Injured Motorcyclist Reunites with Tulsa Life Flight Crew Who Helped Save His Life 

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Zachary Moore visits air medical base to express his gratitude 

PRYOR, OK, Dec. 30, 2024 – Tulsa Life Flight’s emergency air medical crew was thrilled to hold a Christmas Eve reunion with former patient Zachary Moore to celebrate his remarkable recovery following a motorcycle accident. The emotional visit marked a significant milestone for both Moore and the crew who played a critical role in saving his life.  

On June 20, 2023, Moore, then 21, lost control of his motorcycle and was thrown to the side of a rural two-lane road where he laid until a passerby found him and called 911. 

When Wagoner County EMS arrived on the scene, they found Moore unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was immobilized and intubated. Tulsa Life Flight 2, based in Pryor, was called to transport him to Ascension Saint John Medical Center in Tulsa. Once on the scene, Flight Nurse Amy Zodrow and Flight Paramedic Ed McConville conducted a head-to-toe trauma exam and placed a chest tube to help reduce mortality and permanent disability. 

“The flight to Tulsa took 18 minutes, but due to the extent of his injuries, it felt a lot longer than that,” said Zodrow.  

Moore spent nine days in the hospital being treated for bleeding around the brain, blood and air in his chest cavity, and a torn diaphragm. Thankfully, his motorcycle helmet protected him from additional head trauma. He continued his recovery in a rehabilitation unit at St. Francis Hospital.  

When Moore visited the base on Dec. 24, 2024, he brought the crew members cast metal crosses he made himself as a token of appreciation. His visit also coincided with Zodrow’s last shift with the company, making this reunion even more memorable. 

“The timing couldn’t have been any better,” said Moore. “Because of this experience, I am really thinking of becoming an EMT and serving as a fire fighter. I am so grateful for you both.” 

Moore spent about three hours at the base, sharing lunch along with stories about the night of the accident and his road to recovery. 

“We see so many negative things in this job,” said McConville. “But you really made our Christmas this year.” 

Tulsa Life Flight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider. It was the first air medical helicopter in the state and has been serving Oklahoma for 45 years. Its helicopter functions as a flying ICU, complete with the industry-leading equipment and medications needed to provide emergency care on board each flight. The highly trained and experienced flight nurses and flight paramedics carry blood that can be administered in flight, provide advanced airway intervention, and can perform the pre-hospital procedures needed to give patients the best chance at a positive recovery.