Alexandria, VA. – The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is proud to announce its 2011 Program Director of the year, Thomas P. Judge, CCT-P, Executive Director, LifeFlight of Maine.

The Program Director of the Year Award, sponsored by Bell Helicopter, recognizes Mr. Tom Judge for his superior level of knowledge and management prowess, quality leadership through visionary and innovative approaches, customer service, safety consciousness, marketing ingenuity, community service and overall commitment to the medical-transport community.

Thomas P. Judge has a thirty-year background in pre-hospital emergency medical services. He began his career in the field as a primary paramedic care provider, has been a system planner/regulator, and continues to work as a practicing paramedic. Tom’s leadership and uncompromising approach to safety have enabled LifeFlight of Maine to blossom. He is the model leader, providing fiscal and emotional support in equal measure.

Judge currently serves as a consultant / surveyor for the international accreditation medical transport standards group at Joint Commission Resources, a division of the JCAHO and has been involved in EMS program developments across the US as well as projects in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and South Africa. He is an active professional member of the National Association of EMS Physicians, a faculty member of the National Medical Directors Course and Practicum, and is a founder ambulance member of the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh.

Thomas Judge is the past President and served on the Board of the Association of Air Medical Services. Former Board Chair of Maine EMS, the State Regulatory and Licensing Agency, Judge has worked extensively in both the public and non-government sectors and has a wide background in the design and implementation of emergency medical care systems.

About Life Flight of Maine:

Our mission is to provide a statewide medical helicopter service that transports critically ill and injured patients, following the highest quality of care and rigorous safety standards. LifeFlight is a nonprofit service that is jointly operated by Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems and Central Maine Healthcare Corporation. A steering committee made up of officials from both healthcare systems provides oversight. Era Helicopters, LLC of Coatesville, PA oversees, operates and maintains LifeFlight of Maine’s aviation services.

About AAMS:

The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is the only international trade association serving the entire air and ground medical transport community. AAMS strives to enhance the medical transport industry by promoting the highest level of industry safety; promoting quality patient care; inspiring commitment to the industry’s work, causes, and viability; and providing superior service to its members. For additional information, visit the AAMS’ web site at www.aams.org.