Air Evac Lifeteam of Butler County celebrated its 20th anniversary Wednesday as part of national EMS week.
Poplar Bluff Mayor Steve Davis and Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter were on hand with Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center staff for an event at the PBRMC Oak Grove Road campus.
Emergency Medical Services Week is when the important work of emergency medical service first responders is honored, officials said.
“The love I have for this is personal, I appreciate everything you do. We couldn’t do what we do without you. To the past, present and future crews, I personally thank you,” said Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center CEO Rick Naegler.
The Air Evac Lifeteam has been serving Butler County since 1985 and this week celebrated the 20 years of service to the community with an afternoon cookout.
“I loved every minute of it and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again,” said Mike Shane, a retired Air Evac member. “I loved this job.”
Shane was a member of the original Air Evac Lifeteam crew, along with Bob Knight, Craig Jerimiah, Raymond Tanner, Dan Whitten and Cheri Morgan.
Brandon Graham, program director for the Air Evac Lifeteam, said the base serves residents within a 70-mile radius and the current crew consists of four pilots, four flight nurses, one mechanic and a membership coordinator.
“We owe a lot to our EMS people,” said Raymond Tanner, former crew member.
Tanner proudly went on to add that he is still an active paramedic.
“The camaraderie we develop with each other makes us a family, we are one big family,” he said.
Jim Taylor a current member of the lifeteam and was eager to give tours of the aircraft, pointing out vital equipment such as the ventilator, as well as the small space that they must maneuver in during the emergency flights.
“The med crews are all flight and critical care certified,” said Taylor, who has served as a crew member now for 15 years.
Having a local helicopter available to residents in times of emergency is a priceless service to those in immediate need of medical attention, officials said.
“Poplar Bluff is fortunate to have Air Evac and their highly trained medical professionals right here in our community,” said Smith. “Our partnership with Air Evac ensures residents have access to on-call emergency medical services - wherever the need may be - day and night.”