In a collaborative effort to advance emergency care, AirLife Virginia partnered with the Henry County Department of Public Safety to host a complimentary weekend of advanced critical care education and teambuilding for pre-hospital providers on Jan. 9–10 at the Henry County Department of Public Safety Training Center.
Providers from diverse disciplines participated in this two-day immersive experience, which focused on basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) as well as critical care medicine. Designed to enhance both technical skills and collaborative response, the course combined classroom instruction with hands-on, high-fidelity training.
Participants engaged in high-level skill development, advanced airway management, ventilator operation, complex scenario-based simulations, and landing zone procedures. This training enabled providers to gain practical experience directly applicable to real-world emergencies. Offered at no cost and accompanied by continuing education credits, the program ensured that critical care training remains accessible to all providers throughout the region.
“AirLife Virginia is a vital partner in Henry County’s career and volunteer emergency services system,” said Deputy Director of Henry County Public Safety Suzie Helbert. “Their training is top-tier, and the relationships built during these CE weekends strengthen our entire emergency response network.
Demonstrating its commitment to excellence, AirLife Virginia holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS)—the industry’s highest standard for safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training. The program is equipped to deliver ICU-level care in flight, including the administration of blood products both in the air and at accident scenes.
In emergency and critical care medicine, outcomes often depend on seamless coordination long before a patient reaches a hospital. By training side-by-side, ground and air providers strengthen communication, build trust, and improve their ability to manage complex medical emergencies under pressure.
“These types of training are critical, not just for the clinicians who attend, but for the communities we serve,” said Gary Ayers, AirLife Virginia flight paramedic and base outreach coordinator. “When pre-hospital providers train together, sharpen advanced skills, and understand each other’s roles, patients benefit from faster, safer, and more effective care during their most critical moments.”
AirLife Virginia remains dedicated to advancing pre-hospital and critical care education through collaboration, innovation, and community partnerships. By investing in training opportunities like this, AirLife Virginia and the Henry County Department of Public Safety are ensuring that providers are prepared and that communities are safer when emergencies arise.
In addition to providing high-quality critical care, AirLife Virginia is in-network with most major insurance providers. Their patient advocacy program also works directly with patients and families, regardless of insurance status, to ensure access to care remains affordable and stress-free. Prepaid memberships are never required to receive care.
