Published: February 21, 2008 08:30 pm         

Air Evac Life Team's big bird lands in Tansi

The red, white and blue Bell Helicopter 206-L1 glided easily onto the old Tansi airstrip, now a lush green lawn across from Mike Stone's home on Arrowhead Dr.

Yes, Tansi has its own landing site for Air Evac Life Team, which is permanently housed at Cumberland Medical Center. The company has been in the emergency response business since 1985 and focuses its efforts largely in rural areas. This could be a life saver for our Tansi residents who might need a quick flight to the hospital. Tansi Security Chief Henry Hunnicutt has been working with the emergency medical flight group to designate a good landing spot and decided on this excellent site on Arrowhead where there is plenty of open space and a flat landing pad.

Renee Wicker, membership coordinator, was on hand to welcome the flight and introduce the crew. The flight always carries a flight nurse and an EMT. Along with, of course, the pilot. Rodney Barnett was in charge of the craft with Certified Flight Registered Nurse Ruth Deweese, along with Certified Flight Emergency Paramedic Shaun Hale.

Studies show that on average, death rates from life-threatening traumatic injuries in rural areas are twice as high as they are in urban areas. That's because a successful recovery depends on whether care is rendered during that first 'golden hour.' That is where the Air Evac Team comes in handy.

"We fly about 50 flights per month and can be in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee or Chattanooga at Erlanger Medical in about 35 minutes," according to pilot Rodney Barnett. We can fly to Cookeville Regional Medical Center in about 20 minutes," he added.

Ruth Deweese, Flight RN, has been with the company for about four years. "The aircraft is outfitted with a ventilator, a defibulator, and a first line drug response kit, to name a few. We also have immediate access to a medical director."

Any resident can purchase a membership for a few dollars a year. Although you don't have to be a member to use the service, membership offers many benefits. Members who use the service for critical emergencies will not receive a bill for the flight-no matter how many times a year they use it. If you are not a member, you could pay up to $12,000 for the flight. Memberships are valid in all Air Evac Life Team service areas, reaching into 14 states throughout the central U.S.

Remember the first step in any emergency is to call 9-1-1. Early responders will evaluate the transport needs for your medical situation and if a helicopter ride meets the criteria, Air Evac Life is called immediately. The group works with your health care provider to make sure that you reach the appropriate medical facility as quickly as possible.

If you would like more information on the program, call Renee Wicker at 210-3403 or 1-800-793-0010 for more information on this service.