan?

EMS and fire/rescue respond to a rural roadway after a passenger vehicle collides with large agricultural equipment. The...
05/29/2026

EMS and fire/rescue respond to a rural roadway after a passenger vehicle collides with large agricultural equipment. The vehicle has significant intrusion. Extrication is prolonged, and access to the patient is limited.

Initial assessment after partial access:

HR 128
BP 86/50
RR 30
SpO₂ 93% on oxygen
GCS 14, anxious and confused
Pale, cool, diaphoretic
Severe chest and abdominal pain
Diminished breath sounds on the left
Pelvic pain with concern for instability
Prolonged extrication

The patient is not visibly bleeding, but their vital signs and mechanism raise concern for internal injuries.

What are your first three priorities, and what would you communicate early to the next team?

EMS and law enforcement respond to a rural residence for a reported gunshot wound. The scene is secured. The patient is ...
05/29/2026

EMS and law enforcement respond to a rural residence for a reported gunshot wound. The scene is secured. The patient is awake, talking, and says they feel “mostly okay.”

There is a small wound to the right lower chest/upper abdomen with minimal bleeding.

Initial assessment:

HR 112
BP 118/76
RR 22
SpO₂ 95%
GCS 15
Pain with deep inspiration
Mild abdominal tenderness
No obvious exit wound

Reassessment:

HR 128
BP 96/62
RR 28
SpO₂ 92%
Increasing anxiety
Diaphoretic
Worsening abdominal pain
Slightly diminished breath sounds on the right

The CT image shown is only an example of what this type of injury could look like after imaging. This patient is still in the field, and decisions must be made based on mechanism, exam, trends, and transport time.

What are your priorities, what level of transport support would you request, and what would you communicate early?

Scenario: A teenager is involved in an ATV accident. EMS finds the patient with facial trauma, altered mental status, sh...
05/28/2026

Scenario: A teenager is involved in an ATV accident. EMS finds the patient with facial trauma, altered mental status, shallow respirations, and signs of chest injury.

Assessment:

HR 124
BP 96/60
RR 9 and irregular
SpO₂ 88% despite oxygen
GCS 7
Facial bleeding with difficult airway concern
Diminished breath sounds on the right
Chest wall crepitus
40 minute ground time to the trauma center

How would you prioritize care, prepare for transport, and decide what level of transport support this patient needs?

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2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC
27710

Telephone

(800)3625433

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