posted December 19, 2023

Making Pediatric Patients Merrier and Brighter This Season

Las Vegas, NV – Dec. 19, 2023 – While Santa’s reindeer rest up for the big day, the Air Methods’ Mercy Air team filled in and safely delivered him to Sunrise Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Santa made a special stop to visit pediatric patients at the hospital, bringing hope and making their season a little merrier and brighter.

“These children should be home enjoying the holiday season with their family, but they can’t, so we try to bring them some type of normalcy with a visit from Santa,” said Mercy Air Account Executive Tanya Paynter. “We’re very grateful to have great partners that have helped us make this possible.”

In partnership with Sunrise Children’s Hospital (an affiliate of HCA Healthcare), for the last decade, the Mercy Air team has kept the tradition of flying Santa. From lift-off to coordinating gift delivery, the Mercy Air team helped those in need in more ways than providing emergency care.

“Every year, we look forward to Santa flying in with the Mercy Air team,” said Todd P. Sklamberg, CEO of Sunrise Hospital and Sunrise Children’s Hospital. “To see our patients’ eyes light up and with the biggest smiles, it is truly seeing the magic of the holiday season.” 

Santa visited with patients, listened to their Christmas wishes, and gave them a special item from the elves’ toy shop. Click here to view photos of Santa’s visit.

Mercy Air is a subsidy of Air Methods—the largest provider of air medical services in the United States. The Mercy Air team is equipped to provide lifesaving and specialty care, including pediatric and neonatal patients, to Clark County and beyond.

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