The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is pleased to announce the launch of MedEvac Hour, a public awareness effort to educate the populace on the unique and crucial role that MedEvac transport plays within the larger EMS system. MedEvac crews work daily to safely and efficiently serve the most critically ill and injured patients across the globe.

AAMS has prepared a special logo that honors our members’ commitment of transporting the right patients to the right medical facilities in the right amount of time by the right mode of transport to ensure the best possible outcomes.

We have asked our membership and industry partners to choose an appropriate time during their internal celebrations of EMS Week, May 15 -22, to commemorate MedEvac Hour and the life-saving role that MedEvac crewmembers play around the world.

AAMS would like to extend a special thank you to Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18), co-chair of the Congressional Air Medical Caucus, for his support. On Thursday, May 12 th , prior to the Congressional recess, Rep. Cardoza submitted a formal statement into the House of Representatives official record. Rep. Cardoza’s statement honors the good work of the MedEvac community consistent with AAMS’ effort to promote MedEvac Hour during EMS Week.

MedEvac Quick Facts: Did you know…???

• 46.7 million Americans live more than an hour away from a Level 1 or 2 trauma center.
• MedEvac helicopters are most often utilized for time-sensitive illnesses and injuries such as severe trauma, heart attacks or strokes.
• In the United States, there are 900 MedEvac helicopters staffed and equipped to transport and treat the nation’s most critically ill and injured patients.
• MedEvac helicopters transport approximately 400,000 patients annually.
• MedEvac fixed-wing aircraft transport an additional 100,000+ patients over longer distances annually.
• The MedEvac community is unique in that it combines two major industries – Aviation and Healthcare – in the delivery of services to the public.
• As of the close of 2009, there were over 4400 MedEvac pilots, 600 physicians, 5500 nurses, and 5300 paramedics/EMTs staffing MedEvac vehicles, both fixed-wing and helicopter, in the United States.

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.