posted August 09, 2024

Emergency air medical program thanks agencies for helping Utahns access critical care 

Tremonton, UT, Aug. 9, 2024 – Providing Utahns with fast, reliable air medical services during emergencies is a challenging task that demands seamless collaboration between local agencies on the ground. When every second counts, teamwork is crucial.  

On Tuesday, AirLife Utah honored several area first responders with a special award for their outstanding work in the field. Among the agencies recognized for their exceptional skills, dedication, and teamwork were the Tremonton-Garland Police, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and Fielding Fire/EMS. 

“The agencies that provide emergency services to the people of this region all depend on each other to make sure the best care is available when every minute counts,” said James Vanotti, a flight nurse with AirLife Utah in Brigham City. “We are grateful for Tremonton/Garland Police, Fielding Fire/EMS, and the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding skill, communication, and coordination amidst the challenges of stressful accident scenes. They also do an excellent job of securing landing zones for us so we can safely put the helicopter down and transport patients to the hospital as quickly as possible.”  

Officers Grayson Jackson and Jon Hansen with Tremonton/Garland Police; and Deputy Matt Green and Sergeant Shawn Blauer with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office were recognized with the Lifesaving Award in a ceremony held at the Tremonton/Garland Police Department headquarters on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Members of the Fielding Fire/EMS team will be honored at a separate ceremony. 

“The partnership between EMS, law enforcement, and air medical teams provide the best possible turnout for patients,” said Fielding Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Garn. “Together, we work to bring a great outcome for the patient. We couldn’t do what we do without the partnership of each agency.” 

AirLife Utah is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopters are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry whole 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. They work closely with first responders around northern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. 

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