By Joe Kellner, CEO of LifeFlight of Maine A version of this appeared as an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald on November 3, 2025. I am concerned for our country’s healthcare system. I am worried that in ten years, despite the incredible promise of technology and medicine, millions of Americans will have less access […]
LifeFlight of Maine currently has 143 employees across the organization. Thirty-four people — almost one quarter of the LifeFlight staff and crew — are either veterans or current members of the armed forces. These men and women serve in nearly every role and crew position at LifeFlight and are a vital part of our team. […]
By Felipe Pérez My name is Felipe Pérez, and I recently had the opportunity to join LifeFlight as a summer intern. I am a junior at Bowdoin College, where I am majoring in physics and biochemistry, with hopes to attend medical school after graduating. I also have experience as a 911 paramedic, training in Denver, […]
LifeFlight of Maine’s mission is to provide critical care and medical transport to anyone across the State of Maine, when and where they need it. Every decision and every action taken is designed to accomplish both of those objectives as safely and effectively as possible. “Critical care” is a technical term that encompasses a broad […]
By Melissa Dufault In December 2024, flight nurse Melissa Dufault gave the speech below at 100 Neighbors Who Care of Penobscot Valley’s quarterly meeting. She offered her perspective about working as a flight nurse and what being a part of LifeFlight means to her. After her presentation, 100 Neighbors Who Care selected LifeFlight as their […]
Safety is a core value at LifeFlight, and has been since Day 1. Safety on the ground, and safety in the air. Safety for patients and safety for operations. Every department, every crew, and every member of the organization share responsibility for safety. This disciplined focus on safety is rehearsed and affirmed regularly. There are […]
When caring for patients hundreds of feet in the air, LifeFlight clinicians must be ready for obstacles to come their way. If a patient experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, or a rapid decrease in his or her condition, flight nurses and paramedics need to be ready to act quickly and make on-the-spot […]
by Lauren Lamberson It was the dedication and professionalism of the LifeFlight crew members that caught his attention while working with Capital Ambulance service and enticed him to apply. Now LifeFlight of Maine’s Chief Clinical Officer, Chuck Hogan has demonstrated that same commitment to the organization for the past 13 years. Chuck has an extensive […]
by Lauren Lamberson Growing up in Maine, Jillian Sheltra saw the impact LifeFlight has on people across the state. When she had the opportunity to become a flight paramedic, she knew it was a job she had to take. Jillian grew up in Biddeford and attended Bates College in Lewiston where in 2019 she earned […]
This story appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. “Helicopters defy the laws of physics.” Carlos Marrero was attempting to explain in layman’s terms what it takes to keep a LifeFlight of Maine helicopter safely in the air. “There are so many moving parts and vibrations in a helicopter. They need to be maintained often.” Carlos […]
