August 25, 2009

WEST PLAINS -- Air Evac Lifeteam’s Missouri fleet is now sporting a new "shield of honor" decal recognizing the company for its preparedness when caring for pediatric patients.

The shield of honor was designated by the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) in the State of Missouri. Air Evac Lifeteam has 10 bases in Missouri – West Plains, Sikeston, Farmington, St. Clair, Salem, Troy, Poplar Bluff, Kirksville, Sedalia and Perryville.

"Air Evac Lifeteam has always been committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients, including children," said Regional Director of Base Operations Joe Grygiel. "On behalf of the Missouri bases, we are very proud of this distinction, and would like to thank the Missouri EMSC for this honor."

Missouri EMSC began a project in 2008 to work with emergency medical service providers throughout the state to ensure providers had the proper equipment and training to care for pediatric patients. As part of the program, Air Evac Lifeteam was required to have proper pediatric equipment and protocols.

As stated by the Missouri EMSC, the primary goal of the program is to "ensure that each child receives the right care, at the right time, with the right provider, and that provider has all of the right equipment readily available and the staff is educated in its use."

Air Evac Lifeteam also received a certificate to post at the Missouri bases recognizing its efforts for pediatric patients.

Air Evac Lifeteam, an air ambulance service that provides emergency health care and rapid medical transport to rural communities throughout the central United States, routinely provides training for emergency service agencies in the areas they serve. The company currently operates 87 air ambulance bases in 14 states.

For information about Air Evac Lifeteam services, call 1-800-793-0010 or visit www.lifeteam.net.