LAKE CITY, Fla. – Nursing students at Florida Gateway College were treated to an extraordinary learning experience yesterday as an AirLife helicopter and crew visited the campus to share insights about the critical field of aerial emergency medical services.
The crew provided students with a firsthand look at the unique challenges and rewards of delivering life-saving care in the skies, from rapid patient assessment in confined aircraft spaces to coordinating with ground medical teams during emergency transport. Students had the opportunity to explore the specialized equipment, learn about the rigorous training required for flight medical professionals, and ask questions about career paths in this demanding yet rewarding field.
The visit proved invaluable in exposing students to a career opportunity many had never considered, broadening their understanding of how emergency medical care extends far beyond traditional hospital and ambulance settings.
“Florida Gateway College extends its heartfelt gratitude to the helicopter crew for taking time from their demanding schedules to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Ann Brown, FGC Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Their dedication to both saving lives in the field and nurturing future medical professionals exemplifies the spirit of service that defines the emergency medical community.”
The presentation and hands-on demonstrations planted seeds in the FGC students who participated for future careers that could make the difference between life and death for countless patients.
For more information on FGC Nursing and Health Sciences Programs, visit www.fgc.edu/healthsciences.
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Special thanks to the participating AirLife Crew: Cody Brooks, Flight Paramedic, Mark Fowler, Flight Paramedic, Alexis Belcher, Flight Nurse, Michael Burns, Flight Nurse, Shane Crawford, Flight Paramedic, Brittany Fortner, Flight Nurse, and Andy Nafe, Pilot, and to FGC Nursing Faculty member, Associate Professor Destiney Parrish for organizing the experience.