Capt. Curt Haldeman of Geisinger Health System’s Life Flight® program received international accolades for leading a rescue mission following the crash of an aircraft in early January. The Community Service Award was presented at the first annual Night Vision Awards during the 2011 Heli-Expo in Orlando, Fla., sponsored by Aviation Specialties Unlimited, the sole authorized dealer of Federal Aviation Administration-approved night vision systems.

With the help of night vision goggles, Capt. Haldeman and his flight team located the crash site and collaborated with ground crews to successfully free the injured pilot from burning wreckage and transport him to a medical facility.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of every member of our flight team,” said Jerry Splitt, R.N., EMT-P, CMTE, Life Flight program manager, who accepted the award on Capt. Haldeman’s behalf. “We are truly fortunate to have the talent and dedication of our crew who are trained and have access to sophisticated technology such as night vision goggles. This combination has created a leader in the air medical industry that allows us to help save lives every day.”

The community service award, one of five categories of awards distributed during the event, is given to flight operations that demonstrate proven leadership in night vision use within their communities.

Life Flight® is a five-base, twin engine, instrument rated regional helicopter service designed to provide critically ill or injured patients rapid access to advanced life support care and rapid transportation to critical care facilities.

About Geisinger Health System
Geisinger is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including ProvenHealth Navigator, an advanced medical home model, and ProvenCare (“warranty”) program. The system serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 42 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.

Photo:  from left, are George Herrold, EMT-P, Life Flight paramedic; Capt. Curt Haldeman, Life Flight pilot; and Danielle Houtz, R.N., CEN, Life Flight Nurse. Capt. Haldeman led a rescue mission for which he was honored during the Night Vision Awards at the 2011 Heli-Expo. Herrold and Houtz were members of the flight team involved in that rescue.