For Patients in Alaska's Interior Region, Guardian Flight Brings Lifesaving Blood Onboard
3.18.2026
Guardian Flight Fairbanks’ base of operations is now the first and only air medical provider to carry blood products on every flight, setting a new standard for patient care in the region.
In a major leap forward for emergency medical care in Alaska’s Interior, Guardian Flight Fairbanks’ base of operations is now the first and only air medical provider to carry lifesaving blood products on every flight, setting a new standard for patient care in the region.
“Having immediate access to blood products is especially vital in Fairbanks, where distance and challenging geography often result in extended transport times to definitive care,” said Vice President of Operations for Guardian Flight, Jared Sherman. “By carrying our own supply of blood products, we’re also helping protect this limited resource, so it remains available for patients receiving care at local hospitals.”
Backing up this innovation is compelling clinical evidence. Research has shown that in-flight red blood cell transfusions increase a patient’s odds of surviving the first 24 hours by nearly five times and lower the risk of shock by over 70%. With much of Alaska’s Interior surrounded by wilderness and separated from advanced hospital resources, Guardian Flight’s decision to equip its Fairbanks-based aircraft with packed red blood cells isn’t just a medical upgrade—it’s a lifeline. “For our communities, this means hope,” added Sherman. “This initiative closes the critical gap for rural residents and visitors, ensuring that these lifesaving interventions begin the moment our teams arrive at the patient, not when they arrive at the hospital.
Guardian Flight Alaska, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), has distinguished itself as one of the few air medical services nationwide equipped to carry packed red blood cells onboard every flight. This enhancement launched recently with aircraft based in Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and now, with the addition of Fairbanks, expands the availability of transfusion care to numerous communities throughout the state. In further expansions, aircraft serving Deadhorse and the North Slope will begin carrying blood products by the end of April.
A sustainable partnership
The program is powered by the Blood Bank of Alaska, ensuring that this vital service is both lifesaving and sustainable. Blood is a limited and precious resource with a short shelf life, sometimes just a few days. Designed with sustainability in mind, Guardian Flight returns unused blood products to the blood bank for use in hospitals or emergencies, reducing waste and ensuring every donation can still help a patient in need.
Strict safety protocols also ensure blood is stored and tracked at the proper temperature during every mission, giving patients and donors confidence that their contribution is used wisely and stays in Alaska to help those in need.
Call to action
Guardian Flight encourages Alaskans to donate blood through the Blood Bank of Alaska to ensure this critical resource remains available for patients in need.
“This initiative wouldn’t be possible without Alaska’s blood donors,” said Sherman. “A single donation helps make this life-saving program possible for families across the region.”
For additional information on blood donation, reach out to Blood Bank of Alaska.
Air Medical Membership: Financial Peace of Mind
In Alaska, where air medical transport is often the only option for reaching lifesaving care, Guardian Flight stands apart by allowing patients to enroll in air membership with no waiting period. This flexibility means families can focus on care, not costs, knowing they’re financially protected from unexpected air ambulance expenses.
“In Fairbanks and throughout the state, where distance and time can change everything, air medical transport isn’t optional — it’s a lifeline. Providing membership with no waiting period means Alaskans can count on us when it matters most, bringing certainty and support into the most critical moments,” said Sherman.
Guardian Flight is a participating provider in the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), the largest air medical membership network in the country. Membership covers all household members with no out-of-pocket costs, only when flown by Guardian Flight or any AMCN provider and can be activated instantly or purchased in advance. Annual memberships in Alaska are just $125, ensuring peace of mind is accessible to everyone in the community.
“Having immediate access to blood products is especially vital in Fairbanks, where distance and challenging geography often result in extended transport times to definitive care,” said Vice President of Operations for Guardian Flight, Jared Sherman. “By carrying our own supply of blood products, we’re also helping protect this limited resource, so it remains available for patients receiving care at local hospitals.”
Backing up this innovation is compelling clinical evidence. Research has shown that in-flight red blood cell transfusions increase a patient’s odds of surviving the first 24 hours by nearly five times and lower the risk of shock by over 70%. With much of Alaska’s Interior surrounded by wilderness and separated from advanced hospital resources, Guardian Flight’s decision to equip its Fairbanks-based aircraft with packed red blood cells isn’t just a medical upgrade—it’s a lifeline. “For our communities, this means hope,” added Sherman. “This initiative closes the critical gap for rural residents and visitors, ensuring that these lifesaving interventions begin the moment our teams arrive at the patient, not when they arrive at the hospital.
Guardian Flight Alaska, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), has distinguished itself as one of the few air medical services nationwide equipped to carry packed red blood cells onboard every flight. This enhancement launched recently with aircraft based in Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and now, with the addition of Fairbanks, expands the availability of transfusion care to numerous communities throughout the state. In further expansions, aircraft serving Deadhorse and the North Slope will begin carrying blood products by the end of April.
A sustainable partnership
The program is powered by the Blood Bank of Alaska, ensuring that this vital service is both lifesaving and sustainable. Blood is a limited and precious resource with a short shelf life, sometimes just a few days. Designed with sustainability in mind, Guardian Flight returns unused blood products to the blood bank for use in hospitals or emergencies, reducing waste and ensuring every donation can still help a patient in need.
Strict safety protocols also ensure blood is stored and tracked at the proper temperature during every mission, giving patients and donors confidence that their contribution is used wisely and stays in Alaska to help those in need.
Call to action
Guardian Flight encourages Alaskans to donate blood through the Blood Bank of Alaska to ensure this critical resource remains available for patients in need.
“This initiative wouldn’t be possible without Alaska’s blood donors,” said Sherman. “A single donation helps make this life-saving program possible for families across the region.”
For additional information on blood donation, reach out to Blood Bank of Alaska.
Air Medical Membership: Financial Peace of Mind
In Alaska, where air medical transport is often the only option for reaching lifesaving care, Guardian Flight stands apart by allowing patients to enroll in air membership with no waiting period. This flexibility means families can focus on care, not costs, knowing they’re financially protected from unexpected air ambulance expenses.
“In Fairbanks and throughout the state, where distance and time can change everything, air medical transport isn’t optional — it’s a lifeline. Providing membership with no waiting period means Alaskans can count on us when it matters most, bringing certainty and support into the most critical moments,” said Sherman.
Guardian Flight is a participating provider in the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), the largest air medical membership network in the country. Membership covers all household members with no out-of-pocket costs, only when flown by Guardian Flight or any AMCN provider and can be activated instantly or purchased in advance. Annual memberships in Alaska are just $125, ensuring peace of mind is accessible to everyone in the community.
