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A Lifeline In The Skies

by | Oct 2024

THE EMERGENCY phone rang, cutting through the morning silence at Erlanger Health System. This sound was familiar, yet one that never failed to send a rush of adrenaline through the LIFE FORCE Air Medical flight crew’s veins. Andrew Condrey glanced at the clock — 6:15 a.m. Another life was at risk; another race against time was about to begin. Across the building, a pilot and a flight paramedic were already springing into action. Years of experience and many critical missions had already sharpened their swift movements. Coffee could wait. Lives couldn’t. This was a typical day at LIFE FORCE. 

Erlanger established LIFE FORCE Air Medical in 1988. At that time, Erlanger was the only trauma center serving Southeast Tennessee and was considered part of the trauma system in North Georgia, which still holds true today.

Since its inception, LIFE FORCE has expanded to six bases within a 100-mile concentric ring around Erlanger, now recognized as its home base. Erlanger LIFE FORCE transports patients to the closest appropriate facility, and in Franklin County, this often means Vanderbilt, depending on the patient’s condition. 

The concept of LIFE FORCE was to create a “circle of support” around Erlanger to serve those with medical emergencies in East Tennessee, North Georgia, Northeastern Alabama, and Middle Tennessee. 

There was a time when citizens in crises living on the Cumberland Plateau had to drive to Vanderbilt in Nashville, often facing the challenge of negotiating terrain features like Monteagle. LIFE FORCE’s presence in Franklin County means patients can reach Erlanger’s emergency room by helicopter in just 30 minutes. This reduction in time is critical for patients suffering extreme injuries or dangerous medical conditions like heart attacks or strokes. 

Condrey, one of LIFE FORCE’s many flight crew members, shared how he joined LIFE FORCE. 

“I’ve been serving now for 35 years. I got my start as a firefighter paramedic down in Atlanta, Georgia, and began flying in Atlanta 20 years ago. I came to know LIFE FORCE at Erlanger by flying patients up here.” 

He continued, “I found out very quickly LIFE FORCE’s reputation, especially in the trauma world and in helicopter Emergency Medical Services, is just considered major league ball. And I wanted to be a part of that.” 

Condrey understands the importance of LIFE FORCE in the community and hopes to spread awareness about the organization. 

LIFE FORCE teams, known as flight crews, function as a unit. They consist of a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight paramedic, and each member undergoes cross-training. The teams train rigorously and complete quarterly training sessions to enhance their skills and maintain peak performance. Each mission is unique, and the team must adapt and overcome many challenges such as weather and terrain. They train for failure so that they are always prepared. 

Condrey describes the special bond among the team members. 

“The pride of working as a member of such a cohesive team that is taking risks together is a notable thing that we do. We’re prioritizing the lives of strangers above that of our own. It’s dangerous work, but the totality of that creates this atmosphere of ‘esprit de corps,’ a pride of belonging that is second to none.” 

Before joining LIFE FORCE, Condrey proudly served in the Marine Corps, and he wouldn’t trade his time in the military or his experience with LIFE FORCE for anything in the world. 

“These two experiences — I would put them at the same level. It is really a rewarding career. It feels good to show up, zip up that flight suit, go on these missions, and take care of people. It’s a great honor and opportunity,” he said. 

LIFE FORCE and the Franklin County community have embraced each other with open arms. LIFE FORCE has made it a priority to engage with the residents here in Franklin County. They’ve partnered with local hospitals like Southern Tennessee Medical Center in Winchester and Sewanee for years. 

They hire local staff and remain involved in community events. Condrey spoke on behalf of the team, expressing that his goal for the future is to continue offering access to the high level of care that makes Erlanger a blazing force in the region. 

Condrey wants the Franklin County community to know that they will continue to provide top-tier services to the community. 

“We are proud to provide our services to you. We consider ourselves a part of the community, and we are here. We’re not going anywhere, and you can pop by and see us. We’re here at the Winchester Municipal Airport. You can also look for us at any one of the community events that pop up where we’re super active in the area and the community. Any opportunity that we have to get out there and interface with the public — we love to take advantage of that.” 

Condrey and the team’s ability to provide top-notch emergency medical services makes LIFE FORCE a valuable asset to the area. Swiftly transporting their patients to the necessary medical facilities has undoubtedly saved countless lives and will continue to do so in the future. GN 

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