LifeFlight

“FOD” is a topic that we emphasize during our LZ Safety Presentations.

“Foreign object debris (FOD) is any loose object, substance, or item in an inappropriate location that can injure people or damage equipment, most notably in aviation. Common examples include tools, hardware, pavement chunks, and wildlife”.

As it relates to first responders, this includes but is not limited to tarps, stretcher sheets and mattress, jackets, hats, gloves, hand tools, glass, hoses…and as in the video, fire extinguisher covers.

FOD Prevention and Control

-Please ensure that the LZ is located far enough from your scene so as to prevent any resulting FOD from harming the public, your patient(s), fellow responders, apparatus, and air medical assets.

-When transferring care to flight teams, please ensure that stretchers are secured (preferably in the ambulance with doors closed), along with sheets, pillows, BVMs and any equipment or supplies that could potentially take flight.

-Please use all applicable safety devices such as helmets (chin straps fastened), eye protection and hearing protection.

-Never approach the aircraft when the blades are turning unless escorted by a crew member.

What types of FOD have you encountered?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbdZbDslCEb/

Sometimes the biggest safety lessons come from the smallest objects. An EC135 helicopter sustained substantial damage after an unsecured fire extinguisher cover was blown into the fenestron during landing. The pilot safely landed the aircraft, and no one was injured. The NTSB determined the accident was caused by the improperly secured cover, reinforcing the importance of FOD awareness around every landing zone. #Helicopter #EC135 #AviationSafety #NTSB #FOD #Rotorcraft #AirMedical

Today, our LifeFlight 1 crew had the incredible privilege of participating in the Pennsylvania State Police Sunny Day Camp! ☀️ This special event, inspired by Lt. Minnucci's brother Gabriel, provides a wonderful day for adults and children with special needs, featuring demonstrations, emergency vehicles, and lots of fun.
We were thrilled to meet Smokey Bear, who even took a seat in LifeFlight 1! It was an honor to stand alongside the PA State Police, showcase our helicopter, and support this heartwarming initiative.
A huge thank you to the Pennsylvania State Police for hosting such an impactful event and allowing us to be a part of it!

Mark your calendars! 🎯

LifeFlight is thrilled to invite you to our annual "Breaking Clays with LifeFlight" event on Friday, September 18th, 2026, at the beautiful Nemacolin Field Club in Markleysburg, PA.

This exciting day offers a unique opportunity to test your skills and have a blast. Your $155 registration includes:

100 clay targets and weapons at each shooting station
Ammunition (12 ga. and 20 ga.)
Eye and ear safety equipment
A hot dog and soda prior to shooting course
A late lunch buffet following your round on the course

The fun kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with registration and shooting stations opening, followed by a safety briefing at 11:00 a.m. We'll have special challenges like the Twin Terrible Teals and The Progressive with prizes! The day wraps up with lunch, door prizes, drawings, and awards.

Don't miss this fantastic event! Gather your friends (up to four per shooting station) and register today. For more information or to register, please refer to the attached brochure or reach out to Rob Rathi at 724-970-3716 or [email protected].

We can't wait to see you there!

Updated information about the live stream of today’s service.

2026 National EMS Memorial Service The 2026 National EMS Memorial Service honors 37 EMS professionals ...

🇺🇸 As Independence Day celebrations continue today, please make safety your top priority.
Whether you're firing up the grill, heading to a community fireworks display, or celebrating with family and friends, take a few moments to prepare for both firework safety and the potential for severe weather this afternoon and evening.

🎆 Our friends at the AHN West Penn Burn Center have shared important fireworks safety tips to help prevent burn injuries. Remember to keep a safe distance, supervise children, have water nearby, and leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible.

⛈️ In addition, the National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms later today, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated hail possible. Stay weather aware by monitoring the latest forecasts, having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared to move indoors if storms approach.

Your celebration can be both fun and safe with a little planning.

From all of us at AHN Prehospital Care Services, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🚑🚁

Happy Independence Day from all of us at AHN Prehospital Care Services. As we approach the momentous 250th anniversary of our nation, we reflect on the powerful words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Today, we celebrate these fundamental ideals and are immensely proud of every member of our Prehospital Care Services family – all who contribute to our mission of care, whether on the ground, in the air, or behind the scenes. Your tireless dedication ensures the well-being and safety of our communities. We also want to deeply thank our essential partners across Western PA, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and New York in EMS, fire, police, and public safety. Your collaboration is vital, and together, we uphold the very ideals our nation was founded upon.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable Fourth of July!

⛈️☀️ Be Weather Aware. Be Heat Aware. Be Sun Smart.
Today's forecast includes the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds being the primary concern. If you have outdoor plans, stay weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to move indoors if storms approach.
While enjoying the holiday weekend, don't forget that heat and sun exposure can be just as dangerous. Our friends at the AHN West Penn Burn Center remind everyone to take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your family:
☀️ Apply and reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen.�💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.�🧢 Wear lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.�🌳 Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.�⏰ Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (10 AM–4 PM).�👶 Keep infants and young children out of direct sunlight and check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone vulnerable to the heat.
⚠️ Remember: Sunburn is more than just discomfort—it is skin damage. Severe burns can lead to blistering, infection, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
Whether you're celebrating, traveling, attending community events, or simply spending time outdoors, a little preparation goes a long way.
Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay safe.

☀️ Extreme Heat Alert! Stay Safe This Week, Western PA & Beyond! ☀️
High temperatures are heading our way, with widespread highs in the 90s and heat indices near 100°F. Warm overnight lows in the mid-70s will compound the risk, offering little relief. Your safety is our priority!
Here's What You Need to Know & Do:
💧 STAY HYDRATED:
Drink more water than usual.
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Remind others to drink enough water.
❄️ STAY COOL:
Find an air-conditioned shelter.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths.
Do NOT rely on a fan as your primary cooling device in extreme heat.
🏡 Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Remember to check on friends, family, neighbors, and pets, especially those without cooling/hydration, as they are most at risk.
⚠️ Extreme Heat Planning Tips:
Pre-Season: Build an emergency kit, plan for power outages, check AC/fans.
A Few Days Out: Gather food/water/medication, make a list of contacts to check on, know local cooling shelters, reschedule outdoor events.
During/After: Remain vigilant, stay in AC, take breaks if working outdoors, monitor for symptoms of heat illness.
Keep an eye on forecasts for potential thunderstorms later in the week, which could offer temporary relief.

📢 Join Our Team! AHN LifeFlight Seeks Dedicated Professionals! 📢
Are you a highly organized and skilled professional ready to make a life-saving impact in emergency medical transport? AHN LifeFlight is expanding our Coordinator, Emergency Transport (EMS Dispatch) team with multiple full-time, union (SEIU - E) positions available!
This vital role is at the heart of our operations, coordinating critical flight requests, Critical Care Ground Team transports, and communications for LifeFlight, air medical, and EMS. You'll dispatch specialty teams, monitor heliport traffic, and ensure seamless emergency operations that save lives every day.
What You'll Do:
Orchestrate critical flight & ground transports
Manage vital communications for LifeFlight/EMS
Dispatch specialty teams
Monitor safety & heliport traffic
What You Need:
GED/HS Diploma & 2+ years related experience
EMT with dispatch experience preferred!
Ready to join a dedicated team ensuring vital emergency transport coordination? This is your chance to contribute to critical missions daily.
➡️ Learn more & apply today! 🔗 https://careers.highmarkhealth.org/coordinator-emergency-transport-ems-dispatch-ahn-lifeflight/job/B94C470C52AD182D23111075B126D723