Vanderbilt LifeFlight named National Program of the Year

This award, sponsored by Airbus Helicopters, recognizes an air medical program that has demonstrated a superior level of patient care, management prowess and quality leadership through visionary and innovative approaches, customer service, safety consciousness, community service and commitment to the medical transport community.

“The AAMS Annual Awards is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the leaders in our industry,” said Cameron Curtis, AAMS President and CEO. “After careful review of all the candidates for the Program of the Year, Vanderbilt LifeFlight rose to the top in best practices for crew safety and innovative patient care during its past 36 years of operation. We are thrilled to attend this memorable event today to recognize the hard work and dedication of its entire team.”

Providing innovative air medical transport

The award has been presented since 1997. While this marks the first time a Tennessee program has received the honor, it’s not the first time Vanderbilt LifeFlight has received national recognition from AAMS. In 2005, LifeFlight Executive Director, Jeanne Yeatman, received the AAMS Excellence in Transport Leadership Award and in 2003, former flight nurse Kevin High received the Crew Member of the Year award.

“Vanderbilt LifeFlight has been a world class leader in the area of critical care transport since 1984 and has set the pace in providing innovative air medical transport services,” said Jeanne Yeatman, Executive Director of Vanderbilt LifeFlight. “On behalf of our more than 300 employees, I am honored and humbled to accept the 2020 AAMS Program of the Year award. The award is a reflection of our commitment to our hard-working employees, their safety and patient care.”

Air Methods commends strong relationship

Vanderbilt LifeFlight is operated by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in partnership with Air Methods, Corporation.

“Air Methods is proud of our strong relationship with such a respected partner as Vanderbilt Medical Center to provide emergency air medical services through Vanderbilt LifeFlight,” said JaeLynn Williams, CEO at Air Methods Corporation. “It is the combination of Vanderbilt’s clinical expertise and Air Methods’ aviation excellence that will allow the program to continue to lead the air medical industry and we look forward to many more years serving communities throughout the state of Tennessee. Vanderbilt LifeFlight is well-deserving of being named the 2020 AMTC Program of the Year.” 

In July, Vanderbilt LifeFlight credentialed more than 20 flight nurses as nurse practitioners and added a flight physician at several of its bases.