Erlanger LIFE FORCE awarded "Flight Program of the Year" by the Association of Air Medical Services at an event recently in Salt Lake City, Utah

Erlanger LIFE FORCE Honored as Flight Program of the Year by the Association of Air Medical Services

Salt Lake City, Utah—[November 5, 2024] — Erlanger LIFE FORCE has been awarded the prestigious "Flight Program of the Year" by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) during a ceremony held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This distinguished award highlights LIFE FORCE’s dedication to clinical excellence, safety, and its continued commitment to advancing air medical services for patients across a four-state region.

The award is a testament to LIFE FORCE’s 35 years of service, during which the program has conducted over 50,000 patient transports, excelling in high-acuity critical care, specialty medical transport, and trauma response. Founded in 1988, LIFE FORCE has evolved into a leader in air medical innovation, implementing advanced technologies and maintaining a commitment to quality and safety. In collaboration with Med-Trans Corporation, LIFE FORCE operates six bases, with a fleet of cutting-edge SPIFR EC135, Airbus EC145-e and Bell 407 aircraft designed for specialized patient care and enhanced safety in challenging environments.

LIFE FORCE is widely recognized for its rigorous safety standards, which include comprehensive Crew Resource Management (CRM), Aviation Resource Management (AMRM) training, and a Just Culture philosophy to ensure a safety-oriented operation. Their commitment to safety has resulted in an accident-free record for over three decades, a milestone in the industry. In March 2023, LIFE FORCE experienced an incident but demonstrated its exceptional safety culture and robust response protocols, ensuring the well-being of both crew and patient, reaffirming its dedication to a safe and reliable service.

Beyond clinical care, LIFE FORCE is a strong advocate for community health, conducting over 100 outreach events annually, including safety seminars, disaster planning, and critical care education sessions for local EMS and healthcare providers. LIFE FORCE’s continuous education initiatives reflect their belief in community engagement and their mission to advance emergency care standards both locally and nationally.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from AAMS,” said Robbie Tester, Vice President of Patient Logistics with Erlanger LIFE FORCE. “This award reflects the unwavering dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering safe, advanced, and compassionate care to the communities we serve.”

The LIFE FORCE program exemplifies the values and vision of Erlanger by prioritizing both patient care excellence and the well-being of its crew. With ongoing support from Erlanger and Med-Trans, LIFE FORCE is well-positioned to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in air medical services for years to come.

For more information, please contact:

Stacy Prater
Regional EMS Liaison / Outreach Education Coordinator / Flight Paramedic
LIFE FORCE Air Medical
Email: Stacy.Prater@erlanger.org

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