Neoga, IL, Aug. 5, 2024 – On Saturday, the ARCH 3 air medical crew had the honor of reuniting with a former patient who is recovering following a life-threatening UTV accident earlier this summer.

On the evening of June 8, 21-year-old Bianca Miller was involved in a horrific rollover UTV accident, resulting in a severe head injury and skull fracture. While taking a sharp curve, she was thrown from the vehicle, which then rolled over and landed on her head. Miller was not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Witnesses were able to lift the UTV off of Miller but when first responders arrived, she was unresponsive. The ARCH 3 crew quickly responded to the scene and transported Miller from rural Neoga to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where doctors were able to stabilize her.

“When we are called to the scene of an accident, we know that the patient is going to be in rough shape,” said ARCH 3 Flight Paramedic Dylan Johnson. “Knowing the shape that Bianca was in when we transported her and seeing her with us today is a prime example of why we do what we do. She still has a long way to go, but we are proud of her telling her story to hopefully prevent others from suffering similar injuries.”

When Miller was transported by air to Urbana, she underwent surgery to reset several parts of her skull that were displaced. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to save her entire skull so she will have to undergo further surgeries to reconstruct her skull. However, she credits the ARCH 3 crew for saving her life.

“The ARCH medical team has been amazing,” said Miller. “Everyone that works there is so nice and caring, and I wouldn’t be here without their life-saving care. You guys are so awesome!”

On Agu. 3, Miller and her family had the opportunity to meet and thank the first responders who saved her life on that fateful June evening. The reunion included the ARCH 3 team, as well as members of the Cumberland County Sheriff Department, the Neoga Police Department, and the Neoga Fire Department.

Miller, who was not wearing a helmet or seat belt and was sharing a seat with another passenger during the accident, hopes she can use her story to raise awareness to the importance of UTV safety and help prevent similar accidents in the future.

“If you want to ride a UTV, wear your seat belt, wear a helmet. Sit in your own seat,” said Miller. “Just be careful and drive with caution.”

ARCH Air Medical is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. Their highly trained flight nurses and paramedics are trained and equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetric, stroke, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. ARCH 3 is one of seven locations branded under the ARCH Air Medical program, which is celebrating 45 years of service throughout the state of Illinois and Missouri providing lifesaving service to those who need it most.

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In July of 2020, the then five-year-old fell under a passing trailer while on a bike ride during a family camping trip in Island Park, ID. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was airlifted by Air Idaho Rescue to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and then again to Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT, where he underwent numerous surgeries to stop bleeding and repair a broken pelvis, broken femur, and damaged colon and bladder. He underwent 26 surgeries and spent 98 days in the hospital before returning to his home in Pocatello, ID.   

“It was an amazing opportunity to meet Jack and his family after such a harrowing experience,” said Air Idaho Rescue Flight Nurse Casey Waldron. “The chance to see Jack running, jumping, and playing after his immense injuries warmed my heart. This family has been through so much and has come so far, with numerous agencies involved in Jack’s care. It was an honor for us to be able to play a part in his recovery.” 

Moser’s uncle, Jordon Peterson, is a paramedic who reported that upon arriving at the hospital, the doctors said Jack’s pre-hospital care was exactly as it should have been to save his life.  

“It was mentioned multiple times that the stars were definitely aligned for this response and that Jack has big things to accomplish in this life,” said Jill Egan, account executive with Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the country and parent company of Air Idaho Rescue.  

Those big things have already started. Throughout his experience, Moser saw many needs and opportunities to help others, and has been the driving force to create annual toy, food, and blood drives to help the community. So far, the family’s drives have collected 495 donated units of blood and approximately 1,400 pounds of food for those in need. These efforts are all initiated by Moser. 

“I am humbled to see the strength and willingness to give back to the community that Jack and his family have,” said Pilot Keith Grover. “It was a privilege to work with all those that played a part in this life-changing experience.” 

Moser’s mother, Amber Peterson, was grateful for the opportunity to express her heartfelt thanks to those who served an important role in saving her son’s life. 

“We are so thankful for all the skilled hands that took part in the effort to save Jack’s life,” said Peterson. “They might have just been doing their jobs, but to us it was so much more than that and we appreciate them more than they will ever know.”  

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DESERT CENTER, CA – March 30, 2024 – This morning, 10-year-old Logan Sauceda and his family met at Riverside County Fire Department’s Lake Tamarisk Fire Station 49 to reunite and show appreciation to the emergency medical service (EMS) teams who helped save his life following a near-deadly allergic reaction Sauceda experienced last month. Sauceda reunited with the Firefighters from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Fire Communications Dispatchers, Mercy Air’s critical care flight team, and paramedics from AMR.

On Feb. 17, Logan was camping with his family in the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, and while rockhounding, began to feel unwell. Thinking he was dehydrated, Logan was given water and taken back to the car to rest. Shortly after, Logan explained he was feeling itchy and could hear his heart in his head laid down to take a nap. It was then, his father Alberto Sauceda realized he would need immediate medical attention. 

“I thought he was sleeping until I saw him shaking violently under the blanket, and then he just stopped shaking. He was unresponsive,” said Alberto. “He suffered a seizure and at the time, I didn’t know he went into cardiac arrest. When I began CPR, Logan’s grandfather called 911 and drove us to the main road so EMS could find us.” 

Due to the remote and very rural location of where Logan was, Alberto conducted CPR for more than 30 minutes with the help of Riverside County Fire Department’s Fire Communications Dispatcher Jennifer Jones before paramedics could arrive on scene.

“If it wasn’t for our fire communications dispatcher, who stayed on the line until our arrival, and the paramedics from Riverside County Fire Engine 49, the outcome would have been different,” said Fire Captain Scott Burnham. “I credit Logans’ dad and grandfather for remaining calm and following the directions from the Command Center Dispatcher with administering CPR and driving to a location which allowed Riverside County Fire Engine 49 to locate the patient.”

Once stabilized by paramedics, given the severity of Logan’s condition and needing immediate higher care — which was more than two hours away — Mercy Air 27 out of El Centro was dispatched. In transit to Desert Regional Medical Center, Logan had two more seizures and one cardiac crash.

“This is the type of call that we train and prepare for regularly, but hope we never actually have to respond to,” said Mercy Air Flight Nurse Nick Grindeland. “The ground EMS and fire personnel did a great job of stabilizing him within their scope until we arrived. He remained very critical throughout the initial flight to the hospital and required several high-level interventions and procedures during the flight.”

By the time Alberto arrived at the hospital, the medical team prepared both him and his wife for the worst as they were having a difficult time stabilizing Logan’s blood pressure. The hospital medical team recognized Logan needed further, specialized care and called upon Mercy Air 27 to provide interfacility transport to Loma Linda University Medical Center. By the grace of a miracle, less than a week later, Logan recovered enough to be discharged and walk out of the hospital by himself.

While still inconclusive, it was deduced that Logan experienced a severe food allergy reaction. The family knew Logan had an allergy to coconut, but the allergy never presented as severe. The morning of Logan’s medical event, the cooking spray used for breakfast contained coconut. 

“In the midst of adversity, where hope seemed distant, the courage of the fire department dispatchers with the determination of the firefighters, paramedics, nurses, pilots, and doctors forged a lifeline,” said Division Chief Richard Tovar. “Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the numerous agencies involved in bringing Logan home.”

Logan’s incredible recovery is credited to the immense coordinated effort of the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Mercy Air, and hospital teams. 

“I’m 100 percent sure without you all, we wouldn’t be here today to celebrate Logan’s recovery. You all are our heroes,” said Alberto. “Thank you from the bottom of my and all of my family’s hearts for saving the life of my son that day.” 

Pictures of Logan’s recovery and reunion photos can be viewed here.

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PASADENA, CA – March 28, 2024 – In a special reunion, Mercy Air 2 reconnected with former burn patient, 18-year-old America Salmeron at the Pasadena Police Department heliport. Salmeron, a Pasadena resident, is a unique patient as three different Mercy Air medical flight crews provided care across state lines on her journey of healing.

“I knew Mercy Air transported me back home, but until we started planning this reunion, I didn’t know the same program airlifted me from the accident in Nevada,” said Salmeron. “I still have a long journey to fully recover but I’m grateful to be standing here today to reunite with the crew and Pasadena first responders.”

In the fall of 2023, Salmeron was vacationing just outside of Las Vegas, NV where she experienced what could have been a fatal dune buggy accident if it wasn’t for her determination, courage, and will to survive. High speed ultimately led to the dune buggy accident, causing the vehicle to flip and quickly ignite a fire. Trapped in the passenger’s seat, Salmeron worked herself free from the vehicle but was severely injured from the fire. Local EMS arrived on scene and because of the severity of Salmeron’s condition, called upon Mercy Air 21 based in Pahrump, NV, to provide critical care and transport to University Medical Center for higher-level care.

Salmeron sustained third-degree burns, covering more than 50 percent of her body. Twenty days post-accident, Salmeron was stable enough to travel via air medical transport to Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center for care closer to home. Due to inclement weather in Southern California, Mercy Air 7 team in Henderson, NV worked diligently and quickly with its Mercy Air 2 sister team in Victorville, CA to coordinate through instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and safely transport Salmeron and her mother to Grossman Burn Center where she remained for nearly three months.

“The unwavering commitment to excellent patient care and grit of the Mercy Air teams to overcome many obstacles, allowed this courageous, young woman to recover near her home with family and friends close by,” said Pasadena Fire Department Chief Chad Augustin. “I’m sincerely grateful. It doesn’t go unnoticed that the Mercy Air program committed two aircraft and many hours of flight time to ensure that our America was safely and successfully brought home to recover.”

Salmeron has a special connection to the Pasadena Fire Department. Before her accident, Salmeron was a Fire Explorer with the department, with hopes of one day becoming a firefighter. While her dream of becoming a firefighter isn’t out of grasp, she recognizes she has limitations from her injuries.

“I knew I always wanted to do a job that was different, one that wasn’t in a woman-dominated career. I didn’t want a routine job. In the fire service, every call is different,” said Salmeron. “Although I might have some limitations now, I won’t let that stop me from reaching my dream to be a firefighter. I recently found hope in a news story where a person had more than 70 percent of his body burned at a young age and still achieved his dream of becoming a firefighter. I want to prove to myself and to the world that I’m determined to do that, too!”

Nearly healed from the burns, Salmeron still has a long road to a full recovery. Salmeron will require reconstruction surgeries as she is not able to fully extend her right arm and does not have fully functional fingers on her left hand.

“It’s not every day that we get to reunite with a unique patient like America,” said Mercy Air Flight Paramedic Jose Orozco. “We’re thankful to be a small part of her journey to recovery. It took excellent coordination and resources to accomplish this mission. We couldn’t have done it without the help of dispatchers, partners, leadership, clinicians, and pilots – all who are willing to go the extra mile to help patients.”

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About Air Methods
Mercy Air is part of Air Methods (airmethods.com), the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With over 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features approximately 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.

For interviews contact:                                                           
Denisse Coffman
Air Methods, Vice President of Corporate Communications                                                      
denisse.coffman@airmethods.com      
720-666-8499

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SCOTTSBURG, IN, Dec. 12, 2023 – To show appreciation for their lifesaving care, former patient 17-year-old Baylee Amos and her family reunited with the Air Methods of Kentucky air medical team Monday afternoon at Scott Memorial Hospital.

“While I can’t remember much about my accident, I do know how much I appreciate the team for helping to save my life,” said Amos. “We reunited with law enforcement and other emergency personnel already and wanted to show my appreciation for this team, too.”

Amos is a busy teenager, who loves to be with her friends, attend church, and carry out her work duties both at home and in her job. On Oct. 8, she was driving home late after a full day of activities. Not realizing how tired she was, Baylee fell asleep at the wheel, causing her to involuntarily increase her vehicle speed crashing into a ditch, head-on into a tree at about 70-80 MPH.

“We are unsure of why she left the roadway or what speed she was going,” said Mindy Sparrow, Baylee’s mother. “Given the nature of the accident, law enforcement is assuming she fell asleep and estimated the speed due to the extent of the damages. Baylee doesn’t remember the wreck and only remembers bits and pieces leading up to it.”

A bystander at a local campground near Amos’ accident called 911. Due to the severity of the crash, she was stuck in the vehicle for more than an hour and a half before EMS teams were able to free her legs. EMS teams activated Air Methods of Kentucky recognizing Amos’ need for emergent care.

“Early activation is key. We were activated early by local EMS partners, and because we carry blood products on every call, we were able to provide the lifesaving resource to Baylee while EMS teams worked to free her from the vehicle,” said Air Methods of Kentucky Flight Paramedic Greg Denz. “We’re thankful to our EMS partners for helping us play a role in Baylee’s care.”

Air Methods of Kentucky carries liquid plasma and packed red blood cells on every flight, allowing the flight team to begin a transfusion at the scene of an accident which can be continued through arrival at local trauma centers. Based in Bedford, KY, the program serves the surrounding region including parts of Indiana and Ohio.

“We are thankful that we can provide the services that we do to have outcomes like Baylee’s. I’m even more grateful to be reunited with Baylee and her family,” said Sam Newkirk, Air Methods of Kentucky flight nurse who assisted in transporting Amos to Norton Children’s Hospital.

The flight team — a small but mighty crew consisting of a pilot, nurse, and paramedic — receives annual state-of-the-art specialty training. Pilots are trained using Level D Full Flight Simulators, the highest fidelity flight simulator approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Clinicians receive hands-on training through Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Ascend is also available to medical personnel across the country.

‘We are grateful for their efforts that day,” said Sparrow. “I’m not so sure things would have turned out the way they did had they not been available to be at the scene, provide the blood transfusion, and transport her to the hospital. We’ve talked to the officer who responded that day. He said her accident is in the top five worst wrecks he has seen in the county.” 

Suffering a crushed Femur, a broken wrist, and a concussion, Amos is expected to make a full recovery. On Friday, Amos was cleared to begin walking without crutches, just in time to reunite with the flight crew. Her incredible recovery is credited to the immense coordinated effort of the prehospital and hospital teams and the availability of blood products at her moment of need. Air Methods of Kentucky’s lifesaving care helped lead to the survival and full recovery of Amos, leaving a lasting impression on her and her entire family.

“Since the accident, Baylee celebrated her 17^th birthday,” said Sparrow. “We also celebrated Thanksgiving with gratitude in our heart that she is alive and well.”

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OCEANSIDE, CA – Oct. 19, 2023 – This week, the EMS teams—Mercy Air 5 and Camp Pendleton Fire Department (CPFD)—who helped save the life of a 10-year-old boy, reunited with the young patient and his family at the Mercy Air base in Oceanside, CA to celebrate his miraculous recovery.

“If you don’t believe in a higher power, you’ll definitely question it after hearing Declan’s story. He is a walking miracle,” said Chris Henson, father of Declan Henson who experienced a bike accident earlier this summer, puncturing a main artery that supplies blood to the liver.

Declan was riding his bike to a friend’s house, just a block down the street from where the Henson’s live in Camp Pendleton, when his mother, Jennifer Henson, received a call through Declan’s watch—a watch that has an emergency (SOS) capability to call his parents—to let her know he had an accident and needed help. When Jennifer Henson arrived to her son, there were no visible injuries, but Declan was saying, “hospital, hospital.” She immediately called 911.

The CPFD truck that responded that day happened to have a paramedic on board, not all fire trucks that respond have paramedic capabilities. The paramedic saw Declan’s loss of color, knew immediate critical care was required, and dispatched Mercy Air 5.

“I’ll never forget my first assessment of Declan, and thinking he’s in trouble, and we need to move fast,” said Mercy Air Flight Nurse Amy Marquez.

Mercy Air is the only community-based emergency medical services provider in the area with the ability to carry and administer blood products before patients even reach a hospital. Mercy Air 5 carries liquid plasma and packed red blood cells on every flight, allowing the team to begin a transfusion that can be continued through arrival at local trauma centers—services that Declan required.

As the Mercy Air team arrived on the scene, Henson stopped breathing and no longer had a pulse. Declan’s condition was so severe, that he required airway procedures, continuous CPR, and rapid infusion of blood products the entire flight to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego (RCHSD).

“Typically, the limiting factor in blood transfusion is time,” said Zach Fica, a medical resident from UC San Diego Health who was on call with the Mercy Air 5 team that day. “Rarely do we have time to transfuse all units on one call.”

The team successfully and efficiently transferred care when they arrived at RCHSD, where Declan faced three exploratory surgeries to stop the internal bleeding over the next 12 hours.

“Declan’s loss of blood was so extreme, that the hospital had to call blood blanks to ensure they could supply enough,” said Chris Henson. “Doctor Ignacio, along with the countless doctors and nurses at Rady’s, was amazing in keeping Declan alive. We found out later through others, and through proof of Declan’s recovery, Ignacio is very well known and is a top-notch doctor in the field, specializing in trauma like this.”

After five surgeries, 55 staples in his abdomen, 181 units of blood and other products, 33 days in the hospital, lots of prayers, and ebbs and flows of physical therapy, Declan made a full recovery and is back home enjoying spending time with his parents and two siblings.

“The amount of time Declan required CPR and the great recovery he has had in a short amount of time is remarkable,” said Dr. Romeo Ignacio, Trauma Medical Director at RCHSD, who made a surprise appearance at the reunion on Wednesday.

“It’s truly a miracle Declan is alive today,” said Chris Henson. “It is so surreal how that day played out — from Declan’s watch being able to call Jennifer, to the right people responding (to the scene) at the right time and having the medical capabilities to do the right thing. It’s hard not to feel there wasn’t divine intervention. Declan is destined to do great things one day and the reason why he is here today.”

While Declan has some post-traumatic stress around his accident, with some reluctance and a dose of courage, he is back on his bike enjoying leisurely rides with his family. Declan’s incredible recovery is credited to the immense coordinated effort of the prehospital and hospital teams and the availability of blood products at his moment of need. Declan’s family is grateful for the decisive actions of CPFD, the Mercy Air team, RHCSD, and the impact Declan’s recovery has had on their family.

“All the stars aligned that day in June. From good, flyable weather to early activation by the fire department and landing us on scene, along with all the incredible surgeons available at Rady’s, is what led to bringing Declan home to his family and making this reunion possible,” said Marquez. “Declan is truly a miracle, and my reminder of why we do what we do every day.”

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Paxton, FL, July 14, 2023 – Almost a year after nearly losing his life from being struck in the head by a large post, Landon Moye reunited with the first responders who saved his life.

On August 4, 2022, Landon lost consciousness when he was struck in the head by a nine-foot wooden post made from the trunk of a pine tree. When Walton County Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene, the ten-year-old was covered in blood and barely breathing. Firefighter-Paramedic Christian Bay, Firefighter-EMT Austin Medley, and Lieutenant Robin Grandstaff quickly loaded Landon into the back of the ambulance and began life-saving measures. Landon was transported to a landing zone where he was flown by Okaloosa MedFlight, part of Air Methods, to a local hospital for his life-threatening injuries.

“The teamwork between Okaloosa MedFlight and Walton County Fire Rescue has always been second to none, and we were only on the scene for a total of 11 minutes from the time we landed to the time we lifted for Sacred Heart Hospital,” said Caleb Eiriksson, flight paramedic with Okaloosa MedFlight. “Flight Nurse Leighanne Skiles and Pilot Aaron Brown were phenomenal, and all parties worked very rapidly to get Landon to the pediatric trauma center. The air transport time was 28 minutes versus the 70 plus minutes that it would have taken by ground. I believe that if it wasn’t for the short on-scene time and rapid air transport, Landon might not be with us today.”   

Suffering from a traumatic brain injury, Landon spent over three months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and even dress himself.   

Today, Landon was able to celebrate his miraculous recovery with the first responders who helped save his life. 

“Landon is a walking miracle,” said Firefighter-Paramedic Christian Bay. “There were times that day when I genuinely thought he wasn’t going to make it. So, seeing him now and seeing how far he’s come, I’m overjoyed. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Landon continues with outpatient speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Fortunately, his mobility issues haven’t stopped him from relearning how to play chess, enjoying music, solving algebraic problems, and getting back to enjoying life as a happy, healthy 11-year-old. 

The post Young Boy Reunites With First Responders Who Saved His Life appeared first on Air Methods.

On February 14, 2009, Hilary Dowson was in an ATV accident near Yuma, AZ. Hitting a witch’s eye (a deep hole in the sand that varies in size), Dowson’s vehicle dropped into an 8-foot ditch causing her to faceplant on the ATV’s roll bar crushing Dowson’s face causing multiple facial fractures and various other injuries. Dowson’s professional background as a Fleet Marine Corpsman, knowing the ins and outs of providing emergency medical services, taught her that to survive trauma she needed to stay awake to keep her airway open until medical services arrived. Needing immediate critical care attention, Dowson was airlifted from the scene—a lift she received from Air Methods’ Tristate CareFlight crew.

“I remember I could see the helicopter in the sky, but I couldn’t hear it or feel the wind from their landing. It was clear I was in shock,” said Dowson. “They came in like rock stars from a spaceship. I remember their confidence in me, it put me at ease. As we were lifting off, I finally felt safe and ended up passing out.”

Dowson was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center. Her injuries were so severe she was transported via fixed wing to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California, which specializes in treating injuries from improvised explosive devices (IED) attacks. She was met with an initial 12-hour surgery, a traumatic brain injury, a week in the intensive care unit, 11 surgeries in total, and three years to make a full recovery.

With a traumatic brain injury, Dowson knew she needed to challenge and exercise her brain as part of the recovery process. She put herself through nursing school, and she believes that contributed to her overall healing. In January of this year, Dowson joined Air Methods as a flight nurse with the LifeNet program in Safford, AZ—coming full circle from being a patient 14 years ago.  

“It’s a vulnerable feeling being a patient. You’re essentially giving strangers your life and wellbeing, and you hope that they care,” said Dowson. “Now, I want to be that person that patients give their trust to because I know what it’s like to be in their position.”

Dowson never got a chance to meet or thank the flight crew, but they have always been in her thoughts throughout her recovery.

“I never thought I could be a flight nurse. Those types of people are rock stars who save the day,” said Dowson. “But I just got to a point where I said, ‘I’m gonna shoot my shot.’ And here I am, working alongside heroes.”

While nurses provide an everyday service, Dowson wants nurses and all flight clinicians to know their work matters.

“You have no idea the type of impact you have on someone. Our work happens so fast, and we never really know the outcome of our patients. I know firsthand the sacrifices our flight clinicians make, and I want them to know they make a difference,” Dowson said. “On behalf of all patients out there, let me be the example of the impact you have on a life. Those flight clinicians that day changed my entire career path and gave me a second chance at life. I’m re-paying them by doing the work as a flight nurse to impact someone else.”

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About Air Methods

Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With over 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft is the Company’s products division specializing in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

For interviews contact:                                               

Denisse Coffman
Vice President of Corporate Communications
Air Methods Corporation
denisse.coffman@airmethods.com
720-666-8499

The post Former Air Methods Patient Pays It Forward Becoming a LifeNet Flight Nurse appeared first on Air Methods.

KINGMAN, AZ – A little over a year ago, Dan McKeaney was in a horrific motorcycle accident with his wife Jeri. The couple were riding with the local chapter of Marine Riders, a nationwide organization formed to offer motorcycling camaraderie to active duty, veterans, and Navy Corpsman.

Every year around March 20, the local (Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah) chapters ride to Bagdad, AZ to commemorate the March 20, 2003 invasion of Bagdad, Iraq, of which some members of the Marine Riders were deployed. During the ride on March 26, 2022, McKeaney’s rear tire had a catastrophic failure causing McKeaney to lose control of the motorcycle at 65 MPH. CareFlight 66 was dispatched to the scene and transported McKeaney to the hospital. Jeri McKeaney was transported by ground to a local hospital but later required a transfer to another hospital and CareFlight 2 was dispatched for the interfacility transfer.

Both Dan and Jeri McKeaney suffered from severe road rash. Jeri McKeaney miraculously had no further injuries. Her husband, however, had a long road to recovery. Dan McKeaney was hospitalized for more than 71 days, which included a three-week medically induced coma.

“I shouldn’t be alive,” said Dan McKeaney, a Navy veteran. “I received extraordinary pre-hospital care from the CareFlight 66 team, and I’m alive today because of them.”

Recovering from 14 fractures, including the ribs on the left side, a bruised heart, a collapsed lung, a ruptured spleen, a torn meniscus in his right knee, a broken right hand, and multiple abrasions over his body, on April 15 – a year post accident – Dan and Jeri McKeaney got back on the bike and rode to Kingman to reunite with the crews to honor and appreciate them for their lifesaving care.

“We are grateful Dan wanted to honor the CareFlight teams this way,” said Air Methods Account Executive Valerie Yevzerova. “We don’t often get to reunite with patients after we provide care, so this is a special day for everyone.”

With more than 30 Marine Riders joining in the reunion, McKeaney presented both CareFlight teams with commemorative plaques and surprised them with challenge coins — an honorable tradition in military and first responders circles, these coins bear the organization’s emblem and are carried by members of the organization.

“With this ‘Thank You’ event, I wanted the crews to feel and know just how much we appreciate them,” said Dan McKeaney. “The Air Methods family will always have a place in our family.” 

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The post Air Methods’ CareFlight Crews Reunite with Patients appeared first on Air Methods.

With hugs, smiles and teary eyes, the family personally thanked flight paramedic Justin Wilson, pilot Roy Pettit, and flight nurse Leann Briggs for their lifesaving efforts on that tragic day. Joining them was Sean James, the former Navy medic who was driving behind the vehicle when it crashed and was able to pull the three children out of the car before it was fully engulfed in flames. It took everyone that day, from James to the crewmembers to local law enforcement and EMS, to save Alexander’s life and now they all share an unbreakable bond.

“We’ve been very honored that the family has kept in touch with us. When we transport a patient, we don’t always know what their outcome is,” said Briggs. “With Alexander, their family has stayed in touch with us despite the distance and we’re so grateful for that.”

It was actually during one of the crew’s check-ins with Alexander, via FaceTime, that he expressed how much he wished he could’ve enjoyed the helicopter ride and seen the sky from up high rather than being transported during such an emergent situation. Immediately, the crew coordinated a helicopter ride for Alexander to indulge in.

“This family suffered a tremendous loss and nothing we do can bring back their mom or erase the trauma they suffered,” said Briggs. “But if there’s anything we can do to bring a smile to this child’s face, we’re all on board, and I think we did that today – brought a little sunshine to his day.”

Alexander got to inspect the inside of the aircraft, learn about air medical helicopters, and enjoyed a front-seat ride inside the LifeSave 21 aircraft and take in the sights as they flew over Kansas. While this was certainly not Alexander’s first helicopter ride, it is one he’ll cherish forever.

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