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Boston MedFlight (BMF) transported more than 20,000 patients this year, in the process of saving thousands of lives since its founding in 1985. At BWH alone, 2,800 patients have been transported this year. “We have a very strong relationship with BWH. The hospital supports us and we support BWH. Together we provide the best care possible,” said Daniel Thomas, director of communications at BMF.
BWH and BMF combine the most critical aspects of emergency care: timeliness and expertise. Bill Cyr, BSN, CCRN, CEN, an Emergency Department nurse since 1988, can be found at each end of the spectrum. In 1992, Cyr added MedFlight to his work schedule. A paramedic before he entered nursing school, Cyr’s career literally took off once he had his degree in hand. “We bring in a lot of trauma and every minute counts,” said Cyr. “It’s critical that we collaborate closely with our receiving hospital.”
There is a long history and a current strong affiliation between BWH and Boston MedFlight. BWH is an original founder and has been a strong supporter of Boston MedFlight since its inception. Additionally, the hospital always has had an administrator and clinician member of the MedFlight board. Jonathan Gates, MD, a member of the Trauma/Critical Care Service since 1991 and current BMF board member, said BWHstaff also are involved in ongoing educational lectures with BMF. “There is unparalleled satisfaction in the joint effort of helping injured individuals return to their prior level of function,” explained Gates.
A nonprofit consortium of six acute care centers in Boston, including BWH, Boston MedFlight receives between 10 and 15 calls a day, with an increase during the summer season, said Thomas. Each crew has a nurse, a paramedic and a pilot. Given that BWH is one of only two burn centers in the area, it has become a great asset to BMF. BWH also is the entry point by air for all of the transports to Children’s Hospital via the hospital’s helipad.
“The attention to quality of care is paramount at both BWH and Boston MedFlight,” said Gates. “BWH is lucky to have this service available.”