posted December 30, 2025

Myles Dobson beat the odds and lived to thank those who helped him

Stillwater, OK, Dec. 30, 2025 – When 33-year-old Myles Dobson was airlifted last May from Stroud Regional Medical Center to Oklahoma State University Hospital in Tulsa, doctors weren’t sure he would survive. The MediFlight of Oklahoma crew, based in Stillwater, transported him for acute respiratory distress, but he also went into cardiac arrest multiple times. Thankfully, Dobson overcame the odds, and on Dec.21, he and his family visited the MediFlight base to thank the crew for their role saving his life.

“He was acutely ill, and we anticipated his condition would deteriorate rapidly,” said MediFlight of Oklahoma Flight Paramedic Chase Boyd. “He was truly one of those patients that I was afraid wouldn’t make it during his stay at the hospital, which is uncommon for a 33-year-old person.”

Dobson spent 150 days in the hospital and underwent numerous interventions including ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) which takes over heart and lung function, emergency dialysis to support his kidneys, had 16 chest tubes placed, and received 159 units of blood.

“Returning to see the flight crew was like going back to see family,” said Dobson. “The way they cared for me that day [of the transport] was nothing short of the best. I cannot thank them enough for their fast response to my needs.” 

The MediFlight of Oklahoma helicopter is staffed with best-in-class flight nurses and paramedics who provide critical care for trauma, heart attacks, strokes, high-risk obstetric needs, pediatric emergencies, burns, motor vehicle accidents, and other time-sensitive medical events. With advanced medical equipment and medications onboard, it functions as a flying ICU. Crews carry whole blood which can be administered on scene or in flight, significantly increasing positive outcomes for patients. They also carry a Zoll AutoPulse ® NXT device, which administers automatic, high-quality chest compressions in flight, allowing clinicians to focus on other essential interventions for patients in cardiac emergencies.

“It was truly an honor getting to visit with him, and it was humbling seeing this man, who I thought wouldn’t live another week, make it to the holiday season and be able to enjoy his family this Christmas,” said Boyd. “It is amazing that he was able to walk around the base and tour the helicopter he rode in just seven months ago. His children were adorable, and his wife was very passionate. They all demonstrated true appreciation for our small participation in ensuring Myles got to spend another Christmas with his wife and children this year.”

A GoFundMe site was established to help the family cover expenses until Dobson can return to work.