What does it take to become a crew member of the LIFE STAR helicopter, the critical care air ambulance that has been transporting patients since 1985?

Since the medical transport began at Hartford Hospital, LIFE STAR helicopters have been added at MidState Medical Center in Meriden, Backus Hospital in Norwich and, more recently, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Mass.

Here’s a look at how new recruits prepare at Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation:

More on CESI:

And here’s a look at Life Star flight nurse Kyle Faugno:

To learn more about Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation, click here.