posted November 19, 2024

Air Medical Team Reunites with Former Pediatric Patient, Announces First Responder Status Expected By Month’s End

PRESCOTT, AZ – Nov. 19, 2024 – Native Air 4 commemorated 25 years of service to the Prescott community with a celebration at the ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery on Nov. 14, bringing together partners, first responders, and past and current crew members. Among the special guests was 9-year-old Zane Barker and his family, who reunited with the air medical team that helped to save his life a few years ago.

Just before Christmas in 2022, Barker began experiencing respiratory complications. The hospital he was at lacked the respiratory medication and care he needed, prompting Native Air to transport Barker to a higher level of care.

“That day was a blur for me,” said Jordan Kane, Barker’s mother. “But I remember the care and comfort the air medical crew provided Zane. They put me at ease knowing he was in good hands. They saved his life and made a huge impact on us. I couldn’t be more grateful.”   

Flight Paramedic and Base Outreach Coordinator Erin Duncan, who has been with Native Air 4 for more than a decade, responded to the call that day.

“We are here because of the people we serve,” said Duncan. “Native Air allows all of us as providers to affect patient outcomes right here in Prescott and the surrounding areas. We were thrilled to be able to share our anniversary with not only Zane and his family but with the community we serve.”

The Native Air team serves as a vital resource not only to first responders but to hospitals, providing the community critical care 24/7/365. Operating as a flying intensive care unit, they respond to emergency medical and trauma events including heart attacks and strokes, burns, and other critical ailments and incidents. Soon, they’ll also be able to add first responder designation to their extensive clinical capabilities. This milestone will enable them to be dispatched first to provide initial scene control, permitting the pilot and crew to designate a permissible landing zone. This allows patient care prior to the arrival of ground resources, providing supplemental rapid access for residents or visitors who need emergent care.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Native Air and are thankful to be celebrating their service and our partnership over the years,” said Prescott Fire Department Operations Chief Ralph Lucas. “Not only is 25 years a huge milestone but adding a first responder status to their capabilities is a milestone itself, which means there will be more positive patient outcomes for our community.”

On every transport mission, the clinical team carries blood products (i.e. blood and plasma) enabling them to administer it in flight, if necessary, positively increasing patient outcomes through pre-hospital care. Native Air is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) – the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry. They provide lifesaving services without requiring a membership to avoid a costly bill.