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Most people will never have occasion to travel on an air ambulance.  For those who find themselves needing one, most don’t know the first thing about what to expect, which is completely understandable. Some people simply assume that riding on a medflight air ambulance is no different than flying on a commercial airliner – with in-flight entertainment, reclining seats, and flight attendants providing food and beverage service. But that's not the case. In fact, there are some very important differences between flying commercially and flying on an air ambulance.

First, it’s important to remember that air ambulances fall into one of two categories: fixed-wing or rotor-wing. Basically, a fixed-wing air ambulance is an airplane and a rotor-wing air ambulance is a helicopter. Today, we'll be talking about fixed-wing air ambulances.

A fixed-wing medflight air ambulance is a plane (either a jet or turbo prop aircraft) that has been specially equipped to transport patients. Inside, instead of rows of seats, you'll find medical equipment – including a specialized stretcher, advanced life support (ALS) system, defibrillator, ventilator and IV pump, as well as tools for electronic documentation and charting, and a complete array of critical care medicines.

When the patient’s particular condition requires it, you'll find additional specialized equipment in the plane, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a handheld blood analyzer, intra-aortic balloon pump, fetal heart and tocodynamometer (toco) monitor, isolette with environmental controls, and low-flow air/oxygen blender.

Aside from being equipped with an array of medical equipment, there are some other key differences between a commercial airliner and an air ambulance:

• Medical crew. Instead of flight attendants, an air ambulance is staffed with a highly trained medical crew, completely focused on the safety and comfort of the patient. (Read about the qualifications of our medflight air ambulance crew.)
• Number of passengers. After accommodating the pilots, medical crew, and patient, there is generally only room for one or maybe two additional passengers on an air ambulance flight. The exception is heavy jets like the Gulf Stream, which often can accommodate multiple passengers.
• Limited space for carry-on luggage. On a medflight air ambulance, passengers are typically limited to one standard-sized piece of carry-on luggage. Don’t expect overhead bin space – there isn’t any. If you have a lot of luggage, you may have to ship it separately. (We're happy to help you make arrangements to get your luggage to your destination; please let us know in advance.)
• Bathroom facilities. Most medically equipped airplanes don't have lavatories.  So if you're accompanying a loved on an air ambulance flight, you'll need to use the restroom before boarding the plane.
• Cost. An air ambulance is typically more expensive than air medical transport on a commercial airliner.  But there’s a good reason why: while on a commercial airliner you are sharing the cost of the flight itself with numerous other passengers, on an air ambulance you are chartering the plane on your own.  In addition, there is far more specialized (and expensive) medical equipment on an air ambulance than a medical escort would bring on a commercial flight.

When a patient needs an air ambulance, it’s often a stressful time for both the patient and her family. Knowing what to expect before you board the aircraft can help ease some of the anxiety. At MedFlight911, we’ll do everything we can to explain the air medical transport process before the trip begins to make sure you feel at ease.

When you think of an air ambulance, you might imagine dramatic rescue missions in dangerous locations, or a high-stakes emergency response after a major car crash. That's certainly an important part of what air medical transport companies do. But there are many other situations where people may need an air ambulance. Below, we've listed some of the different situations where people may need air medical transport.

Patients who have had a heart attack or stroke.  Patients who are currently, or have just experienced a heart attack or stroke need emergency medical attention at the closest equipped emergency medical facility (like an ER) and are typically transported there in a ground ambulance or helicopter (rotor-wing air ambulance).  However, for many patients, that first emergency facility is not the best place for them over the short-to-medium term, so they need a fixed-wing (airplane) air medical transport to a specialized facility.

Children with high-risk medical conditions. Unfortunately, children may not show signs of serious illness (such as cancer) until they need critical care. These patients may need to be transported via air to a hospital specializing in pediatric critical or intensive care.

Patients who need complicated surgery or treatment. People who need complicated surgery or other medical treatment may need to be moved from a less-specialized facility to another location. This could include people who've overdosed or been poisoned, those who need emergency dialysis, or people who've been in severe accidents.

Individuals in remote locations. While people who live in developed areas have relatively easy access to hospitals, there are still many isolated locations where medical care may be virtually non-existent. People who live or work in remote areas may rely on an air ambulance for life-saving medical treatment. 

People who've suffered accidents or become ill abroad. People who suffer medical problems while traveling internationally may need air medical transport to return to their home country. If your condition is serious, flying home on a commercial airliner may simply not be an option. In other cases, the area you're visiting may lack adequate medical facilities. Whatever the situation, an air ambulance provider can see that you get back home safely so you can get the care you need.

People with serious, long-term illness. These patients may be in stable condition, but if they're bedridden or can't sit up for extended periods, they may not be able to fly on a commercial airline. Non-emergency air medical transport can help move someone from a nursing home, for example, to a facility that is closer to members of their extended family.

While we sincerely hope you never need to use an air ambulance, it does help to know about situations where one may be necessary. You can read more about the critical role air ambulance service plays in providing medical care in the U.S. in The History of the Air Ambulance –MedFlight911’s Current and Future Role.  

Many of the patients who use MedFlight911 worldwide air ambulance service suffered a significant trauma and need air medical transport to a specialized treatment facility or a convalescent care (recovery) facility.  Nearly all of these patients will eventually do some sort of therapy.  But what does “therapy” mean in this context?

The terms "physical therapy," "occupational therapy," and "speech therapy" are commonly used with little to no explanation or description of the type of therapy, what it entails, and ultimately how and why it helps your loved one.  So let's answer some of those questions here.

Physical therapy (PT)

Physical therapy is a health care specialty that involves treatment of the muscles and skeletal system.  The goal is to restore, as much as possible, independence of movement to a patient while working to avoid future injuries.  When health problems, a recent fall, or surgery make it difficult for a person to move and perform everyday tasks, his or her doctor will typically prescribe physical therapy.  Physical therapists use cold and hot packs, electrical stimulation, targeted exercise, and massage to accomplish specified goals.  Common ailments that can benefit from physical therapy include:

·         Joint replacement

·         Back pain

·         Tendon or ligament problems

·         Arthritis

·         Spinal stenosis

·         Parkinson's disease

·         Multiple sclerosis

·         Chronic pain

Physical therapists can also assist patients in the late stages of a disease process or while in hospice.  In those situations, the therapist assists the patient to maintain his or her functional abilities for as long as possible, reduce the care burden for caregivers, and assist in pain control and the avoidance of bed sores.

Occupational therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy and physical therapy are often confused.  This is understandable as physical and occupational therapists will often work as a team to help a patient.  Occupational therapy is focused on a person's functional abilities.  Occupational therapists do not treat injuries like physical therapists do; rather, they help the patient regain his or her independence and ability to accomplish tasks after an injury.  Occupational therapy also focuses on both the mental and physical abilities required to complete a task.  Mental illness, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorders are all issues commonly addressed in occupational therapy.  Additionally, an occupational therapist can evaluate and determine a client's need for orthotics/splints, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy is a treatment program designed to help patients regain and increase their ability to communicate through speech.  Speech therapists are often called in after speech loss or increased difficulty in swallowing after a stroke or trauma, and after surgery involving the mouth or throat.  Speech therapy includes the repetitive exercises and devices that make communication easier.  A speech therapist can also aid with chewing, swallowing, and other issues involved with eating.

Art therapy

Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of making art to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals.  Art therapy is often used to reduce stress and to aid individuals in dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and the emotional and psychological difficulties related to illness, trauma, and loss of abilities.  Art therapists use a variety of mediums to best allow patients to express themselves.

Things to consider

When choosing a therapist, here are some issues to consider:

·         You want a therapist who is experienced with  the patient’s particular health or issues.  If the patient is receiving therapy as an inpatient, for example in a rehabilitation facility for individuals who had strokes, then the therapists will be well versed in their needs; if you are looking for an outpatient therapist, you’ll likely have to do more due diligence to find the right one.

·         If you are considering outpatient treatment for your loved one, can his or her doctor recommend a therapist?

·         Does the patient need a referral from his or her physician?

·         Will the patient’s insurance company pay for the therapy?  

We know that as air ambulance providers we’re just one step in chain of care of a patient.  But we also understand that caregivers – family members, friends, and other loved ones – are looking to understand the other aspects of the patient’s care, once they’ve left the air ambulance.  So that’s our goal in our caregiver blog posts: to help you understand the bigger picture of your loved one’s care.  If you have a question, or an issue you’d like us to address, please let us know.

Wednesday’s blog post covered Steps 1 through 4 in arranging air medical transport, from choosing an air ambulance provider to finding the right form of medical transport (read 10 Steps in Arranging Air Medical Transport, Part 1).  Today, we’ll review the last six steps – from contacting your insurance company to figuring out what to do with the luggage.

5. Contact your insurance company – we can do it together

If you are planning to file a claim for reimbursement with your insurance company, it’s important to bring them into the discussion early on.  We can call your insurance company together and the MedFlight911 air ambulance transport coordinator will work with the case manager at the insurance company.  We can’t guarantee that your insurance company will decide to cover the transport, but we’ll do everything we can to help make it happen.

6. Coordinate with the departing and receiving facilities – we take care of this

Once we’ve decided the form of medical transport that is best for the patient, we will coordinate with the departing facility about the day and time we’ll arrive to pick up the patient, who will be the air medical transport crew arriving, and the form of transport we’ll use to transfer the patient from the departing facility to the airport.  We will also coordinate with the receiving facility about the day and time we’ll arrive to transfer the patient into their care.

7. Arrange facility-to-airport transport – we do this

How will the patient get from the departing facility to the airport or fixed-base of operation (FBO)?  Will it be a ground ambulance, a stretcher van, or an executive car?  Based on the patient’s medical condition we’ll determine the best way to transfer the patient from the departing facility to the airport or aircraft at the FBO.  We’ll do the same for the patient’s transfer from the airport or FBO at the other end to the receiving facility.  Your MedFlight911 transport coordinator we take care of these arrangements for you.

8. How to prepare if passenger(s) are accompanying the patient

In some cases family members or friends may accompany the patient in the air ambulance (for a detailed discussion, see Top 5 Worldwide Air Ambulance Service FAQs).  Any passengers accompanying the patient on the flight should arrive at the departing facility at least 30 minutes prior to facility departure time to accompany the patient and the flight crew in the ground ambulance (or, for more than one passenger, to follow the ground ambulance).  The passenger(s) may also opt to meet the patient at the airport or FBO at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure time.

9. How to prepare if pet(s) are accompanying the patient

In some cases pets will be allowed to accompany the patient in the air ambulance.  Pet arrangements must be made in advance, and the pet(s) must be transported in an approved pet carrier. Pets will not be allowed out of the carrier during the flight. To avoid disappointment or misunderstandings, please discuss any pet arrangements with your MedFlight911 transport coordinator.

10. Preparing luggage

If the patient is travelling on a medically-configured air ambulance jet, space is extremely limited, so patients and passengers may only bring one carry-on per person (no larger than 22”x14”x9” – a typical carry-on size) unless otherwise noted by your MedFlight911 transport coordinator.  If the patient is travelling on a commercial airplane with an air medical transport escort, then the airline’s luggage limits apply.

For more detail on how to get the patient’s luggage from point A to point B, see How Much Luggage Can I Bring on an Air Ambulance?

To read more about the MedFlight911 medical transport process, click here to request a copy of our “What to Expect” informational flyer.

So the doctor says your loved one needs to get to a medical facility in another country/state/city.  How will you get them there?  In this 2-part series learn the 10 steps in arranging air medical transport for yourself or your loved one.

1. Choose a receiving facility

The facility – hospital, rehab center, care facility, etc. – where the patient is currently at is called the “departing facility.”  The “receiving facility,” then, is the place where the patient is going.  In most cases, the patient’s doctor, case manager, or social worker will have already recommended the receiving facility, and will help the patient and family make arrangements with that facility.

2. Choose an air ambulance provider

Now, how to get there?  Depending on the severity of the patient’s medical condition, if the receiving facility is relatively close – within a radius of a couple hundred miles – then a ground ambulance or helicopter ambulance (also called a rotor wing air ambulance) might be the right mode of transportation; MedFlight911 and most other air ambulance providers do not offer either of those services.

But if the patient is travelling outside a radius of 300 miles or so then he or she will need either an air ambulance medically-configured private jet, an air medical escort on a commercial flight, or a medically-configured motor coach.  Many air ambulance providers, like MedFlight911, provide that range of medical transport options.

Beyond determining whether you need a ground, helicopter, or air ambulance, how do you choose a provider?  Of course the decision is important – the life of the patient is in that provider’s hands.  Yet it can be hard on the Internet to tell which provider is best.  First choose a small handful of providers who seem like they might be good – based on the information they provide on their website or a recommendation from a case manager – and then call them.  A conversation will tell you a lot. 

For more detail on choosing an air ambulance provider, see 5 Questions to Ask an Air Ambulance Provider.

3. Give the air ambulance provider background information – we’ll ask all the right questions

Once you’ve chosen the air ambulance provider, you’ll need to give their transport coordinator detailed information about where the patient is now (departing facility), where the patient needs to go (receiving facility) and the patient’s medical condition.  You’ll also need to give permission for the air ambulance flight coordinator to talk with the patient’s doctors and nurses at both the departing and receiving facilities.  Our air ambulance medical crew will be taking over medical care of the patient between the departing facility and the receiving facility, so we need to have all of the information that the doctors and nurses do.

4. Determine the right form of transport – we’ll help

Based on the patient’s medical conditions, the locations of the departing and receiving facilities, and any other circumstances (family members accompanying the patient, for example), your MedFlight911 transport coordinator will help you determine the form of transport that is best for the patient.  In some cases, it will be an air ambulance – a medically-configured jet.  In other cases, it will be an air medical transport escort who accompanies the patient on a commercial flight.  Or, it could be a medically-configured motor coach.

This is not a decision that you’ll make on your own.  Based on our experience and expertise, a full knowledge of the factors described above, and an understanding of insurance and other financial-related factors, we will recommend that medical transport option that is best for the patient.  For more detail on choosing the right form of medical transport, see How Do I Decide Which Type of Medical Transport Is Right for Me (or My Loved One)?

To read more about the MedFlight911 medical transport process, click here to request a copy of our “What to Expect” informational flyer.  And stay tuned for Friday’s blog with steps 5-10.

Most people have never flown on a traditionally-configured private jet, let alone a medically-configured air ambulance.  So we completely understand that patients and their family members who are preparing for air medical transport with us have lots of questions about the air ambulance aircraft they’ll be flying on.  We’ve listed five of the most common questions – and our answers – here.  If you have additional questions, please give us a call at 888-359-1911.

1. Are family members allowed?

In most cases, yes.  When we have our initial conversation we’ll ask about whether there might be other passengers accompanying the patient, and we’ll factor that into our aircraft recommendation.  (Some of the smaller aircrafts cannot accommodate anyone besides the flight crew, medical crew, and patient; others can accommodate a number of passengers). Of course, our primary concern is getting the patient where he or she needs to go, safely and quickly; if the available aircraft cannot accommodate passengers, we will help those passengers make other arrangements.

2. Can I bring luggage?

Due to the limited space in the aircraft, luggage is limited to one carry-on per person (no larger than 22”x14”x9” – a typical carry-on size) unless otherwise noted by the MedFlight911 transport coordinator.  If the patient and/or accompanying passenger(s) need to transport more luggage than that, we are happy to help make those arrangements.  For more information, refer to How Much Luggage Can I Bring on an Air Ambulance?

3. Will food be served?

While in the air, basic drinks and snacks are available. A full meal may be provided on flights longer than 5 hours; this will be discussed as part of the pre-flight procedures.  Remember that the only people on board the aircraft are the pilot and co-pilot, the medical crew – typically a flight nurse and paramedic – the patient, and maybe a passenger (patient’s family member).  There are no flight attendants.  While our mission is of course a comfortable flight for everyone on board, our focus is always on the health and safety of the patient, and all decisions about meals and otherwise will be made in the best interest of the patient.

4. Can I bring a pet with me on the air medical transport?

We understand that this is a scary, stressful time for the patient, and that the presence of a beloved pet can help to ease that stress and fear.  While we will always make the decision that is best for the patient’s safety and health, we will work with you to find an air ambulance solution that can accommodate a small pet in an approved pet carrier (the pet will not be allowed out of the carrier during the flight).  Of course, the decision depends on the patient’s medical condition, the size and type of pet, the aircraft, and the duration of the flight.  To avoid disappointment or misunderstandings, please discuss any pet arrangements with your MedFlight911 transport coordinator.

5. Is there a bathroom on the air ambulance?

Most medically-configured aircraft are not equipped with lavatories.  This is not typically an issue for patients, as they usually are not up and about using the restroom.  For any passengers accompanying the patient, we highly recommend using the restroom prior to boarding the aircraft.  In some cases – if the patient will be traveling on a heavy jet, for example – lavatories may be available on the air ambulance.  Check with your MedFlight911 transport coordinator regarding specially equipped aircraft. 

Overall, it’s really important to remember that even on a medium-sized air ambulance like a Lear Jet, when it’s configured to provide acute medical care, there is very little extra room.  This is almost nothing like a commercial airliner, or even much like a Lear Jet that is not equipped with a stretcher base, medical monitors, medications, oxygen, and other medical equipment.

When an air ambulance provider arrives at the departing facility (the hospital or wherever the patient is leaving from) we take over care, and continue care until we drop the patient off at the receiving facility and the doctors and nurses there take over.  Sometimes, we have to do a lot of work with the care team at the departing facility to prepare the patient for the air medical transport.  That was the case with 10-year old Ryan.

Last fall Ryan was playing with his brother in the woods outside their home in a small town in Indiana.  He was chasing after a bird when he slipped and fell, hard.  His brother helped him up and rushed him home.  His mom got him to the nearest hospital, where they did a CT scan but weren’t able to determine whether Ryan had sustained a serious injury that could become life-threatening.  So the doctors decided that Ryan needed to see a specialist surgeon; the nearest was in Chicago.

Air medical transport to Chicago

I was part of the critical care flight crew on the air medical transport that day.  We knew going in that the case was a complicated one, and that the nurses and doctors had all been focused on the boy’s injury.  When we arrived at the hospital, we conducted our standard patient assessment and found that Ryan had an infiltrated IV – the IV fluid was leaking into the skin rather than going into the vein.

We all agreed it was important that Ryan have a functional IV before we took him on the air ambulance. Yet Ryan had already had multiple procedures and was really scared about being poked and prodded any more (it’s hard for kids, of course, to understand that the doctors and nurses are trying to help).  His mom, too, was fearful of more procedures that would cause more pain.

I remembered a similar situation from years back with a child we were transporting on the air ambulance who also had an infiltrated IV when we arrived to pick him up.  Working from that experience, we got some very warm towels and wrapped them around Ryan’s arms; the plan was that the warmth would flush Ryan’s skin and we would be able to find a good vein for the IV.

When we unwrapped the towels, though, still no vein.  Ryan was so scared and upset that his veins had constricted.  So we tried everything to take his attention off the situation, reduce his anxiety, allow the warm towels to flush Ryan’s skin and identify an IV location.  We were all very nervous, I can’t lie – there was a lot of pressure! – but we got the IV in.

Ryan was happy (because the IV was no longer painful), his mom was happy (knowing that Ryan would be getting the fluids he needed) and we were off to Chicago in the air ambulance.  In the end, Ryan’s injury was not as severe as we had all feared, and now he’s back home and just about the same as before (if a bit more cautious).

For air ambulance providers, experience matters

So what’s the message here?  It’s that experience – for an air ambulance provider or any medical professional – matters a lot.  In times of stress, when the going gets rough, we fall back on our experience.  And at MedFlight911, we believe that our air medical transport crew should have a lot of experience to fall back on – and we all do.  So that our patients are in the best of hands, no matter what arises.

*As always, the stories I write about here are true, though I often change names and locations to protect the privacy of our air medical transport patients.

The busiest travel days of the year are behind us now (or ahead of us, I suppose, since it’s now 2012), but countless travelers with disabilities or medical conditions will nonetheless continue to encounter difficulty when passing through security.  I’ve written about this topic before, but it keeps coming up, so here are 4 FAQs on flying with a disability or medical condition, medical device screening, and the value of air medical transport.

1. If I have a disability or medical condition, can I bring liquid medication on the plane?

Yes. All passengers are allowed to bring small amounts of liquid on the plane, and some types of liquids are allowed in larger amounts for passengers with disability and medical conditions, including:

·    All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;

·    Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;

·    Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;

·    Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and

Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 requirements.

However, per Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, “if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member. Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.”

2. If I’m in a wheelchair, do I still have to go through security?

Yes. Passengers in wheelchairs should have a wheelchair attendant to help them through security.  They’ll go to the front of the security line, or through the flight crew line.  The TSA is still required to do a security check on the passenger, but instead of going through the metal detector like most of us typically do, the passenger goes directly to the side area where they will be scanned by a TSA official with a handheld scanning device.

3. Can I bring a medical device, like an oxygen concentrator, on the plane?

Generally, yes.  Here the rules are a bit different for getting through security than actually getting on the plane. The TSA recommends but does not require passengers to have documentation of their disability or medical condition in order to proceed through security with a medical device or the liquids listed above (though passengers should be prepared to answer questions about their disability, condition, and devices/medications for TSA personnel).

But to get on the airplane with a medical device like an oxygen concentrator or wheelchair, special documentation called a medical fit-to-fly information form (MEDIF) is required.  Unfortunately, we’ve seen and heard about many passengers who were hassled or even denied boarding because they didn’t have the proper documentation. 

That’s one reason why having an air medical transport escort can significantly reduce the stress of traveling with a medical condition or disability: the medical escort knows the ins and outs of all the rules and regulations, which can vary by airline and even by airport.  At MedFlight911 Air Ambulance, we know the documentation that’s required, the people we need to talk to, and the steps we need to take to ensure that our patients and all of their medical supplies make it safely and comfortably onto the airplane.

4. If I have an implanted medical device with metal in it, will I be able to pass through security?

This question is actually personal; my mother has cancer, and has a cancer port with metal in its construction implanted in her chest. When she flew in November to visit relatives back East, the TSA screener was unfamiliar that such a device existed and so he put my mother through an unnecessary amount of additional screening until a supervisor who was familiar with it finally stepped in.

Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do to improve the familiarity of TSA screeners with medical devices, but passengers can learn what to say to the TSA screener.  And here is another case where having an air medical transport escort who knows very clearly all of the TSA regulations regarding medical devices can help a lot.

To learn more, check out the blog post Can’t I Just Take My Sick/Injured Loved One on a Plane Myself? or get started with your air ambulance transfer request now.

Here at MedFlight911, we believe that top-notch air ambulance service starts with having top-notch people.  So I’m really happy to congratulate our Medical Director Dr. Charles A. “Chip” Finch Jr., D.O. for his recent appointment to the Des Moines University Board of Trustees.  As Medical Director, Dr. Finch provides medical oversight to all patients treated and transported by MedFlight911.

In addition to serving as our Medical Director, Dr. Finch is a partner and staff physician in the department of emergency medicine at Scottsdale Emergency Associates, and in pediatric emergency medicine at Maricopa Medical Center.  He has received a variety of accolades, including being named the 2011 Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association Physician of the Year and 2011 DMU College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Finch also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association and the Board of Directors for the American Lung Association of Arizona.  He holds faculty and committee positions at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he is chair of the integrative medicine department; A.T. Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona; Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; and DMU, where he is an adjunct clinical assistant professor.

Dr. Finch also serves on the board of directors of Stepping Stones of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and education to grieving children, families, adults and communities. He is the founder and camp director of Camp Paz, a Stepping Stones program in which grieving adults and children come together to heal in a safe environment (an incredible program that MedFlight911 is proud to support).

We’ve said it many times before, but we understand how stressful and scary it can be for the patient and his or her loved ones when they’re in a situation to need an air ambulance or air medical escort.  It’s our job to take the fear and uncertainty out of the transport process, making the entire experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.  To make that happen we rely on the best doctors, paramedics, nurses, and support staff, all of whom are passionate about patient care.  People like Dr. Finch.