Guardian Flight Brings Lifesaving Blood Onboard Benefitting Alaska's Remote Patients
9.30.2025
Studies show in-flight transfusions can increase survival rates by nearly five times — a vital step forward in a region where every minute counts
In Alaska, where oceans, mountains, and weather often separate patients from advanced hospitals, Guardian Flight is closing the gap. The state’s largest air medical provider now carries blood on every aircraft stationed in southeast Alaska, giving even the most remote communities access to hospital-level transfusion care midair.
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 and plasma onboard every flight. This enhancement applies to aircraft based in Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, expanding the availability of transfusion care to numerous communities throughout Southeast Alaska.
“By carrying blood on every flight, Guardian Flight can bring the hospital directly to the patient,” Jared Sherman, vice president of operations for Guardian Flight said. “This is not common practice across the U.S., but it’s vital in Alaska. Long transport times and remote geography mean that having blood onboard can truly be the difference between life and death.”
Backed by research, built for Alaska
The decision is grounded in powerful evidence. A landmark study of helicopter transports found that in-flight red blood cell transfusion increased patients’ odds of surviving the first 24 hours nearly five-fold and reduced the risk of arriving in shock by more than 70%. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that giving plasma during transport improved 30-day survival by nearly 30% compared to standard care.
These outcomes are especially meaningful in Southeast Alaska, where flights to trauma centers often exceed 20 minutes — the scenario where studies show the benefit of prehospital transfusion is greatest.
“For patients in remote villages or island communities, this is more than a medical upgrade — it’s a lifeline,” Sherman stated. “Blood products allow our crews to stabilize patients faster and give them the same fighting chance as someone who lives next door to a trauma center.”
A sustainable partnership
The program is inspired by SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and 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 ensure blood is stored at optimal temperatures during every mission.
“This partnership is about equity in care. Whether someone lives in a remote village or a larger town, they deserve the same chance at survival in a medical emergency,” said Dr. Cate Buley, SEARHC chief medical officer. “By bringing blood onboard every flight, we’re helping ensure that distance is no longer a barrier to lifesaving care for the people of Southeast Alaska.”
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,” Sherman added. “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.
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 and plasma onboard every flight. This enhancement applies to aircraft based in Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, expanding the availability of transfusion care to numerous communities throughout Southeast Alaska.
“By carrying blood on every flight, Guardian Flight can bring the hospital directly to the patient,” Jared Sherman, vice president of operations for Guardian Flight said. “This is not common practice across the U.S., but it’s vital in Alaska. Long transport times and remote geography mean that having blood onboard can truly be the difference between life and death.”
Backed by research, built for Alaska
The decision is grounded in powerful evidence. A landmark study of helicopter transports found that in-flight red blood cell transfusion increased patients’ odds of surviving the first 24 hours nearly five-fold and reduced the risk of arriving in shock by more than 70%. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that giving plasma during transport improved 30-day survival by nearly 30% compared to standard care.
These outcomes are especially meaningful in Southeast Alaska, where flights to trauma centers often exceed 20 minutes — the scenario where studies show the benefit of prehospital transfusion is greatest.
“For patients in remote villages or island communities, this is more than a medical upgrade — it’s a lifeline,” Sherman stated. “Blood products allow our crews to stabilize patients faster and give them the same fighting chance as someone who lives next door to a trauma center.”
A sustainable partnership
The program is inspired by SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and 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 ensure blood is stored at optimal temperatures during every mission.
“This partnership is about equity in care. Whether someone lives in a remote village or a larger town, they deserve the same chance at survival in a medical emergency,” said Dr. Cate Buley, SEARHC chief medical officer. “By bringing blood onboard every flight, we’re helping ensure that distance is no longer a barrier to lifesaving care for the people of Southeast Alaska.”
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,” Sherman added. “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.
