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COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, July 23, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that the Council Bluffs Fire Department has selected Air Methods Ascend’s in-person and virtual reality programs to provide advanced training, including airway management training, for its first responders.
Located in Iowa’s eighth-largest city, the Council Bluffs Fire Department (CBFD) serves the city’s more than 60,000 residents. With over 100 full-time staff, including firefighters and paramedic-trained personnel, the CBFD provides fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency medical care, from its five neighborhood fire stations strategically located across the department’s 40 square mile jurisdiction. In 2023 alone, CBFD responded to more than 10,000 calls.
“Ascend’s cutting-edge airway management training will provide CBFD with the necessary skills to fulfill our pledge to protect the lives of the citizens of Council Bluffs,” said CBFD Fire Chief Justin James. “Having access to the same clinical education that Air Methods air medical teams receive allows us to remain confident that we are prepared to provide the best possible care every day.”
CBFD first responders will be taught by the same world-class instructors that train Air Methods clinicians, who boast a 94% first-time intubation success rate and will also have access to virtual reality training through Ascend’s latest partnership with SimX. This collaboration offers lifelike medical emergencies, through realistic virtual scenarios, allowing clinicians to enhance their decision-making skills and refine their ability to provide optimal patient care in high-pressure situations.
“We are excited to partner with Council Bluffs Fire Department to provide advanced and difficult airway training,” said Dr. Stephanie Queen, Air Methods Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “Our training will provide them with the latest clinical techniques and practices to provide the best possible care for their patients.”
Ascend’s in-person and online education programs provide pre-hospital and critical care clinicians with access to world-class educators, state-of-the-art tools, and cutting-edge technologies to help build their knowledge, enabling them to operate at the top of their licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements. Education programs include advanced manikin-based simulation and virtual reality training that mirror real-world patient care scenarios, building life-saving skills and confidence. Courses meet certification requirements for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), and International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC).
Learn more about the Ascend education program here.
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SUN CITY WEST, AZ, July 17, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that Arizona Fire & Medical Authority (AFMA) has selected Air Methods Ascend’s EMS Review online programs to provide continuing education to its first responders.
Covering more than 600 square miles and serving approximately 90,000 residents, the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, which was established in 2017, is a full service, all hazard fire and rescue agency providing services from 12 strategically located fire stations. AFMA is staffed by full-time and part-time fire and EMS personnel, as well as over 50 active citizen volunteers in community support roles.
“Ascend’s online programs provides AFMA with the necessary education to meet our goal of providing the highest level of care and quality service to our residents,” said Fire Chief Mark Burdick. “We are grateful to have access to cutting-edge continuing education to ensure our EMTs and paramedics have the knowledge to provide our patients with the care they need and deserve.”
AFMA’s first responders will receive access to Ascend’s online EMS Review programs, which cover various topics in airway management, cardiovascular, trauma, operations, and other medical emergency topics. With 60 curriculum hours, the program far surpasses the minimum requirements for recertification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
“We are excited to partner with Arizona Fire & Medical Authority and offer our online training programs to their EMTs and paramedics,” said Dr. Stephanie Queen, Air Methods Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “Our online programs are designed to equip first responders with the latest skills and knowledge to help provide the best patient care during emergencies.”
Additionally, Air Methods Ascend is a licensed provider of SimX’s virtual reality training platform. This platform offers over 300 clinical scenarios, enabling clinicians to immerse themselves in realistic medical emergencies. Through this immersive experience, clinicians can hone their decision-making skills and refine their ability to provide optimal patient care in high-pressure situations. Being a licensed provider also enables Ascend to offer virtual reality training remotely to its customers, significantly reducing training costs for the receiving agency.
AirLift Texas bases in Waco and New Braunfels can now transport patients with intra-aortic balloon pumps
WACO, TX, July 17, 2024 – Cardiac patients requiring intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) can now be transported between hospitals for specialized care by the emergency air medical teams with AirLift Texas. Starting today, the critical care crews at both the rotor wing base in Waco and the fixed wing base in New Braunfels, which serves the entire state of Texas and beyond, are trained and equipped to perform this delicate and highly specialized type of transport.
An intra-aortic balloon is a medical device surgically placed in the aorta (the large artery leaving the heart) by a cardiologist when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively due to a heart attack or chronic cardiac condition. The balloon is then attached to a pump that inflates and deflates it to push blood through the body. This intervention reduces pressure on the heart and keeps blood flowing when the heart needs time to recover from a cardiac event. It can even be used to assist patients waiting for heart transplants.
“With heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States, these devices are becoming more common,” said Joel Ramirez, area manager with Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service and parent company of AirLift Texas. “Cardiologists are gaining the ability to place these devices within smaller hospitals, but they must rely on critical care transport teams to transfer patients to larger hospitals capable of providing more advanced cardiac treatment. The ability to fly these patients allows them to get the care they need more quickly when time is precious.”
Both AirLift Texas bases use the Getinge Cardiosave Hybrid Balloon Pump, which is the most advanced transport balloon pump on the market. It utilizes fiber-optic pressure sensing to pump with the heart for the most accurate timing. The highly skilled flight nurses and flight paramedics with AirLift Texas undergo annual didactic and hands-on training, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the device and the clinical needs of the most critical cardiac patients. Because of the high level of training required, AirLift Texas is the only community-based air medical program in the region providing this type of specialty transport.
“When time is of the essence, we have the ability to intervene with highly competent and trained clinicians,” said Air Methods Clinical Director Eric Connor. “Air Methods is and has been the industry leader in respect to the level of training we provide to our flight nurses and flight paramedics. Being able to provide this level of specialized critical care transport will positively impact the lives of Texans who need expedient and compassionate care.”
All Air Methods clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.
Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and are in-network with most major health insurance providers for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability.
Recruiters to attend upcoming Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair
Fort Novosel, AL, July 16, 2024 – As the nation’s leading air medical service, Air Methods understands the inherent value of hiring Veteran service members and every year salutes National Hire a Veteran Day. Created by Marine Corps Veteran and Hiring Our Heroes founder Dan Caporale, the day is recognized annually on July 25 as a reminder to employers to hire Veterans transitioning to civilian life. No matter the military unit, the background of those who serve undoubtedly pairs with Air Methods’ purpose of always being mission ready.
As a salute to National Hire a Veteran Day, Air Methods’ Talent Acquisition teammates Dave Burgess (Army Veteran) and Michael Drake (active-duty Army pilot) are attending the upcoming Hiring Our Heroes event at Fort Novosel on July 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. CDT. Both teammates have two decades of armed forces experience and have transitioned to Air Methods through the DOD SkillBridge.
“More than one-third of Air Methods’ workforce have served or are currently serving in the military,” said Paul Williams, vice president of talent acquisition at Air Methods. “We understand the skillsets and values—teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, etc.—our service members bring to our mission.”
Flying for Air Methods’ Life Saver base in Cusseta, Pilot Juan Garcia is a testament to how a background in the armed forces is perfectly suited for employment with the company. Garcia was hired upon his retirement from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 nearly seven years ago. “I was ready to retire from the Army to spend more time with my family, and I learned about Air Methods at Heli-Expo,” said Garcia. “After researching different air medical companies, I knew Air Methods was the one I wanted. I was hired and assigned to a base in Georgia where all of the pilots were from the military. It created an instant bond between us that made it a very comfortable place to work.” He later joined the pilot pool (where pilots travel around the country to fill in for others taking time off or to cover open shifts until a permanent pilot is assigned to the base) and found many other Veterans within the company. At the Life Saver base in Cusseta where he currently works, all four pilots are Veterans. When reflecting on both his military and civilian careers, Garcia sees many similarities between them.
“I like the structure and standardization of both the military and Air Methods,” said Garcia. “The ongoing education with regular training and annual evaluations is also very similar. I like that familiarity.”
Moving from the military to a civilian position can be daunting, but Air Methods works to make it as easy as possible. By having an established military transitioning team made up of Veterans and active reservists who have made their journey from military to civilian service, the team will work with Veterans seeking employment with Air Methods to help them understand and navigate the hiring process.
The Hiring Our Heroes event will be held at Wings Chapel, Bldg. 6036 Andrews Ave., Fort Novosel, Alabama 36362. Event organizers request registration before arrival. For more Air Methods military career opportunities, visit the website.
Pensacola’s Life Flight and Niceville’s Okaloosa MedFlight perform special flyover
Pensacola, FL, July 15, 2024 – As a demonstration of their honor and respect for EMS professionals who died in the line of duty, Life Flight 1, based in Pensacola, and Okaloosa MedFlight, based in Niceville, provided a helicopter escort for the National EMS Memorial Service Moving Honors procession as it made its way across the Florida panhandle on Sunday, July 14. Both bases are part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service.
“Any opportunity to pay tribute to fellow EMS personnel that have fallen in the line of duty is an honor and something we are proud to be a part of,” said Life Flight 1 Flight Nurse Dakota Ward. “Many of us personally know EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty that have been recognized by the National EMS Memorial Service, so this means a lot to us.”
With new names added annually, this year’s memorial included the names of Marc Gann and Samuel “Adam” Russell who were killed in an air medical accident on April 2, 2023. They were part of the Life Saver 4 crew based in Sylacauga, AL, a sister program of Life Flight and Okaloosa MedFlight.
“Being able to participate in the procession is a privilege and an opportunity to express gratitude, respect, and solidarity with the individuals who have given their lives in service to others,” said Okaloosa MedFlight Flight Paramedic Taylor Skelley. “It is a way to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and their commitment to duty and honor is recognized and remembered for generations to come. It allows us, as a crew, to pay tribute and honor the memory and legacy of these fallen heroes who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”
As part of its trek across the country, the Moving Honors procession traveled from Summerdale, AL to Navarre Beach, FL on July 14. Life Flight 1 flew over the procession as it moved through Escambia County, and Okaloosa MedFlight accompanied it over Okaloosa County. Each aircraft had three crew members on board, with additional off-duty crew members attending the ceremony in Santa Rosa County. The nationwide procession started in Seattle, WA on July 5 and will end in Arlington, VA on July 20.
The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard the Life Flight and Okaloosa MedFlight aircraft are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death.
Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and are in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.
Flight Nurse Ben Hughes completes 1,000 patient transports
Semmes, AL, July 9, 2024 – While some milestones signify personal achievements, others highlight a commitment to changing the lives of others. USA SouthFlight Nurse Ben Hughes reached such a benchmark on June 26 when he completed his 1,000th patient transport.
This remarkable achievement not only represents the over 1,000 lives of patients and their families impacted by his exceptional prehospital care, but it also marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Hughes knew he wanted to become a flight nurse when he was only 17 years old and saw a flight crew in action.
“I remember looking in awe at a flight crew (many of whom I get to fly with today) and thinking, ‘These guys are the best of the best and I want to be on that team,’” said Hughes. “This job and this milestone are the culmination of that dream, and I am extremely grateful to be able to live it out alongside an incredible group of pilots and clinicians.”
Hughes cited humility, professionalism, and respect for people as keys to success as a flight nurse. His supervisor noted additional qualities that make Hughes a stand-out in the air medical industry.
“Ben Hughes is a name that is synonymous with dedication and excellence in the flight nursing field,” said Brent Wilson, area manager with Air Methods. “Ben has been with Air Methods a little over 10 years, and during that time he has faced numerous challenges and high-stress situations. Reaching 1,000 patient transports is a testament to Ben’s unwavering dedication and commitment to his patients, his coworkers, and Air Methods.”
USA SouthFlight is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopter are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death.
Improving patient outcomes by transfusing donated whole blood during transports
Snyder, TX, July 8, 2024 – The industry-leading trauma clinicians with the Native Air emergency air medical base in Snyder are proud to announce they now carry and can administer whole blood onboard every transport. Having whole blood aboard their helicopter allows them to provide additional life-saving care when every minute counts.
“When transfusion is required for patients with a traumatic injury involving hemorrhage, whole blood is the gold standard,” said Jason Guynes, flight paramedic with Native Air. “Positive outcomes are greater when the patient receives all of the blood components, including clotting factors, at the same time rather than in their separate parts.”
Receiving blood during pre-hospital care is critical for patients suffering from trauma or hemorrhagic shock. It is particularly valuable in rural areas where there may be limited access to donated blood. Since Native Air carries its own blood supply, its clinicians can administer it in-flight while preserving hospital stock. The crews previously carried packed red blood cells and plasma. Now they carry whole blood which contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma in one unit, providing additional clotting factors that aren’t present in packed red blood cells and plasma alone. Whole blood can also be administered more quickly since all of the components are present in one bag. Additionally, using universal, low-titer type O whole blood is not only safe in both children and adults, but it also eliminates the time needed to test patients for blood type when every minute counts in an emergency.
“Carrying whole blood on board means the people in the communities we serve have access to an even better lifesaving intervention than we had before,” said Stephanie Estep, account executive with Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the nation and the parent company of Native Air. “We are grateful to be able to carry this valuable resource and are even more grateful to those who donate it.”
All Native Air clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They are trained and equipped to provide the highest level of pre-hospital care to cardiac, stroke, pediatric, high-risk obstetric, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.
Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.
Emergency air medical base continues service in northern Utah
BRIGHAM CITY, UT, JULY 2, 2024 – To ensure critically ill and injured patients reach trauma centers faster when every minute counts, AirLife Utah 1 officially relocated its emergency air medical base from Ogden to Brigham City Community Hospital on Monday and continues to provide lifesaving services throughout northern Utah and southwestern Wyoming without disruption. With this relocation, AirLife Utah is now the only air medical service provider based in Box Elder County.
“Our commitment to providing the highest level of emergency air medical care is unwavering,” said Air Methods Account Executive Erik Bornemeier. “We are confident that we will be able to provide excellent and reliable care to even more patients, particularly those who have been underserved in the past, from our new location.”
The new base offers a strategic position that allows AirLife Utah 1 to be the primary air medical responder in Box Elder County, providing exceptional pre-hospital care and transporting patients to definitive care faster. It will also serve as a backup resource to people in Weber and Cache Counties when other medical helicopters in the area are unavailable, providing a higher level of emergency air medical coverage to the people in the region.
AirLife Utah 1 and its sister base, AirLife Utah 2 located in Lehi, are part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider. Their highly trained flight nurses and paramedics are equipped to transport cardiac, stroke, pediatric, high-risk obstetric, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death.
“I am so excited to partner with Air Methods to provide an additional resource to our community,” said Jami Cottle, CEO/Chief Nursing Officer of Brigham City Community Hospital. “This will provide the physicians and patients with a quick response for emergencies, and in the event the patient requires a higher level of care, it is immediately available for transport. This is going to amplify the exceptional care that we provide at Brigham City Community Hospital.”
Air Methods is committed to providing critical care to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability.
Community joined current and past crew members and partners in celebration
OMAHA, NE, June 20, 2024 – For 45 years, LifeNet of the Heartland has served Omaha and the surrounding area with life-saving care. In recognition of that milestone, many of those who have had a hand in the success of LifeNet 1-1 joined together in celebration at Falconwood Park on June 15.
“Among the first civil air medical programs in the country, LifeNet of the Heartland has shown unwavering commitment to this community,” said Derek Strohman, account executive for Air Methods, the parent company of LifeNet of the Heartland. “For 45 years, everyone from our nurses and paramedics to our pilots and mechanics have shown an unparalleled dedication to this program and we are so happy to help them celebrate this anniversary.”
Guests enjoyed a taco buffet and dessert while past and present crew members reminisced about the last 45 years. A selection of photos from nearly half a century, as along with a display of flight suits from over the years, highlighted the evolution of the base and the LifeNet program.
“It’s wonderful being able to celebrate the 45th anniversary of LifeNet 1-1 with the people who have made this program so successful,” said Air Methods Area Manager Mikele Wissing. “It also means a lot that this community has entrusted us to provide critical care when it’s needed the most. It shows how tied we are to the people of the Heartland.”
LifeNet 1-1 offers comprehensive critical care across all ages, from infants to seniors, encompassing cardiac, trauma, high-risk obstetrics, and various other serious medical conditions. Our specialized team can accommodate requests for intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) and Impella cardiac devices, as well as administer warm, humidified oxygen to address specific pulmonary complications necessitating advanced mechanical ventilation support. Earlier this year, all LifeNet bases in Omaha began carrying whole blood, ensuring access to crucial components like red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and clotting factors for patients facing trauma or hemorrhagic shock.
“It is a privilege and honor to represent those who walked before us, those who set a solid foundation for the air medical industry to grow here in Omaha,” said Flight Nurse Jeremy Moore. “Being able to celebrate and pay homage to past and present teammates, and those who made and continue to make a difference by being ready to respond, makes us proud.”
Originally known as Life Flight, the program was founded in 1979 by Creighton University Medical Center as the ninth air medical program in the United States. The program merged with University of Nebraska Medical Center’s SkyMed in 1997 and in 2000, changed its name to LifeNet. Acquired by Air Methods in 2003, the program has grown to include bases in Norfolk, Columbus, Crete, Kearney, and North Platte.
Crews from AirLift Texas and AirLIFE in Uvalde provide insight into air medical ecosystem
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, June 18, 2024 – Air Methods, a leader in air medical services, proudly hosted Shane Birdwell, chief of staff for Texas Senator Donna Campbell, at their fixed wing base in New Braunfels last Thursday. During his visit, Birdwell had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated crews from both AirLift Texas in New Braunfels and AirLIFE in Uvalde, gaining firsthand insight into the critical life-saving operations conducted by these air medical teams.
“As a physician, I truly appreciate the commitment and dedication of the brave men and women at Air Methods,” said Senator Donna Campbell. “Along with other first responders, they are crucial in ensuring the safety of communities in central Texas. I am grateful for the Air Methods team and their willingness to educate a member of my staff on everything they are leading on and the extent of their impact to Senate District 25.”
The visit began with an extensive tour of the New Braunfels fixed wing base, which opened at the end of 2023 to serve patients needing to travel further distances for definitive care and in a wider range of weather conditions. During the tour, Birdwell got an up-close look at not only AirLift Texas’ fixed wing aircraft but also AirLIFE in Uvalde’s helicopter, as well as the emergency medical equipment that makes rapid response and patient transport possible. The highlight of the day was a ride-along in the AirLIFE helicopter, giving Birdwell a unique perspective on the daily operations and the challenges faced by the crew in the air.
“We were honored to have Mr. Birdwell spend the morning with both of our programs,” said Air Methods Account Executive Lia Castagna-Munoz. “With this being such a large state, having both types of aircraft strategically located in Central Texas has been key in ensuring we are able to support not only the local communities, but also patients throughout the state.”
Birdwell’s visit underscores the importance of Air Methods’ integrated ecosystem in Texas, which strategically utilizes both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to cover a broad geographic area. This combination allows for swift and efficient transport of patients, ensuring that life-saving care is delivered promptly regardless of the location.
“Mr. Birdwell’s visit highlights the vital role that air medical services play in our community,” said Air Methods Area Manager of Texas Operations Joel Ramirez. “We are grateful for the time he took to experience our operations firsthand, and for Senator Campbell’s continued support and interest in our mission to save lives.”
The crews at both AirLift Texas and AirLIFE in Uvalde are highly trained professionals who administer the highest level of care during medical emergencies. Their presence in the region is crucial for rural and urban areas alike, offering rapid medical intervention that can make the difference between life and death.
For photos of Shane Birdwell’s visit, click here.
Improving patient outcomes by transfusing donated whole blood to save lives in the air
Wichita, KS, June 18, 2024 – LifeSave Kansas, based in Emporia, Garden City, Liberal, and Wichita, is proud to announce they now carry and can administer whole blood on every air medical transport across the state. Having whole blood aboard their helicopters and fixed wing airplanes allows their industry-leading trauma clinicians to provide additional life-saving care when every minute counts.
“Because it holds all of the blood components—red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma—whole blood provides additional clotting factors that aren’t available in packed red blood cells and plasma alone,” said Sarah Dudte, a flight nurse with LifeSave 15 in Wichita. “Whole blood replaces the blood that is lost and also helps to stop the bleeding, all in one unit.”
Because each unit of whole blood provides all blood components, it offers superior outcomes for patients suffering from trauma or hemorrhagic shock. It is particularly valuable in rural areas where there may be limited access to donated blood. Since LifeSave Kansas carries its own blood supply, its clinicians can administer it in-flight while preserving hospital stock. The crews previously carried packed red blood cells and plasma but are excited to now carry whole blood, which delivers oxygen around the body more effectively.
“Having whole blood on our aircraft gives patients with life threatening hemorrhage the best chance of survival,” said Todd Goetz, clinical director with Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the nation and the parent company of LifeSave Kansas. “We are honored to bring this game changing treatment to the communities we serve.”
The earlier patients receive whole blood, the better their outcomes, showing the significance of pre-hospital transfusion. Moderately to severely injured patients, including those with head injuries, particularly benefit from whole blood transfusions.
All LifeSave Kansas clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.
Crew joined by community, local partners and former patients in celebration
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY, June 17, 2024 – Celebrating two decades of providing life-saving care to Elizabethtown and surrounding communities, Air Methods of Kentucky 6 held a community event on June 13. Crew members, past and present, local partners, former patients, and members of the community came together at Freeman Lake Park to commemorate the milestone.
“This anniversary shows how much Air Methods of Kentucky means to the area and also how much the area means to Kentucky,” said Air Methods Area Manager Danny Bray. “Being able to celebrate this milestone with the people who have made it all possible, from our amazing crew and our hard-working partners to our inspirational patients, is truly special.”
Guests toured the Kentucky 6 helicopter, met the crew members, and learned more about their clinical capabilities. They also enjoyed a barbeque and ice cream sandwiches, and were able to meet several members of Hardin County EMS and crew members from the surrounding Air Methods of Kentucky bases, who stopped by to support their sister base.
“The citizens of Hardin County are very lucky to have this resource in their backyard,” said Hardin County EMS Deputy Director Tim Carr. “It can take us 45 to 50 minutes to get to Louisville and Air Methods can have you there in about 20 minutes.”
Among the guests was former patient Andy Wilkins, who was transported in August of 2021 after falling severely ill with COVID pneumonia. Wilkins, who was just 32 at the time, was flown from Elizabethtown to Louisville to be stabilized before he traveled to the University of Kentucky in Lexington for a bilateral lung transplant.
“I feel like I’m here amongst a bunch of heroes,” said Wilkins. “The Air Methods crew’s confidence, professionalism and skill helped ease my wife Michelle’s mind. Because of their great skill, knowledge, and determination, I get to wake up and tell my kid’s good morning every day. It’s something I will cherish until the end of my days.”
Also in attendance was 14-year-old Sage Moore, who was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in 2023 and had to be transported by Kentucky 6 to Louisville for treatment. Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury, the young man recently graduated middle school and was strong enough to walk on stage to receive his certificate.
“If it wasn’t for the Air Methods crew getting Sage stable and where he needed to be, he wouldn’t be here with us today,” said Moore’s grandmother Stephanie Petrie, who spoke on his behalf. “Sage is still recovering but if it wasn’t for Air Methods, I don’t know what we would have done.”
One of six CAMTS accredited full-service air medical transport bases under the Air Methods of Kentucky umbrella, Kentucky 6 in Elizabethtown is led by an experienced crew that boasts over 50 years of combined flight experience and is highly trained in pediatrics, high-risk OBGYN care, and specialized transport, including patients with intra-aortic balloon pumps. The base is also part of a Department of Defense-funded whole blood trial in conjunction with the University of Louisville.