AirCARE1 has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to carry inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) aboard its Learjet 60 aircraft after completing the required clinical, operational, and aviation processes.
Inhaled nitric oxide is a prescription medical gas delivered through a breathing or ventilator circuit. It relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, helping improve oxygenation, lower pulmonary pressure, and reduces strain on the heart in responsive patients.
This therapy can be especially important for infants experiencing severe oxygenation failure associated with pulmonary hypertension. In this population, iNO is FDA approved to improve oxygenation and reduce the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Continuing therapy during transport helps maintain oxygenation and pulmonary stability throughout the bedside-to-bedside journey.
iNO may also support select burn patients whose injuries are complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe hypoxemia, or increased pulmonary pressure. Although it does not treat the burn itself, iNO may be used as temporary rescue therapy to improve oxygenation and stabilize the patient during transfer.
Because iNO is transported as a regulated hazardous material, providing it in flight requires specialized equipment, trained clinicians, documentation, and aircraft-specific procedures. By voluntarily completing the FAA authorization process, AirCARE1 formally incorporated iNO into its regulated operating system, ensuring the capability meets high standards of safety, compliance, and patient care.
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