Guardian Flight Advances Healthcare Access on the North Slope with Onboard Blood Program
4.15.2026
The new capability improves emergency care for Alaska Native villages and remote industrial sites.
In a major advancement for emergency medical care on Alaska’s North Slope, Guardian Flight's Deadhorse base of operations is now the first and only air medical provider in the region to carry lifesaving blood products on every flight, setting a new standard for care in one of the most remote and challenging environments in the country.
“For the thousands of rotational oilfield workers, village residents, and anyone living or working on the North Slope, carrying blood products on board every flight means quicker access to life-saving care when emergencies happen,” said Jared Sherman, vice president of operations for Guardian Flight. “We’re not just transporting patients—we’re delivering advanced treatment during the most critical window of time.”
Over 80% of Guardian Flight missions from the North Slope carry patients to Anchorage, which takes about two and a half hours by air. Previously, patients needing blood transfusions often had to wait until they reached the hospital. By stationing blood products directly on aircraft based in Deadhorse, Guardian Flight is closing a critical gap in care for North Slope communities.
Sherman adds, “Carrying blood onboard is an incredible improvement to the healthcare services we deliver—it allows our crews to begin lifesaving transfusions immediately, right at the patient’s side.”
The decision is backed by compelling clinical evidence. Studies show that in-flight red blood cell transfusions can increase a patient’s chance of surviving the first 24 hours by nearly five times and reduce the risk of shock by more than 70%. In an environment defined by vast distances, extreme weather, and limited infrastructure, early interventions can be lifesaving.
Building stronger healthcare for Alaskans
Guardian Flight, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), is among a small number of air medical providers nationwide equipped to carry blood products on every flight. By introducing this initiative in Deadhorse, Guardian Flight sets a new precedent as the region’s sole provider of advanced air medical care, further demonstrating its dedication to enhancing outcomes for Alaska’s most isolated populations.
“We are always looking for ways to improve healthcare for Alaskans,” explained Sherman. “That’s why we have a base in Deadhorse, and why this next step is so important. This program brings hospital-level trauma care to some of the most remote patients in the state, when they need it most.”
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 program exists because of Alaska’s blood donors,” said Sherman. “Every donation directly supports lifesaving care for patients and families who depend on us during their most critical moments.”
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.
“On the North Slope, distance isn’t just measured in miles—it’s measured in time,” said Sherman. “Air medical transport is often the only way to reach lifesaving care, and offering membership with no waiting period ensures Alaskans have one less thing to worry about when emergencies strike.”
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.
“For the thousands of rotational oilfield workers, village residents, and anyone living or working on the North Slope, carrying blood products on board every flight means quicker access to life-saving care when emergencies happen,” said Jared Sherman, vice president of operations for Guardian Flight. “We’re not just transporting patients—we’re delivering advanced treatment during the most critical window of time.”
Over 80% of Guardian Flight missions from the North Slope carry patients to Anchorage, which takes about two and a half hours by air. Previously, patients needing blood transfusions often had to wait until they reached the hospital. By stationing blood products directly on aircraft based in Deadhorse, Guardian Flight is closing a critical gap in care for North Slope communities.
Sherman adds, “Carrying blood onboard is an incredible improvement to the healthcare services we deliver—it allows our crews to begin lifesaving transfusions immediately, right at the patient’s side.”
The decision is backed by compelling clinical evidence. Studies show that in-flight red blood cell transfusions can increase a patient’s chance of surviving the first 24 hours by nearly five times and reduce the risk of shock by more than 70%. In an environment defined by vast distances, extreme weather, and limited infrastructure, early interventions can be lifesaving.
Building stronger healthcare for Alaskans
Guardian Flight, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), is among a small number of air medical providers nationwide equipped to carry blood products on every flight. By introducing this initiative in Deadhorse, Guardian Flight sets a new precedent as the region’s sole provider of advanced air medical care, further demonstrating its dedication to enhancing outcomes for Alaska’s most isolated populations.
“We are always looking for ways to improve healthcare for Alaskans,” explained Sherman. “That’s why we have a base in Deadhorse, and why this next step is so important. This program brings hospital-level trauma care to some of the most remote patients in the state, when they need it most.”
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 program exists because of Alaska’s blood donors,” said Sherman. “Every donation directly supports lifesaving care for patients and families who depend on us during their most critical moments.”
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.
“On the North Slope, distance isn’t just measured in miles—it’s measured in time,” said Sherman. “Air medical transport is often the only way to reach lifesaving care, and offering membership with no waiting period ensures Alaskans have one less thing to worry about when emergencies strike.”
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.
