LifeFlight of Maine Celebrates Successful Conclusion of The Complete The Fleet Campaign.
LifeFlight of Maine Completes the Fleet to Provide Mainers with
Upgraded Critical Care Air Transport
(Auburn, ME) LifeFlight of Maine is the state’s only emergency air ambulance service,
bringing advanced skills, medical technology, pharmacy, blood, and more directly to a
patient’s side, wherever he/she is.
Looking toward the horizon is a necessity in air medical transport, so in 2016, LifeFlight
began the effort to replace, modernize, and standardize the helicopter fleet.
Standardization is invaluable to the pilots, mechanics, and clinical crews who move from
one aircraft to another, because the layout, avionics, medical mounts, and lighting are
consistent.
Lima Foxtrot (N901LF) joined the Maine fleet in November 2020, and Xray Mike (N901XM)
went into service in March 2021. In October 2022, the final new helicopter, Whiskey Mike
(N901WM), joined the fleet and began transporting patients.
On Wednesday, December 21st the three new helicopters lined up together for the first
time outside LifeFlight’s hangar in Auburn to celebrate the completion of the upgraded
fleet.
“This truly is a gift to Maine, from the people of Maine,” said LifeFlight Foundation
Executive Director Kate O’Halloran. “It is because of their generous support that
LifeFlight is now able to better serve our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors
wherever and whenever they need us.”
The cost of each specialized medical helicopter is $6.3 million. This fleet upgrade was
made possible thanks to gifts from more than 7,500 donors — a combination of
individuals, family and private foundations, and Maine businesses.
Over the past 23 years, LifeFlight has safely cared for 35,000 patients of all ages—from
premature infants and critically injured children, to adults and seniors who need
specialty care. The calls for help come from all points in Maine—from mountains, lakes,
and coastal islands; from highways, trails, and main streets; and most importantly, from
hospital to hospital.
Much more than their iconic helicopters, the LifeFlight fleet are flying intensive care units,
staffed by experienced pilots, highly-trained critical care nurses and paramedics, and
equipped with life-saving medical technology that is often not available at many rural
hospitals. When Mainers see LifeFlight’s signature aircraft overhead, there is likely a crew
onboard, working against the clock to give someone a second chance.
“We acquired our first two original helicopters in 2003 and they have been incredible
workhorses,” said Tom Judge, the Founder and Executive Director of LifeFlight of Maine.
“In 2023 we will celebrate 25 years of being able to care for and safely transport Maine’s
most ill and injured patients. These new helicopters feature more power, speed, a larger
interior workspace, and advanced aviation electronics. All this translates to more patients
served, and served more quickly, safely and reliably for years to come. This is a big
moment for all of Maine.”
About LifeFlight of Maine
LifeFlight of Maine is the state’s only air medical and critical care transport organization, which brings high-level care and advanced equipment directly to the patient. In 2022, LifeFlight cared for more than 2,500 patients and has transported more than 35,000 patients since it was founded in 1998. LifeFlight operates from bases in Sanford, Lewiston, and Bangor, Maine, using four helicopters, a fixed-wing airplane, rapid response vehicles, and specialized ground ambulances. These medical teams care for Maine by partnering 24/7/365 with local EMS, fire/rescue, and hospital provider. LifeFlight’s commitment to Maine is that every person, in every community, has access to critical care and medical transport when needed.
About the LifeFlight Foundation
By raising philanthropic dollars and statewide awareness about the organization and its mission, the LifeFlight Foundation helps ensure that Maine’s most vulnerable patients receive the highest quality care when every minute counts. Since being founded in 20023, the Foundation has raised $40 million for aircraft, medical equipment, statewide aviation improvements, infrastructure, and educational outreach programs offered by LifeFlight of Maine.
The LifeFlight Foundation and LifeFlight of Maine operate as separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.
About LifeFlight Aviation Services
LifeFlight Aviation Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of LifeFlight, was established in 2020 to manage aviation services and is the FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate holder for LifeFlight.
