posted July 09, 2024

 Flight Nurse Ben Hughes completes 1,000 patient transports 

Semmes, AL, July 9, 2024 – While some milestones signify personal achievements, others highlight a commitment to changing the lives of others. USA SouthFlight Nurse Ben Hughes reached such a benchmark on June 26 when he completed his 1,000^th patient transport. 

This remarkable achievement not only represents the over 1,000 lives of patients and their families impacted by his exceptional prehospital care, but it also marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Hughes knew he wanted to become a flight nurse when he was only 17 years old and saw a flight crew in action. 

“I remember looking in awe at a flight crew (many of whom I get to fly with today) and thinking, ‘These guys are the best of the best and I want to be on that team,’” said Hughes. “This job and this milestone are the culmination of that dream, and I am extremely grateful to be able to live it out alongside an incredible group of pilots and clinicians.” 

Hughes cited humility, professionalism, and respect for people as keys to success as a flight nurse. His supervisor noted additional qualities that make Hughes a stand-out in the air medical industry. 

“Ben Hughes is a name that is synonymous with dedication and excellence in the flight nursing field,” said Brent Wilson, area manager with Air Methods. “Ben has been with Air Methods a little over 10 years, and during that time he has faced numerous challenges and high-stress situations. Reaching 1,000 patient transports is a testament to Ben’s unwavering dedication and commitment to his patients, his coworkers, and Air Methods.” 

USA SouthFlight is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopter are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and are in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.