posted June 04, 2025

Leaves legacy of service, mentorship, and community impact 

SAN DIEGO, CA – June 4, 2025 – After more than three decades of distinguished service in emergency medical services (EMS), Flight Nurse Kelly Forman officially retired her wings from Air Methods’ Mercy Air program on May 31, capping her extraordinary career with a heartfelt celebration at Crownair Aviation.

With over 230 attendees — including Air Methods teammates and leadership, local dignitaries, elected officials, and community partners — the event honored Forman’s remarkable contributions and lasting legacy. Affectionately known as the “Godmother” of Mercy Air, Forman’s impact as a mentor, clinical expert, and advocate has left an indelible mark on pre-hospital care across the San Diego region.

“Thirty years passed in a flash,” said Forman. “Flying and working at Air Methods has been nestled alongside my entire adult life. I flew the flight line pregnant with both my boys. I have the most incredible memories I could share.”

Forman’s reputation for clinical excellence and patient advocacy has earned her widespread respect and recognition. Representatives from Senator Catherine Blakespear (38th District), Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (74th District), and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson (District 2) were among those who honored her service with formal recognitions. In addition, partner fire agencies, who worked closely with Forman over the years, spoke highly of Forman and the Mercy Air program.

“Kelly and the Mercy Air team have been an integral part of our emergency medical response system, consistently elevating the standard of patient care across the region,” said Retired Poway Fire Chief Jeff Chumbley, who was joined by CAL FIRE, Camp Pendleton Fire, and Viejas Fire in presenting Forman with a commemorative shadow box. “Our enduring partnership is a reflection of Kelly’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication. From her early days with Life Flight of San Diego and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Air Rescue, her impact on the EMS community has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Forman began her flight nursing career with the University of California San Diego’s (UCSD) San Diego Life Flight program before joining San Bernardino Sheriffs’ Air Rescue. She later joined Air Methods through the acquisition of Mercy Air. Seamlessly, Forman stayed with Mercy Air, ultimately serving in countless roles including chief flight nurse, area director, and business development manager. But through all the titles, one remained closest to her heart – flight nurse.

“It was an easy decision to stay with Air Methods,” she recalled. “There’s nothing that fills my soul quite like the excitement and purpose of pre-hospital EMS.”

Beyond the flight line, Forman has been a trailblazer in EMS leadership and education. Her influence extends to the next generation of emergency physicians.

“Kelly is a living encyclopedia of experience and compassion, always generous in sharing her knowledge,” said UCSD Doctor and Air Methods Medical Director Christian Sloane. “What many may not realize is that she has profoundly influenced every single UCSD emergency medicine resident class since the program began. The clinical excellence she brought to every patient encounter is truly unparalleled.”

Throughout her career, Forman has played a prominent role in shaping San Diego County’s EMS infrastructure. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the California Ambulance Association (CAA), the County Paramedic Agencies Committee, and was appointed to the Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors — a term-limited role she held well beyond the standard four-year term due to her respected voice and dedication.

Among her many contributions, she co-authored the County’s Rotorcraft Air Medical Services Plan, facilitated Mercy Air’s expansion into Imperial County, and helped coordinate regional air ambulance dispatch protocols. Most recently, she was appointed to represent the San Diego Ambulance Association in the county’s EMS System Redesign initiative — an ambitious, three-year plan to evaluate and enhance EMS delivery across the region.

As she steps into retirement, Forman is embracing the next chapter with a grateful heart and a well-earned sense of pride.