Mercy Flight remains committed to addressing the ongoing challenges within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field, including the statewide shortage of EMTs and paramedics. Over the past several years, we’ve focused on enhancing our ground operations, known as Mercy Flight EMS, by investing in the development of our personnel and ensuring our staff is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide life-saving care.
Through continuing medical education (CME), we offer certification and refresher courses in critical areas such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Trauma Life Support (TLS). Additionally, through organizational sponsorship, we provide our EMTs with the opportunity to pursue Advanced EMT and paramedic training. As a result, many of our team members have successfully grown their careers, strengthening the capabilities of our ground operations.
To further expand our team, Mercy Flight EMS has added more than 60 new staff members in recent years, including EMT Basics, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics. This growth has brought our ground operations team to approximately 175 members, allowing us to better serve the community and increase coverage. Recent service expansions include an agreement with the Catholic Health System to cover Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, as well as the new Lockport Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Mercy Flight EMS was selected by the seven towns of Central and Eastern Orleans County to be their primary ground ambulance service provider, effective January 1st.
We’ve also enhanced our equipment to improve patient care and safety. In January, we implemented brand-new Stryker LifePak 35 patient monitors across our entire flight and ground ambulance operation. These state-of-the-art cardiac monitors provide more accurate interpretations of EKGs and facilitate live communication of patient information with medical direction and destination hospitals, both while on scene and during transport. This technological advancement helps ensure that our patients receive definitive emergency care faster than ever before. In addition, we’ve expanded our fleet to 30 ambulances and 8 paramedic fly cars.
As we continue to grow and evolve, Mercy Flight is more committed than ever to providing the highest standard of emergency medical services. With an expanded team, upgraded equipment, and a modern fleet, we’re prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring our communities receive the critical care they need when every second counts.
