National EMS Week 2025: Celebrating PHI Air Medical’s Lifesaving Heroes
Every day, across the nation, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals bravely respond to urgent calls, providing critical care and saving countless lives. From May 18–24, 2025, we proudly celebrate National EMS Week, recognizing the remarkable dedication and extraordinary efforts of EMS providers. This year’s theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” perfectly encapsulates the inclusive and compassionate nature of these essential heroes.
The theme for National EMS Week 2025, “We Care. For Everyone,” was jointly selected by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). These organizations annually collaborate to highlight the essential and compassionate roles EMS professionals fulfill within communities nationwide.
At PHI Air Medical, National EMS Week isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible dedication of our flight crews and highlight the financial protection offered through PHI Cares Membership.
Meet the Experts Behind PHI Air Medical
PHI Air Medical’s crews consist of highly trained Certified Flight Registered Nurses (CFRNs), Certified Flight Paramedics (FP-Cs), and skilled pilots. Before joining PHI, flight nurses and paramedics must have at least three years of critical care experience, ensuring readiness for the unique challenges faced during air medical transport.
Flight nurses like Michele Guthrie, CFRN, describe their role passionately: “I chose to become a Flight Nurse because flying is cool, but more importantly, because I get to be the best part of someone’s worst day. We operate in high-stress environments with autonomy and skill. What keeps me here after 20+ years is that PHI Air Medical is always on the cutting edge of patient care.”
Advanced Training and Certification
PHI Air Medical requires CFRNs and FP-Cs to undergo rigorous training, including a 10–12-week academy that covers classroom instruction, hands-on practice, clinical rotations, and simulation training. Their training covers advanced airway management, mechanical ventilation, and specialized use of medical equipment.
Louise Sandoval, CFRN, shares her experience: “The most challenging aspect is facing the unpredictable nature of emergencies, where split-second decisions can make the difference between life and death. The most rewarding is knowing that your expertise and care directly impact someone’s chance at survival, recovery, and the quality of life they will lead.”
Cutting-Edge Equipment, Expert Care
PHI Air Medical’s fleet is equipped with advanced technology, including state-of-the-art cardiac monitors, ventilators, IV pumps, and portable diagnostic tools. Kristopher Thompson, CFRN, emphasizes this advantage: “Advances in technology have allowed us to bring the intensive care unit to the patient’s side, whether we meet them at home, on top of a mountain, or at a rural community hospital. With PHI’s investment in Hamilton T1 mechanical ventilators across the fleet, we can provide the most advanced respiratory support to critically ill patients, from neonates to adults.”
Extensive Community Impact
PHI Air Medical has 63 dedicated membership bases strategically located across states like Texas, Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio, and Indiana. This extensive air medical coverage network ensures rapid emergency medical services for both urban and rural communities.
The Importance of PHI Cares Membership
Emergencies are unpredictable and financially stressful. PHI Cares Membership protects members from out-of-pocket expenses for emergency air medical transport flight, allowing families to concentrate fully on recovery without financial concerns.
Join Us in Celebrating EMS Week 2025
During National EMS Week, PHI Air Medical encourages communities to engage in local events, meet their local air medical teams, and appreciate the critical role these professionals play in community safety and healthcare.
Stronger Together
At PHI Air Medical, crews are always ready and equipped to respond rapidly, ensuring patients receive critical, life-saving care exactly when they need it most. Let’s recognize their hard work, bravery, and unwavering commitment during National EMS Week 2025.