Annual Airlife Memorial Run Replenishes the Spirit

Loss of friends and family is one of the most devastating of life events. The Airlife Denver Family is certainly no stranger to this kind of loss. In December of 1997, an entire Airlife Denver flight crew, as well as their patient, was lost in a horrific helicopter crash that occurred as they were leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.  It was out of this devastation and loss that something wonderful was born.

Friends of Airlife, a non-profit foundation, came to life shortly after this tragedy. The foundation was formed as a way not only to preserve the memory of those killed on that winter night, but to continue reaching out with the same passionate spirit of our fallen friends.  Through generous donations, the foundation provides free continuing education to regional EMS providers, and also provides support and assistance to EMS and their families during their darkest hours.   

Each May, under the beautiful Colorado sun, we come together at Hudson Gardens & Events Center in Littleton, Colorado. Near the site of the fatal crash, we celebrate the memory of our fallen friends and recognize exemplary service of our EMS peers.  The Annual Airlife Memorial Run/Walk is a poignant yet fun filled day for the entire family.  It is a time to recharge our hearts, meet new friends and remember those who no longer spread their wings by our sides. 

The day begins with a brief ceremony in memory of our fallen colleagues. In addition, there are several athletic endeavors including:  5k and 10k runs, a 5k walk, and a kids FREE fun run! Not a runner? Then come for the rest of the fun!

Come see an impressive array of Fire and Emergency Response equipment from across the region, including helicopters from Airlife Denver!  Come to enjoy the serenity of the beautiful gardens or free your inner child as you frolic amidst the abundant activities provided for your family’s entertainment.  A climbing wall, face painting, an obstacle course and a volleyball tournament are just a few of the enticing attractions at the event!!  There is definitely fun for all!  

For further information about this event, or to register for one of the run/walks or the volleyball tournament, please visit www.airlifedenver.com.  We are also on a quest for ever more volunteers, so if you have helping hands please register to be the power behind this year’s event!

Remember, dogs rule!!!  But there are dog rules…. Please leave Fido at home, dogs are not allowed in Hudson Gardens, thank you. Strollers, on the other hand, are welcome and encouraged!

~ by Tate Ulrich RN, BSN, CEN- Airlife Denver

The Pen Diaries

If one needed any more proof that the daily life of a flight nurse team has its moments of hilarity and, dare we say, schoolyard tactics when it comes to inconsequential things, we give you:  The Pen Diaries.

The following is taken from an email sent from one team member to another after a closely-coveted writing utensil, the only of its kind at the present time, was absconded from its initial owner.  Read on…

Prototype AirLife pen

Dear Diary,

Well, yesterday was a great day as a pen, especially with my new owner. We did a lot of stuff outside. We first had to do office stuff like fix computers and QI. But then after that we spent a lot of time outside. We cleaned the heli and changed seat covers. Visited with our firefighter friends and chased off a bunch of rabbits, snakes, and mice. Today I am at Aurora and we have already got to be outside doing a call. It was great flying and doing patient care.

I really love my new home and owner. It is better than my last home where I sat in the bottom of a purse all day and went from meeting to meeting. I really do feel bad for my last owner. She really is missing out by not being able to fly and be outside.

Well, Diary I will talk to you tomorrow.

 Pen

Stay tuned for more on this developing saga… We are lucky to have such a well-written pen — no pun intended.