“Dispatches” February 2024 Issue

March 21, 2024
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Dispatches shares stories from the patients, supporters, crew, and communities that make LifeFlight of Maine one of the premier air ambulance services in the nation. It is published three times each year by The LifeFlight Foundation.

Download this issue as a pdf.

Stories in this issue of Dispatches


Welcome to LifeFlight 2024!

This story appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. Dear Friends, An age-old tradition as the clock strikes midnight on the morning of January 1 is to think of resolutions, like improving our health, doing good for others, or seeing a new corner of the world. At LifeFlight of Maine, we made some resolutions for […]
LifeFlight 4 crew in front of aircraft in Sanford

A Gift From Those Whose Lives Were Saved

This story appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. The helicopters are conspicuous and impressive to see fly, but the heart and soul of LifeFlight of Maine are the crew in their green flight suits with tremendous experience and extraordinary skill. A helicopter is a vehicle, but crew members save lives. “I will always appreciate […]

The Work on the Ground that Keeps Us in the Air

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 […]

Paramedic, Pilot, Eagle Scout, and CEO of LifeFlight

This story appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. Joe Kellner took over as CEO of LifeFlight of Maine on October 1, 2023. Joe has worked thousands of calls as a paramedic, flies an airplane recreationally, and is the father of two young boys. by Jesse Ellison In late October, when Maine suffered a mass […]

Leadership Spotlight: Rachel Malcolm

This story appeared in our Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. Rachel Malcolm is a member of the Board of Trustees of The LifeFlight Foundation. She lives in Trenton, Maine. When she began volunteering with local first responder services, Rachel Malcolm was willing to help however she could, but with two caveats: she wouldn’t wear a uniform […]
LifeFlight aircraft at sunset

From Maine to Boston, Via New Hampshire: Mel Morse’s LifeFlight Story

This story appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Dispatches. In an emergency, a strong and well-designed system saves lives. Much of the work happens behind the scenes long before an emergency call comes in, coordinating among services — EMS, fire, police, hospitals, and 911 dispatchers — so that when the need does arise, the necessary resources […]