Life-saving transport: Vanderbilt LifeFlight program celebrates 40th anniversary

The Vanderbilt University LifeFlight program marked its 40th anniversary last week.

The team of 450, equipped with 9 helicopters, 32 ambulances and an airplane, respond to traumas and emergencies across Middle Tennessee. We went to the roof where it all happens in the player above!

They not only transport you to a hospital quickly but also provide necessary care on the route.

"I was a serious trauma patient at one point in my life, and I remember a lot about it and how one person can make it a little better," said chief flight nurse Joe Cobble.

"[LifeFlight was] definitely a big part of getting me to Vanderbilt ASAP," said former patient Katlyn Hunsinger, who was in a car accident and airlifted by the team in 2014. "Because of people like them, I'm now 10 years later, a mom of 3 and I work at a childcare and I get to help other people."

The program began in 1984. Kathy Ogle was one of the first nurses on an official flight.

"We had 3 pilots, we had 1 mechanic, and 3 dispatchers on our team, that's where the whole thing started," she remembered. "We were organized, we were dedicated...I'm glad to see they now have paramedics!"

To date, Vanderbilt says they have done at least 80,000 flight transports and around 40,000 ground transports (over 4,000 in critical care).

"Just the work they do and how quick they are and the way they're able to handle such high-emotion situations where there's so much on the line is just so incredible to me," said Hunsinger.

Thursday night, past and current team members of LifeFlight will gather at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate the anniversary and all that's been accomplished.

Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png

Ben: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/df/c4/19fa7c504480938f39a431e3b276/ben-recommends-header.png

Amy: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b6/1408516a4a91b97639b178fc1ba9/amy-recommends-header.png

Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

“Here’s a great story that proves everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms Sylvia Mooney. At age 80, she’s not sitting still. Instead, she using her skills to craft compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet creations go to non-profits to help our homeless neighbors. You’ll be surprised to learn she does it all, while facing a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston