Air Evac Lifeteam, which has a base in Salem, recently received the Operator Safety Award for 2008 from Helicopter Association International.
The award annually recognizes the safe operation of helicopters by its regular members. HAI provides this award to regular members whose safety statistics for the previous calendar year demonstrate a helicopter accident rate that is less than half the total of the average accident rate of HAI operator members.
“I want to congratulate each and every employee for the hard work and effort in ensuring the safety of our crewmembers and those entrusted to our care,” said Dave Hardin, director of safety. “The fact that we received this recognition is a testament to the hard work and efforts of each and every member of Air Evac Lifeteam and Texas LifeStar families.”
In a letter from HAI President Matthew Zuccaro, he stated, “You can take great pride in the fact that you have met the requirements for this award. Your achievement not only reflects favorably upon your organization, but HAI members and the entire international helicopter community as well. Because of your efforts to reduce accident risk, the helicopter industry is better prepared to meet the challenges currently before us and those of the future.”
“It is rewarding to see this award presented to Air Evac Lifeteam again in recognition of the safety culture and attention to detail of our teams,” added President and CEO Seth Myers. “Our safety program is a collaborative effort, and we’re honored to receive the recognition.”
Salem Air Evac Lifeteam base has been in service since December 2003. Air Evac Lifeteam is a membership-supported air ambulance company that provides emergency care and rapid medical transport to rural communities throughout the central U.S.