AirLife on board, ready to serve community

May 1 marked the start of a community relationship with AirLife helicopter service serving Melissa Memorial Hospital, with the helicopter housed on the pad east of the hospital. Pictured from left with the helicopter are regional maintenance manager Darwin Carlson, lead mechanic Dan Metz, pilot Joel Yoder, base lead Mike Camp, R.N., pilot Cayce Batterson, base lead Mark Riemer, R.N., pilot Kai-Uwe Glodowske and MMH public affairs specialist Elizabeth Hutches. Riemer said the AirLife crew is excited to become partners in the community. “That’s something we really pride ourselves in.” He added that it’s really great to come to a place and feel as welcome as the community has made them feel thus far. While the helicopter will be based in Holyoke, other services that are available through AirLife include fixed-wing airplane flights, as well as specialty transport teams for neonatal, high-risk obstetrics and balloon pump. The service in Holyoke is stocked and trained as a mobile intensive care unit and emergency department. They’re still looking for a local mechanic, said Carlson.