posted December 19, 2024

Assemblymember Joseph Angelino Sees Firsthand the Critical Role of Air Medical Services

SIDNEY, NY, Dec. 19, 2024 – Assemblymember Joe Angelino (R-NY District 121) visited LifeNet of New York’s Sidney base on Tuesday morning to see firsthand the critical air medical services provided by the dedicated helicopter crew. The visit also highlighted the importance of bipartisan legislation Angelino supported and passed in 2021 allowing air medical teams to carry and administer blood when needed.

“I wanted to visit the base to thank the professionals who operate these lifesaving helicopters,” said Angelino. “Rural medical care is a domino effect. The number of calls a rural ground ambulance can get in a day and the distance to the nearest hospital is so great, to get someone to the hospital in that ‘golden hour’ is where LifeNet of New York comes in. Sometimes helicopters are the best response.

During Angelino’s visit, he was given a comprehensive tour of the LifeNet helicopter by the crew, including Pilot Cyle Schumacher, Flight Nurse Ryan Nellis, Flight Paramedic Dana Weygand, and Mechanics Brian Guddy and Erin Hamlyn. They explained their daily operations and demonstrated the specialized emergency medical equipment on board, which enables rapid response and effective patient transport. A key highlight of the tour was the discussion of one of their most crucial resources – units of blood.

Carrying blood with the ability to administer it at the scene or in flight has proven to be a critical, lifesaving pre-hospital resource. Since the bill was passed, LifeNet has administered more than 1,300 units of blood statewide, providing better patient outcomes.

“We are thankful Assemblymember Angelino took the time to meet our crews and are appreciative of his support,” said LifeNet of New York Account Executive Steve Sculley-Beaman. “Having the ability to carry and administer blood products has made an incredible impact on the community. Our crews are better equipped to support our ground ambulances and hospitals, and together, we’re able to deliver better outcomes.”

LifeNet air medical teams consist of highly trained professionals who deliver the highest level of care in emergency situations, playing a crucial role in both rural and urban areas where timely medical intervention can be a matter of life and death. Following a traumatic injury, such as those often seen in motor vehicle accidents, medical intervention is most effective when it is administered immediately in what is known as “the golden hour.” Time is a critical factor in giving patients the highest chance of survival. By carrying blood on all of their aircraft, the industry-leading trauma clinicians with LifeNet can provide this additional element of life-saving care when every minute counts.

“With my background in law enforcement and fire emergency services, I’ve conducted many landing zones, but today it was nice to visit the base to thank the air medical crew face to face who do this lifesaving work,” said Angelino. “Their professionalism is unmatched here. We all know how stressful this line of work can be, but the flight crew remains calm and goes above and beyond in the medical care they provide.”

For over 30 years, LifeNet of New York has been a reliable provider of air medical services, having transported more than 65,000 patients across the state. As a part of Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the U.S., LifeNet operates both rotor wing and fixed wing services from 12 bases throughout New York. To showcase the expansive network, LifeNet’s sister base, Guthrie Air in Sayre, PA, participated Angelino’s visit, allowing the Assemblymember to gain a better understanding of how Air Methods’ critical care services span the Northeast. This interconnected system ensures that patients, regardless of their location or medical needs, can be swiftly transported to the appropriate medical facility, filling gaps in emergency coverage across the region.

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