Vanderbilt LifeFlight celebrates 40th anniversary of service

LifeFlight started as a single helicopter air ambulance service four decades ago and has grown to a comprehensive emergency medical services provider that includes critical care air and ground transport, a ground ambulance program, event medicine coverage, emergency and dispatch communications.

The LifeFlight legacy: 40 years in 40 photos

Since July 1984, LifeFlight has made 76,942 flights and transported 80,118 patients. It’s transported another 37,133 patients since its ground transport program began; critical care ground transports number 4,188.

This is the ever-expanding legacy: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, children and grandparents — alive. Explore an audio clip, map and more.

Connie Orr honored as a Care Partner of the Year 

Orr is one of five care partners from across Vanderbilt Health recognized for their exceptional interaction, dedication and positive impact with patients, families and staff.

A seriously ill patient was scared she wouldn’t survive the night — until she met nurse Inga-Liese Konynenbelt in the VUMC Emergency Department

“Inga made me feel that I was going to be OK. I am eternally grateful for her.”

A Mother’s Day to remember

Melissia Boynton got the call about 3 a.m. on Mother’s Day that her new heart was available. Immediately, her plans changed from a barbecue around the family pool to a middle-of-the-night drive to Nashville to get her new heart.

GME Self-Study Team takes charge for accreditation site visit

“The support of VUMC’s GME programs and the development of its future clinicians and leaders allows for optimal patient care and the creation of a learning environment that supports our patients and learners of all stages…”