History

Life Link III was formed in 1985 as one of the first nonprofit consortiums in the country to transport critically ill patients by helicopter. The company has always focused on clinical excellence and is an early adopter in bringing new technology to critical care. In 1974, the company (then known as Bio Medical Research Associates, or BMRA), was a pioneer in the industry by providing intra-aortic balloon pump support, Swan-Ganz and other hemodynamic monitoring services to hospitals. In 1985, BMRA was purchased by Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Allina Health), St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center (HealthPartners®) and the University of Minnesota (Fairview Health Services), and became Life Link III.

Today, Life Link III operates eleven helicopter bases located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Helicopter and airplane services are available 24/7, providing on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport. Life Link III’s transportation services are accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Systems), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met on every transport.

Our Rich History

1979 : Bio Medical Research Associates (BMRA) provides special units for ground transport

BMRA was a pioneer in the industry by providing intra-aortic balloon pump support, Swan-Ganz and other hemodynamic monitoring services to hospitals.

1981: Airplane Ambulance Added

To better serve the needs of a growing population, an airplane ambulance was added to provide care to those who needed it

1985: BMRA purchased by original members

BMRA was purchased by Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Allina Health), St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center (HealthPartners®) and the University of Minnesota (Fairview Health Services), and became Life Link III.

1985: Life Link III becomes nonprofit organization

Life Link III becomes a nonprofit 501(c)3 company which would eventually become one of the largest nonprofit consortium models in the country.

2007: Rice Lake base opens

Rice Lake base opens in 2007 providing air medical transport to the Rice Lake area and surrounding regions.

2008: Hibbing base opens

Based at the Range Regional Airport, Life Link III’s Hibbing base opened in 2008.

2009: Blaine base opens

Life Link III opens new base at Anoka County Blaine Airport.

2010: Alexandria base opens

Life Link III opens new base in Alexandria, MN, increasing critical care access to this region.

2011: Life Link III ends ground operations

Life Link III discontinues ground ambulance service to focus on air medical transport.

2013: New fleet of Leonardo 119Kx helicopters arrive

Life Link III updates it’s entire fleet of aircraft to Agusta Westland 119Kx helicopters, featuring customized EMS interior and advanced life-saving equipment.

2013: Willmar base opens

Life Link III opens new base in Willmar, MN to support air medical transport needs in central Minnesota.

2015: Cloquet/Duluth Base....

Cloquet base opens in 2015 and is a 12-hour base designed to accommodate the needs of northern Minnesota

2016: New Pilatus PC-12 airplane added to fleet

Life Link III adds Pilatus PC-12 airplane to fleet and launches 24/7 fixed wing service

2017: Brainerd base opens

Life Link III opens new base in Brainerd, MN to support this rapidly growing area

2018: Marshfield base opens

Marshfield Clinic Health Systems joins as tenth member of Life Link III consortium and a new base is opened in Marshfield, WI.

2020: Rush City base opens

Life Link III opens new base of operations in Rush City, MN.

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