Life Link III improves readiness & patient outcomes with self-directed resuscitation classes

Life Link III increased Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rates to 92% over three months by implementing a standardized, self-directed resuscitation training model. This new approach resolved logistical challenges and ensured clinicians across their widespread bases received consistent, high-quality resuscitation education, ultimately improving readiness and patient care.

Introduction

Life Link III® provides on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transportation for the most critically ill or injured patients. Established in 1985 as one of the first nonprofit consortium programs in the nation, it has grown into one of the largest hospital-based programs in the United States, completing over 2,000 patient transports annually. With a robust history of improving patient care and transport safety, Life Link III is the first and only critical care air medical transport program in the nation to receive the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence at the Gold level.

The Problem

Life Link III operates numerous bases across small communities throughout the Midwest. This geographic distribution created significant logistical hurdles for maintaining consistent and effective resuscitation training. Before partnering with HealthStream to implement the American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite™, the organization struggled with several key issues.

It was nearly impossible to conduct live, in-person classes frequently enough to serve all locations. This made maintaining staff compliance and instructor credentials incredibly difficult and resource intensive. The previous self-directed model used voice-assisted mannequins, which helped but still required managers to transport bulky equipment between bases, creating logistical inefficiencies. Life Link III needed a more streamlined, scalable, and cost-effective solution to ensure every clinician—regardless of their location—had access to standardized, high-quality resuscitation training that would directly translate to better patient outcomes.

The Solution

To overcome these training challenges, Life Link III became one of the first cohorts to implement the American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite™ in 2020. This self-directed, blended learning model offered the flexibility and standardization the organization needed. The decision to transition was primarily based on the solution's compliance recognition, affordability, and adaptive learning component, which gives clinicians credit for their existing knowledge and streamlines the training process. "From a compliance perspective, knowing that it was accepted throughout the space we're licensed in as well as by our accreditation bodies really helped seal the deal," said Megan Hartigan, BSN, RN-BC, Paramedic, Director of Education & Clinical Practice, Life Link III.

The value of the program’s mannequins was an easy sell to their decision makers and allowed them to equip all 12 bases with a full set, eliminating the need to transport heavy equipment. Hartigan noted, "We could easily show the value of buying a set of mannequins for every single one of our 12 locations. It would pay for itself in under six months."

The new program was well-received by clinicians, who were impressed by the precision and accuracy required during the skills portion. Hartigan added, "The immediate feedback was much better than our previous program." The online curriculum ensures that learners cannot advance until they demonstrate competency, reinforcing a consistent standard of care across the entire workforce. “You have to comprehend and then apply the skills," Hartigan explained. "The current science is what you get every time.” This ensured all staff members were aligned with the latest ILCOR-approved science, a critical factor for accreditation and state licensure.

Result

The transition to the American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite™ produced significant, measurable improvements in both training efficiency and patient outcomes. By standardizing resuscitation education, Life Link III ensured its clinicians were always ready to provide the highest level of care.

The most profound impact was seen in patient outcomes. Life Link III achieved an impressive 92% Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rate over a three-month period, with a rolling 12-month average of 81% for non-traumatic cardiac arrest who obtain ROSC on delivery to the accepting facility. Hartigan proudly states, "I think that's pretty gosh darn good when you look at it from the start of the BLS all the way through that highest level of care delivery."

This data demonstrates a direct link between consistent, high-quality training and life-saving results. The standardized program also streamlined compliance management, enabling the organization to maintain near-100% compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. The ability to easily track their staff’s progress through HealthStream’s performance dashboard ensured that no clinician fell behind, reinforcing a culture of readiness and excellence.

Conclusion

The partnership between Life Link III and HealthStream has transformed resuscitation training into a streamlined, effective, and highly scalable process. By implementing the American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite, Life Link III has not only solved its logistical challenges but also enhanced clinical competency and achieved remarkable improvements in patient outcomes. The standardized, self-directed model ensures every clinician is prepared to deliver exceptional care, reinforcing the organization's commitment to safety and excellence.

Looking ahead, Life Link III plans to continue its partnership with HealthStream by implementing the Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program, further demonstrating its trust in the quality and effectiveness of the training solutions provided. This ongoing collaboration highlights a shared dedication to advancing healthcare education and improving patient survival rates.

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