posted March 17, 2025

Air medical team provided lifesaving transport, critical in patient’s recovery

SAYRE, PA, March 17, 2025 – In a heartwarming reunion on Saturday, former patient Tim Chiarolanza reunited with the Guthrie Air crew at their base in Sayre to express his appreciation for the critical care transport that played a pivotal role in saving his life. With March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, Chiarolanza is sharing his story to raise awareness about the long-term impacts of TBIs and the vital role that emergency medical services play in saving lives, as well as their positive impact on a journey to recovery.

“For so long, all I wanted to do was hug them and thank them. They were so critical to my survival,” said Chiarolanza. “It was unreal to see the aircraft and where I was lying at one point, in a much worse condition of course. This was no doubt one of the most amazing days through my recovery. I can’t thank this team enough for being part of my story.”

Chiarolanza, a former strength and conditioning coach at Lycoming College in Williamsport, experienced a life-altering event three and a half years ago. While walking his dog, it broke free from the leash. Not hesitating, Chiarolanza ran into the street after his beloved pet and was devastatingly struck by a fast-moving vehicle. Chiarolanza was airlifted by Guthrie Air from UPMC Williamsport Hospital to Geisinger Medical Center for specialized care after suffering multiple life-threatening injuries, including a ruptured aorta, separated pelvis, compound fractures, impaired vision, and brain swelling that led to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The paramedic who responded at the scene doubted that Chiarolanza would even survive the one-mile ground transport to the hospital while medical professionals at Geisinger Medical Center gave Chiarolanza only a one percent chance of survival. Today, his survival against a slim prognosis is nothing short of remarkable, and he credits his recovery to the rapid and skilled care provided by all medical professionals, including Guthrie Air.

“I went back to thank the medic and hospital team, and now, I want to thank my transport team for getting me to the specialized care I so desperately needed,” said Chiarolanza. “We live in Doylestown now. Although it was a drive to get here, it was worth it to meet my team and to thank them for the service they provide the community and to show them their service helped save a life.”

While sports and mentorship will always be a passion for Chiarolanza, his life’s mission has become even more clear – helping others through his personal survival story. In the fall last year, Chiarolanza started a non-profit called Triumph In Recovery to help others who are TBI survivors and those who experience trauma, such as losing a limb or surviving a stroke. The organization offers support and resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.

“To see one of our patients who was in such critical condition recover and now paying it forward to others, is amazing,” said Clinical Base Lead and Flight Nurse Larissa Colton. “Every mission is somebody’s someone. Tim is our why–why we’re here; why we do what we do; why we train the way we do. His story is nothing short of incredible and we’re honored to be a small piece of his story to recovery.”

The Guthrie Air team is certified and has state-of-the-art specialty care training that provides the same level of care one would receive in the hospital during air medical transport from the scene or for interfacility transports. The team is equipped with industry-leading medical devices and advanced technologies, enabling them to perform advanced airway interventions, cardiac and blood flow monitoring, medication administration, and other surgical procedures in flight. The program 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.

Chiarolanza’s story underscores the critical role of emergency medical services in trauma care and recovery. His journey from a one percent survival prognosis to active advocacy highlights the resilience of TBI survivors and the importance of community support.