From left Tom Watters , Rudy Garrett , Jamie Stephens , and Lyle Cram talk during down time at their Air Methods station .
Photo by Steve Cornelius
Air Methods Kentucky 3 Somerset pilot Lyle Cram explained the process of quickly getting his Air Methods aircraft off the ground and en route to the scene of any medical emergency . A normal pilot might have a day or two in advance to plan out his / her flight , but the Air Methods Team has only a few minutes to make flight plans .
“ I generally have to have the aircraft off the ground in about 10 minutes ,” Cram stated . “ So I get about three minutes to when the call comes in to start evaluating the weather , patient weight , and fuel requirements .” “ We are in a very dynamic environment ,” Cram explained . “ Just the other day , we left UK and as soon as I got off the roof we got called for another flight . So , while in flight , I have to determine the weight , fuel , weather , winds , and all the necessary requirements . We don ’ t get to sit down with a paper and pencil to figure everything out ahead of time . We do prepare initially in the morning , but once we get the call you got minutes to be off the ground .”
Once theAir Methods Kentucky
3 Somerset team arrives on the scene of the medical emergency , it is up to the medical team to stabilize the patient . And while treating medical emergencies presents its own unique challenges , having to perform these life-saving techniques in the tight confines of transport object over 3,000 feet in the air and moving at speeds of over 120 miles an hour , almost takes super-human efforts by the local Air Methods Team .
Flight Nurse Jamie Stephens Davenport worked in the University of Kentucky Medical
8 Commonwealth Journal - Unsung Heroes - 2022