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.

Renowned Emergency Medicine educator, clinician Keith Wrenn mourned

Dr. Wrenn’s clinical skill inspired awe. He taught by example, and his patience, compassion and focus on patient-centered care leaves an indelible impression on trainees and colleagues.

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.”

LifeFlight, Project ADAM lauded by Children’s Emergency Alliance

LifeFlight 8, based in Humboldt, Tennessee, was recognized with the Region 7 Award for its work in responding to a mass casualty in Carroll County in 2023. It is the second time this specific unit has been recognized for its work.

Top military medical leader supports additional expansion of partnerships with Medical Center 

VUMC is an official site of programs that deliver medical training opportunities to military medical personnel serving on Army Trauma Teams and that bring combat medics, licensed practical nurses and operating room technologists to VUMC for rotations to complete much of their annual medical skills competency requirements.

Homelessness a major issue for many patients in the emergency department

Unstable housing and homelessness can exacerbate adverse health outcomes, leading to increased risk of chronic disease, injury, and disability. Yet, emergency departments currently do not have a universal method to identify those at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness.