SHOREVIEW, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Life Link III, a leader in critical care air medical transport, and Playback Health, an innovator in healthcare technology solutions, are proud to announce a strategic partnership that will revolutionize clinical documentation within the air medical industry. This collaboration marks the first step towards a permanent integration of Ambient AI technology into the air medical transport environment, streamlining patient documentation and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of clinical data capture.
Air medical transport is a uniquely challenging environment where timely and accurate clinical documentation is crucial. By leveraging Playback Health’s cutting-edge Ambient AI technology, Life Link III aims to automate and enhance the process of capturing patient data during flights. This real-time approach not only reduces the documentation burden on clinical teams but also improves the quality and reliability of patient records—critical factors in delivering outstanding care during emergencies.
“We are excited to join forces with Playback Health in pioneering the application of Ambient AI in the air medical setting,” said Kolby Kolbet, Chief Innovation Officer. “Life Link III takes great pride in our history as early adopters of new technology, and this collaboration is a significant extension of that legacy. By integrating Playback Health’s innovative technology, we can ensure that our clinicians have more time to focus on patient care, while our documentation processes become more accurate and efficient. This partnership is a game-changer for emergency medical services and will set new standards in the industry.”
Playback Health is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, dedicated to harnessing the power of AI to improve patient outcomes. Their Ambient AI technology is designed to capture complex clinical interactions seamlessly, transforming them into comprehensive and accurate documentation without disrupting the flow of care. “Working with Life Link III allows us to streamline critical care when it matters most,” added Greg Odland, CEO of Playback Health. “We’re thrilled to bring our technology to air medical transport, where speed and accuracy can make all the difference.”
“At Life Link III, our utmost priority is to deliver the highest level of critical care while ensuring both patient and operational safety,” said Dr. Bjorn Peterson, Chief Medical Officer at Life Link III. “This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for our clinicians to focus more on patient care and operational safety, rather than being burdened by administrative tasks. By automating the documentation process with Playback Health’s Ambient AI, our teams can devote their full attention to delivering rapid, life-saving care during missions, while also ensuring that administrative responsibilities are significantly reduced.” This initiative directly supports Life Link III’s commitment to operational excellence and safety in every phase of patient transport.
This partnership is not just about technological advancement; it represents a broader vision to elevate the standards of critical care transport. By pioneering Ambient AI in air medical transport, Life Link III and Playback Health are setting the stage for widespread adoption of advanced digital solutions across the air medical transport and EMS sectors. The expected outcomes include reduced administrative burden, enhanced data accuracy, and ultimately, improved patient care and outcomes in critical settings.
About Life Link III
Life Link III operates eleven helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Hibbing, Rush City and Willmar, Minnesota, and Marshfield, Rhinelander and Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The company’s helicopter and airplane services provide on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport for patients requiring critical care. 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. In 2024, the program was awarded the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence Gold, marking a historic first as the only critical care air transport program in the nation to receive the prestigious honor at the Gold level. The AACN Beacon Award for Excellence is a significant recognition program in healthcare that honors exceptional patient care environments.
The Beacon Award evaluates units across three crucial areas: Patient Outcomes, Work Environment, and Nursing Workforce. It assesses various factors including leadership structures, staffing, communication, knowledge management, evidence-based practices, and patient outcomes. This comprehensive evaluation makes the Gold-level achievement a testament to excellence across all aspects of critical care delivery.
Life Link III is a not-for-profit consortium made up of the following member-owner organizations: Allina Health, CentraCare Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, Fairview Health Services, Regions Hospital/HealthPartners®, Hennepin Healthcare, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Aspirus St. Luke’s, and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).
Learn more at www.lifelinkiii.com
About Playback Health
Playback Health is a pioneering healthcare technology company that develops innovative AI-driven solutions to enhance clinical workflows and improve patient outcomes. By focusing on Ambient AI, Playback Health is transforming the way healthcare providers capture and utilize patient data, enabling more efficient, accurate, and seamless documentation processes.
Learn more at www.playbackhealth.com
Media Contacts:
For Life Link III:
Katie Burkhart
Sr. Director, Marketing & Partner Engagement
[email protected]
For Playback Health:
Sarah Lowe
Marketing Director
[email protected]
