Tulsa Life Flight, a cornerstone of emergency air medical services in eastern Oklahoma, commemorated its 45th anniversary with a special event held on Sept. 13 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel. The celebration coincided with the Saint Francis Trauma Symposium, reflecting on the program’s founding partnership with St. Francis Hospital and Hillcrest Medical Center.
The event gathered current and former crew members alongside local medical, EMS, and first responder leaders to honor Tulsa Life Flight’s enduring commitment to saving lives. Reflecting on the milestone, Bradley Reed, director of Mesta EMS, praised the program: “If I could only say one word about Tulsa Life Flight, it would be ‘quality.’ Their mechanics, pilots and clinicians have set the standard for excellence in emergency medical services.”
Established in 1979 as the 13th air ambulance program nationwide, Tulsa Life Flight has continuously innovated to enhance patient care. In 1984, it pioneered the transport of blood products outside hospital settings, a milestone that has since influenced air medical protocols globally. Over its history, Tulsa Life Flight has airlifted more than 54,000 patients, demonstrating its pivotal role in critical medical transport.
“Our team – pilots, nurses, paramedics and mechanics – sets Tulsa Life Flight apart,” noted Johnny Dobson, account executive with Air Methods, the program’s parent company. “Forty- five years accident-free isn’t just luck; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.”
The anniversary event welcomed approximately 75 guests, including representatives from Saint Francis Hospital, Hillcrest Medical Center, and Ascension St. John Medical Center. Attendees shared memories and celebrated achievements over refreshments, highlighting the program’s impact across the community.
Operating from bases in Pryor and Okmulgee, Tulsa Life Flight utilizes EC130 helicopters tailored for eastern Oklahoma’s diverse weather and terrain. These flying intensive care units are equipped with advanced medical equipment and medications to manage trauma, cardiac events, obstetric emergencies, and other critical conditions. Crucially, they carry blood products on board, ensuring immediate treatment for patients at risk of severe blood loss.
“I am privileged to lead a team dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care,” expressed Teresa Snell, area manager with Air Methods. “Our commitment to excellence is foundational. Every patient receives the utmost emergency care during transport, reflecting our standards of performance.”
Air Methods, renowned as the leading air medical service provider in the United States, underscores accessibility and affordability in emergency care. In-network with major health insurance providers nationwide, Air Methods advocates for patients, eliminating the need for prepaid air medical memberships and ensuring financial accessibility for all.
— About Air Methods
Tulsa Life Flight is part of Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.
