Flight Medical Crew
Bangor |
|
 Pete Allen |
 Steve Babin |
 Sandra Benton |
 Donna Bulger |
 Doug Chappelle |
 Joshua Dickson |
 Chuck Hogan |
|
 Kalem Malcolm |
 Missy McCann |
 Josh McNally |
|
 Jon Tierney |
|
 Brent M. Watson |
|
Lewiston |
|
 Rielly Bryant |
 Heather Cady |
 Heather Carpenter |
 Mike Choate |
 Sabrina Gowell |
 Kim McGraw |
 Lori Metayer |
 Jared Miller |
 Jeremy Nadeau |
 Samuel Schaab |
 Rick Simpson |
 Jackie Turcotte |
 David White |
|
Bangor
Brent M. Watson, RN, CEN, EMT-I
Mattawamkeag native Brent Watson, RN, CEN, EMT-I, has been a flight nurse for LifeFlight of Maine since November 2007. After graduating from high school, Brent headed to Eastern Maine Community College where he got a degree in Medical Laboratory Tech.
He worked as a lab tech at Penobscot Valley Hospital, Sebasticook Valley Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center while earning a nursing degree from EMCC. He worked in the emergency department and the coronary care unit at EMMC as a nurse before being hired by LifeFlight.
At LifeFlight, Brent serves on the safety committee and as a member of the contingent to the Aviation Safety Network, an international group of organizations that focus on improving safety and risk management in the aviation industry.
Outside of work, Brent is a Registered Maine Guide. His other interests include hunting, fishing and camping, especially with his two young sons.
Carl Zenk, BS, FP-C, CCEMT-P
Carl was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Michigan. His first experience in the EMS field was as a ski patroller at age 17, where he first began to realize what a pleasure it is to help others in need. He joined the army when he was 18, where he discovered he preferred being a medic to working in the combat arms fields.
He received his degree through the US Army at the University of Alabama’s Paramedic School, and also earned a BS in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University in Athens, Alabama. Before coming to LifeFlight of Maine, Carl worked for Huntsville MedFlight in Huntsville, Alabama for 12 years.
When he’s not flying, Carl spends his time enjoying the outdoors, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and camping. When the harshest Maine weather prohibits outside activities, Carl can be found enjoying his other hobby, woodworking.
Donna Bulger, RN, CCRN, CFRN, EMT-P
Donna grew up in Corinna, where both of her parents worked for the local ambulance service. When she was a teenager, her father was critically injured while fighting a fire.
These strong ties to the field of emergency medicine led Donna to become a paramedic. She also attended Husson College, where she studied nursing and earned her degree. She went straight to work in Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit after college, a job that she loved. But when the opportunity to work for LifeFlight came up, she saw it as the perfect way to combine both her love for critical care nursing and for emergency medicine. As with all LifeFlight staff, Donna is involved in outreach education with a special interest in the care of burn patients.
Donna lives in Winterport, where she spends her free time playing with her dogs, kayaking, hiking, gardening and cooking.
Doug Chappelle, CFRN, CCEMT-P
Doug Chappelle is a flight nurse/paramedic with LifeFlight of Maine at the Bangor base. Doug completed one tour of active duty in the military and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. After his discharge from the military, Doug returned to his hometown of Old Town to begin his EMS career.
In 1996 he became a member of the Eastern Maine Medical Center neonatal transport team. From there he went on to become a paramedic in 1999. He worked with LifeFlight as a paramedic from 2001 to 2006, when he left to pursue his nursing degree. With his nursing degree under his belt, he returned to LifeFlight in 2009 to work as a nurse/paramedic and is also a full time employee with Capital Ambulance in Bangor. Doug also enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and snowmobiling.
Jay Fonseca, RN, CFRN
Flight nurse Jay Fonseca grew up in Enfield, CT and found his way to Maine when he attended college at the University of Maine at Orono. He stuck around the area after graduation, working as an emergency room nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, and in the intensive care and pediatric intensive care units at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
If you ask Jay why he decided to become a nurse, he answers, “I always liked the idea that I could be someone who intersects with people when they are at such a critical point in their lives.”
This desire to help others extends outside of his daily job as well. After the massive earthquake in Haiti, Jay volunteered with International Medical Corps and spent time in Port-au-Prince, tending to the hundreds of people injured in the catastrophe.
Jay took a position at LifeFlight in June 2011 and along with his regular clinical duties, he also serves on the public relations committee where he helps promote the mission of LifeFlight.
Jay lives with his wife in Bangor where he spends much of his leisure time training for and competing in triathlons. He completed his first full Ironman event (all 140.6 miles!) in July 2011.
Chuck Hogan, RN, BSN
Bangor Flight Nurse Chuck Hogan joins LifeFlight after a 16 year career at Eastern Maine Medical Center, where he worked as a nurse in the emergency department and as the clinical educator. He began his career with a 4-year stint in the Air Force, and subsequently earned his bachelor of science degree in nursing from Husson College.
When he’s not in a flight suit, Chuck can usually be found fly fishing on the waterways of Maine, or running up and down the gymnasium hardwood as a high school basketball official. Chuck also likes to spend time with his wife, two young daughters and two chocolate Labrador retrievers.
Frank McClellan, FP-C, CCEMT-P, WEMT-P
Flight Paramedic Frank McClellan has spent most of his medical career in New Mexico, though growing up he has lived all over the world. Medical aviation seems to be in his blood, with a father who was an Air Force pilot and a mother who worked for the Red Cross. He went to school to become an auto mechanic, but after a stint volunteering in a crisis center in Tampa, Florida, he discovered he handled crisis situations well, so he decided to become a paramedic.
Frank has over 20 years of experience as an emergency medical provider. In New Mexico, he worked as an ambulance paramedic and firefighter paramedic before taking to the skies for a helicopter emergency medical service in Albuquerque. Eventually, he began looking for an opportunity at LifeFlight of Maine. With family ties in New England, and a love for the Maine outdoors, Lifeflight was the perfect fit.
If you ask Frank why he chooses to care for the most critically ill and injured patients in Maine, he’ll tell you, “I got lucky and found what I was put here on earth to do. I don’t know how else to explain it.”
At LifeFlight, Frank serves on the performance improvement and clinical practice committee, human patient simulator, and brings a special interest in safety management to the organization.
Frank’s personal interests include beekeeping, fly fishing, hiking, vert. skateboarding and above all, spending time with his wife and two children.
Josh McNally, CCEMT-P
Jon Tierney, NR/W/CCEMT-P, FP-C
Jon began his EMS career in 1982, while in college, in an effort to be better prepared to help others in the backcountry as he intended to work as a backcountry ranger and mountain guide. After completing a basic EMT class, he worked a few summers as an EMT in his hometown of Claremont, NH. It was there that he first worked alongside paramedics who planted a seed for EMS work that would grow into a longstanding parallel career.
A graduate of the University of Maine, Jon has a degree in Recreation and Park Management with additional studies in Education. He helped establish and then directed the University of Maine outdoor program for seventeen years. He served locally on volunteer EMS squads and rescues teams through the 80s. In 1989, Jon completed the paramedic program at Kennebec Valley Technical College. As a paramedic, he worked as a volunteer and per diem in the Bangor area over the next decade. For several summers Jon worked as a backcountry climbing ranger and paramedic for the National Park Service where he was involved in many high mountain rescues in Rocky Mountain National Park and on Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska.
Jon is one of a handful of internationally licensed IFMGA mountain guides in the US and has guided over 70 expeditions to high altitude peaks around the world. He is the owner of Acadia Mountain Guides and a local outdoor retail store. He instructs wilderness medicine for Wilderness Medical Associates and enjoys teaching outdoor leaders and fellow emergency providers.
Jon first became involved with LifeFlight of Maine during its inception but stepped back to pursue other goals. A serious backcountry skiing accident in 2003 left him with a whole new perspective on medical care, so when the opportunity arose again in 2009 to join LifeFlight he jumped at the chance. At LifeFlight he serves on the Safety Committee and brings a unique perspective on care in difficult and remote locations.
Joshua Dickson, FP-C, CCEMT-P, WEMT-P
Josh grew up in Oregon where family ties to the EMS community run deep. His father was the first paramedic in the state, and his family owned the ambulance and fixed wing service in his hometown of Astoria. His mother was a nurse in the emergency and intensive care departments, his uncle was the ambulance fleet mechanic and his aunt was a dispatcher. Josh’s own EMS career seemed inevitable.
He was raised at the ambulance station and remembers feeling proud of his father and how other people looked up to him. This left a strong impression on young Josh and when it came time to choose a career, it’s no surprise he decided to pursue a degree in paramedicine. After earning his license, Josh spent the next few years working with rescue teams on Mt. Hood in Oregon and as a ski patroller on Mt. Shasta in California. He became a flight paramedic, working for services in Mt. Shasta, as well as Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. He moved to Maine and began working for LifeFlight in March 2007.
Not surprisingly, Josh enjoys spending his time off pursuing adventure-based activities like climbing, snowboarding, mountaineering and flying his own Piper Comanche. When he can’t get outside, he also enjoys making furniture.
Kalem Malcolm, FP-C, CCEMT-P, WEMT-P
While growing up in Gardiner and New Sharon, Kalem always enjoyed science and first aid and he’s been following that love ever since. He took an EMT class during high school, then joined the Navy where he worked as a hospital corpsman in the Cardiac ICU at the National Naval Medical Center. While in Maryland Kalem volunteered at Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad, Maryland's busiest heavy rescue, and attended the Montgomery County Fire/Rescue Training Academy for Paramedic and Firefighter certifications.
After completing his service in the military, he returned to Maine and worked as a paramedic in several places including Winthrop, Boothbay and Delta Ambulance Services, and Franklin Memorial Hospital EMS. While at FMH-EMS in Farmington, he helped implement the transition from five individual services to one service now known as NorthStar EMS. Kalem also worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher before moving the West Virginia to attend Critical Care Paramedic School at the University of Maryland and gain further experience in an ICU. Then in May 2007, he returned to Maine to accept a position as a flight paramedic for LifeFlight of Maine.
Kalem serves as the Education Coordinator for the Bangor Base and the LifeFlight liaison for Eastern Maine Medical Center's Neonatal Transport Team.
When he’s not on the helicopter, Kalem volunteers with his local fire/rescue department in Dedham and is a member of the Maine EMS Board and Honor Guard. Kalem enjoys outdoor activities, reading, movies, music and spending time with friends and family. He also raises honey bees and chickens at his home.
Kimberly Savage, RN, BSN, CCRN, CFRN, CEN
Growing up on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada, Kim always liked caring for others, so it seemed like a logical choice to pursue a nursing diploma at the Saint John School of Nursing in Saint John, New Brunswick. After graduation, she moved to Maine and earned a BSN from the University of Maine in Orono.
She began her nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor on the med/surg floor, but quickly moved to the emergency department. After 4 years at St. Joseph’s, Kim spent a year as a traveling nurse, working in emergency departments in Virginia Beach, VA; Hagerstown, MD; and Belfast, ME. She then settled down at Eastern Maine Medical Center, where she worked in emergency, as well as adult and pediatric intensive care. She moved to LifeFlight of Maine in March of 2007.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending her time with her young son.
Missy McCann, RN
Missy got her start in the medical field as a nursing tech at Brewer Rehab. From the beginning, she knew that she wanted to further her education and work in the fast pace of a busy hospital. After 12 years as a tech, and with the support of her husband, Missy decided to go back to school and earn her nursing degree. While in school, she worked at St. Joseph Hospital, Community Health and Counseling and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Upon her graduation in 2001, she accepted a position as an RN on the surgical floor at EMMC.
She soon moved to the adult and pediatric ICU, where she would watch the Lifeflight crew transport the most critical patients, and knew that was what she really wanted to do. The opportunity presented itself in 2008 and Missy accepted a flight nurse position in June of that year.
“It is a privilege to take care of these patients and their families during a very vulnerable time in their lives. I made a pact with myself after helping my in-laws deal with the death of a close family member that I was going to dedicate my life to emergency medicine, not only through solid training and experience, but also with kind words and a gentle smile.”
Missy lives in Winterport with her husband and two sons. She spends her time watching her son race motocross, riding her motorcycle, hunting, scrapbooking and hanging out with her grandson, 2-year-old Ian.
Pete Allen, CCEMT-P
Paramedic Pete Allen joined the LifeFlight team in 2009, after working for United Ambulance in Lewiston for several years. Originally from Sidney, he made the decision to pursue a career in emergency medicine when he was a teenager. A close family member was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident and the experience made Pete realize he wanted to be the person to help others in a time of crisis.
He graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College and started his EMS career at Delta Ambulance in Waterville and Augusta. He broadened his scope and also became a firefighter for Augusta and Gardiner. Although he enjoyed the fire service, he was always driven to provide the highest level of medical care possible, so he continued to hone his skills as a paramedic, with aspirations of working for LifeFlight one day.
Pete has two boys and enjoys going on family vacations and hanging out at the ice rink where his boys play hockey.
Sandra Benton, RN, MSN, CCRN
Bangor Program Coordinator
Sandy is a “county girl,” born and raised in the Houlton area. Her passion for math and science, and the strong, independent nurse role models in her family led her to Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) School of Nursing.
After graduating, she became a traveling nurse and completed her bachelors and masters degrees in nursing. At that time she and her husband returned to Maine to settle down, “watch the tomatoes grow” and raise a family. Sandy spent the next ten years as a clinical nurse specialist at EMMC.
In 1996, Sandy assisted with the development of a critical care transport team. She has been with the LifeFlight program since its inception, serving as the Program Coordinator/Base Manager for LifeFlight’s Bangor base.
She rarely has time to watch the tomatoes grow, and describes her two boys as “LifeFlight groupies.” When she is not a “hockey mom,” Sandy, her husband John, and the boys enjoy camping, fishing, snowshoeing, hockey, gardening and just being together as a family.
Steve Babin, RN, CCRN
Bangor native Steve Babin is an original member of the LifeFlight of Maine team. Before working at LifeFlight, Steve served four years in the Air Force, stationed in California. While in the military, he obtained his LPN and worked in both military and civilian emergency rooms. After his discharge from the military, Steve returned to Bangor and went back to school to become a registered nurse. He later obtained his CCRN certification. While completing his education, he worked at different critical care units and emergency departments.
Steve started working at Eastern Maine Medical Center in 1997, and when LifeFlight opened its doors he jumped at the chance to become a flight nurse. With a passion for education, Steve coordinates the Human Patient Simulator program and also serves as a facilitator in the mobile training lab.
Steve lives in Brewer with his wife and two children and spends his time off with his other passion, coaching local youth sports teams.
Lewiston
Brad Boehringer, RN, W-EMTP, CEN
Brad began cutting his medical teeth as a prehospital provider. He taught for SOLO wilderness medicine schools and there developed his passion for medicine. This led him to a second degree in nursing and eventually to a position in the emergency rooms at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Maine Medical Center in Portland.
His ongoing passion for outdoor expeditions and international travel has led him to hike the Appalachian Trail, work for the Hurricane Outward Bound School in Maine, volunteer at a clinic in the Dominican Republic and even guide high altitude expeditions through Field Touring Alpine in Nepal, Ecuador and around the world. On any spring weekend, Brad can be found ski patrolling in Tuckerman’s Ravine. He yearns for the telemark turn in deep powder, good coffee and tasty food… all amidst friends.
Rielly Bryant, CCEMT-P
Rielly started as a volunteer in EMS when he was in high school. He attained his first certification as a Licensed Ambulance Attendant for the small towns of Mechanic Falls and Poland. He continued on through the license levels as an EMT-Basic and then an EMT-Intermediate.
It was not long before he realized he was going to have a career in the public safety field. While continuing to work as an EMT-I, Rielly started working as a Communications Officer for both EMS and Law Enforcement. Rielly attended the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and became a full time law enforcement officer. Upon completion of the Police Academy, he continued his education in EMS and completed his Paramedic certification. After working on a ground ambulance for several years as a Paramedic, Rielly started working towards becoming a LifeFlight Paramedic. He attended the Critical Care training program at UMBC in Maryland, and a short time later he was hired with LifeFlight. Rielly continues to maintain his employment as a full time law enforcement officer as well as a Flight Paramedic.
Rielly continues to enjoy working in both the fields of medicine as well as law enforcement and he plans to continue on with furthering his education in medicine.
Heather Cady, RN, CCEMT-P
Lewiston Program Coordinator
Heather Cady always knew that she wanted to work in the medical field and after graduating from Massabesic High School she did just that. Heather first attended Northeastern University in Boston, where she earned her paramedic certification. From there she furthered her medical knowledge by obtaining her associate degree in nursing from Southern Maine Technical College. Before coming to LifeFlight in 1998 Heather worked as a paramedic for Portland Fire’s MEDCU and as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Maine Medical Center.
Heather serves as the Program Coordinator/Base Manager for LifeFlight's Lewiston base. She also oversees ground safety and outreach education for LifeFlight in the southern part of the state and serves as a facilitator on the HPS team. She lives in Falmouth with her husband, Kevin, and their two boys, Griffin and Marcus. In her “off time,” she is serving as general contractor, rebuilding the family camp.
Heather Carpenter, RN, BSN, CCRN, EMT-I
Heather knew that she wanted to become a nurse from the time she worked as a candystriper at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) back in 1982. She had a love for the well being of others at a young age. She attended University of Southern Maine in Portland and graduated with her BSN in 1995. She also earned her associates degree in Business Management in 1991. She has worked at CMMC since 1997, working in the ER and ICU, and she joined LifeFlight in 1999. Heather completed her Nurse Practioner Master's degree at Northeastern University in April of 2013.
Heather lives in Greene with her husband, Mark and their two children Jayden and Noah. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and enjoys golfing, going to the beach with her kids and coaching basketball and softball.
Mike Choate, FP-C, CCEMT-P
Growing up in Gardiner, Mike followed a traditional educational path, graduating from Colby College in Waterville with a degree in mathematics. However, a constant interest in the human body led him to take anatomy and physiology classes in college, as well as an EMT class.
As he learned more, he grew to love the ever-evolving practice of medicine and felt a strong desire to help people during their time of need. He started work in EMS for Delta Ambulance in 1996 and soon developed a love for the autonomy of field medicine. He has been at Lifeflight since 2007 and enjoys working as the base coordinator for quality assurance and process improvement.
Mike is married to Stephanie, a Maternal Child Health RN, has two sons, and likes to spend his time off hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and instilling his love for the outdoors in his boys.
Sabrina Gowell, RN, EMT-B
Sabrina Gowell grew up in Monmouth, where she excelled at math and science, and enjoyed the hands-on experience of helping people. She got her nursing degree from the University of New England and soon after began working in the Intensive Care Unit at Central Maine Medical Center.
She worked at CMMC for 10 years, developing her critical care nursing skills and waiting for an opportunity to work as a flight nurse, something she had wanted to do since the beginning of her career. In September 2008, she got that opportunity when she joined the crew of LifeFlight of Maine. At LifeFlight, Sabrina serves on the Performance Improvement committee, where she helps to develop and monitor indicators of the crew's performance in the areas of aviation and critical care.
When she is not taking care of patients, Sabrina likes to spend time skiing, camping, fishing and boating with her husband and two young daughters. She is also a runner, competing in local 5k and 10k races throughout the summer.
Ryan Gauvin, AAS, NREMTP, CCEMTP, FP-C
Born and raised in Jay, Ryan began working for his local ambulance service as soon as he received his EMT license. After a couple of years there, he started working at United Ambulance in Lewiston and soon moved to the Portland area to attend Southern Maine Community College. He earned a degree in paramedicine and took a position as a firefighter/paramedic for the Saco Fire Department.
With some good experience under his belt, he decided to attend the CCEMTP course through the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in order to further his education in critical care. He started working as a flight paramedic for LifeFlight in July 2010. Ryan also completed CMMC's College of Nursing and Health Professions Paramedic to RN bridge course to further his education in April 2013.
“What I like most about my job with LifeFlight is the freedom to think critically about the challenges we are faced with on each and every call,” explains Ryan. “No day is like another, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to work with a great group of people.”
In his spare time, Ryan likes to ski, bike, golf, play sports and travel to new places.
Kim McGraw, RN, CCEMT-P, FP-C, CFRN
Kim McGraw serves as both a Flight Paramedic and Flight Nurse for LifeFlight. She is an original member of LifeFlight of Maine’s Lewiston flight crew, joining the crew in 1998 with 14 years of experience in pre-hospital medicine, and years of service as one of Maine’s leading pre-hospital instructors. Kim has worn many hats at LifeFlight, serving on many committees, and helping to develop the QI and safety programs within the company. Currently, she serves on the Safety Committee, works with the Human Patient Simulator Program as both a facilitator and an operator, and serves as a member of the ASN risk management team. In addition to LifeFlight duties, Kim is an instructor for a variety of national pre-hospital and in-hospital certification programs, and she works within her local community to promote health and fitness.
She continues to sharpen her skills by completing advanced training and certification programs. In 2002, she was awarded an associate's degree in nursing from the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. In addition to her certification as a critical care paramedic, she became a certified flight paramedic in 2003, and a certified flight nurse in 2008.
With more than 29 years experience in emergency medical services, including 23 years as a Paramedic, Kim is at her best when the situation is chaotic and clear thinking and rapid interventions are needed. In addition to working for a number of Maine’s EMS services as a Paramedic, she is also an RN in the intensive care and emergency departments at CMMC, Bridgton Hospital, and Memorial Hospital in NH.
Lori Metayer, RN, BSN, MS, CFRN, EMT-P
A 1984 graduate of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing, Lori went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine in Portland and later gained paramedic certification. Most recently, she earned her master's degree in healthcare administration from New England College in New Hampshire.
Her nursing career began in the CMMC Intensive Care Unit. She was later named manager of the Orthopedic-Neurosurgery Nursing Unit and then worked for three years as a nursing supervisor, but her interest in critical care nursing drew her back to the ICU and Emergency Department. In 1998, she was named CMMC’s Emergency Nurse of the Year and immediately joined the newly forming LifeFlight program. Lori is a member of the public relations committee and board for the Association of Air Medical Services and is also a member of the Maine EMS Board. She has presented educational programs throughout Maine and nationally, and has led LifeFlight’s work in developing blood donor programs.
She lives in Lisbon Falls with her husband, Shawn, a former LifeFlight paramedic. She spends her time off traveling, playing hockey, riding her Harley-Davidson and volunteering for her local EMS agency.
Jared Miller, BS, RN, EMT-P, RRT, FP-C
Jared grew up in Windsor, but left the area after high school, spending time in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He graduated from Quinnipiac College in CT with a degree in respiratory therapy and worked as an RT at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Medical Center. While in Boston, he also became a Basic EMT.
Throughout his career, he always enjoyed critical care and emergency medicine, so he continued on in the EMS field, earning his paramedic certification from Stamford College in CT. He then went to work as a flight respiratory therapist/paramedic at Hartford Hospital, where he flew for 5 years.
He eventually found his way back to Maine, joining the LifeFlight crew in April 2004.While working full-time as a paramedic, Jared also went to nursing school. Jared is a flight RN/Paramedic and also works in the Intensive Care Unit. He settled in Winthrop with his wife, Beth, the clinical coordinator for Winthrop Pediatrics, and their children Nathan and Lauren. Jared also likes to play golf and hang out with family and friends.
Jeremy Nadeau, RN, EMT-P
Jeremy Nadeau was born and raised in Auburn Maine, and started his career in EMS at Delta Ambulance in Augusta. He spent a few years as a paramedic, and then went to nursing school at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC). After he earned his degree, he worked in the ICU and ER at CMMC.
Jeremy’s work experience also includes some time spent as a traveling nurse in the Carolinas and Reno, Nevada, as well as a flight paramedic in Richmond, Virginia. As with many Mainers, he found he missed his home state, so he returned in 2009 to take a job with LifeFlight.
At LifeFlight, Jeremy serves on the education committee and is training to be a facilitator with the Human Patient Simulator program. In his spare time, he likes to hunt, fish, snowmobile and golf.
Samuel Schaab, RN, BSN, NREMT-B
Sam grew up in Monroe and earned his nursing degree from Husson College. He worked as a staff nurse in the emergency, intensive care and neonatal intensive care units at both Eastern Maine and Central Maine Medical Centers before becoming a flight nurse for LifeFlight in September 2006.
Outside of work, Sam likes to spend time with his three young girls and also enjoys fishing, snowboarding, camping, golfing and playing music.
Rick Simpson, CCEMT-P
Born and raised in Auburn, paramedic Rick Simpson feels very fortunate to be able to do what he loves in the place he calls home.
Rick is the organization’s clinical database administrator, the manager of the Human Patient Simulator program (a mobile, self-contained, emergency training lab housed in an RV) and the DigiWx AWOS II Technician.
After working 21 years for United Ambulance (serving 5 years as operations manager), Rick joined LifeFlight in 1999. He says delivering pre-hospital critical care has been the most rewarding experience of his life. “I am blessed to be able to care for people who are in their most important time of need. It’s humbling to see the miracle of timely critical care happen right before your eyes.”
Rick also enjoys spending time at home with his family in central Maine, listening to music and playing around with computers.
Jackie Turcotte, RN, BSN, CCRN, EMT-I
Growing up in the Lewiston/Auburn area, Jackie always loved science and the challenging nature of problem solving, but after high school she wasn’t sure how to turn that interest into a career. She got a degree from Westbrook College and began working in a medical lab, however she soon realized she wanted more. She enrolled in nursing school at Central Maine Medical Center and became an RN.
She worked in the intensive care unit at CMMC as a critical care nurse for more than 10 years before joining LifeFlight in 2008. Jackie currently lives in Durham and volunteers for Durham Fire/Rescue as an EMT-I when her work schedule permits.
Jackie’s enthusiasm for her job as a flight nurse is apparent. "I love being a nurse and continue to study while teaching critical care nurses in CMMC’s ICU. Not only do I enjoy helping patients, but it’s a privilege to help the patient’s family members who are also in crisis when their loved ones are critically ill or injured." Jackie also likes the challenge of caring for patients, from young to old, with complex medical problems.
Jackie spends her time off with her husband and daughter, and enjoys hiking, camping, reading, traveling and derby roller-skating.
Ryan Walsh, CCEMT-P, FP-C
Ryan grew up in a small town outside of Saratoga Springs, NY, where he followed in his father’s footsteps to become a volunteer firefighter at age 16. After he finished high school, he immediately went to work for the city of Schenectady as an EMT.
From his early start in EMS, he always had the desire to learn more and acquire the skills necessary to treat patients at a higher level. This drive led him to paramedic school and eventually to Maine to accept a firefighter/paramedic position with the Portland Fire Department.
After a few years in Maine, he found his way to LifeFlight. Ryan explains, “The desire to be challenged and have to think critically in a time-sensitive environment is what attracted me to LifeFlight of Maine.”
His spare time is spent mountain biking, playing ice hockey, golfing, snowmobiling and relaxing outside.
David White, CCEMT-P
Dave was born and raised in Carthage. He entered the EMS field by accident, as he enrolled in his first EMT class because his friends were signed up, but it proved to be the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
Dave earned his paramedicine degree from what was then Kennebec Valley Vocational Technical Institute (now known as Kennebec Valley Community College) and joined United Ambulance Service in Lewiston. Seventeen years later, Dave has moved through the ranks to become the operations manager, while also working for LifeFlight.
After working on LifeFlight’s CAMTS accreditation project, which has accredited both ground and air critical care transport, David took on the challenge of gaining national accreditation for United, which has become the first nationally accredited ground ambulance in the state.
When he’s not delivering emergency medical care, either by air or by ground, Dave, who resides in Dixfield, spends most of his time hanging out with his kids.
