Global Medical Response

The countdown is on! Just one more day until exhibits open at VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO). As the world's largest vertical aviation conference, it's the perfect place to connect with industry experts. Our recruiters, specializing in fixed- and rotor-wing operations, will be on-site and ready to meet with you at Booth 2324. Join us this week at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Register now at https://ow.ly/9ibP50VeSop #VERTICON2025

Growing up in Los Angeles, Merlinda Salas frequently watched Los Angeles Police Department helicopters circling overhead, a childhood memory that ignited her passion to pursue a career as a pilot. Today, as a rotor-wing pilot for REACH 82 in Porterville, CA, she finds her work deeply fulfilling, seeing herself as an essential link in a broader chain of care designed to save lives. Her dedication to the mission is truly inspiring. Thank you, Merlinda, for your unwavering commitment to serving your community. You are an invaluable member of the GMR family, and we are thrilled to share your story this Women of Aviation Week. #WOAW #OneTeam

For Jenna VanDeman, being the manager of flight records for Air Evac Lifeteam meant a career that was never boring. She’s responsible for keeping our pilots compliant, maintaining regulations and policies, all while learning more about the aviation industry as we grow together. With a background in the Army National Guard, Jenna’s also uniquely equipped to see both sides of the operation for what it is; a marriage of the medical and aviation fields intent on supporting its community. It is for these qualities and others that we congratulate Jenna on her achievements. Thank you for holding our aerial teams to mindful standards, so that we may provide the best care to our patients. #WOAW #OneTeam

For more than 32 years, Vicky Spediacci has dedicated her life to saving others, showing how passion and perseverance can create a lasting impact. Beginning her career as REACH Air Medical Services’ first female helicopter line pilot in 1994, Vicky broke barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Today, as vice president and air chief operating officer, she continues to inspire with her leadership and dedication to the air medical industry. Vicky’s career has been a journey of growth and purpose. From flying critical missions to mentoring future leaders, she has taken on roles including chief pilot, director of flight operations, and vice president of aviation operations. Her commitment to education and safety has shaped an environment where excellence and innovation thrive. For those interested in pursuing a career in EMS, Vicky’s advice is to follow their passion with determination. She believes that anyone with a commitment to serving others can find success in this field. Vicky’s story is a powerful reminder that EMS is more than a profession; it is a calling to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference. If you’re ready to start your journey, there has never been a better time to take that first step. #EMSforLife https://ow.ly/nNyz50V6yIU

We are proud to recognize REACH’s Northern Nevada Pilot Kezia Basnett as a leader in aviation during Women of Aviation Week! As part of the 9.57% of female pilots in the U.S., Kezia is breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of aviators. “Kezia’s dedication to the REACH mission of providing care at a moment’s notice is evident,” said Ryan Norris, assistant chief pilot. “Kezia came to us with pages of recommendations from current pilots in the program and has not only lived up to those expectations but has exceeded them. She has volunteered to assist with the training department and has qualified as a pilot instructor in the PC-12, while also working toward becoming a Check Airman for the C208 Caravan.” Kezia, thank you for your unwavering commitment of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice. Join us in celebrating her achievements and the incredible contributions of women in aviation! #WOAW #OneTeam https://ow.ly/7AWb50VcU7Q

Hurricane season 2017 was a defining moment for Heather Morse. She was deployed to Florida and, seeing so many people from different brands come together to serve those in need during difficult times, that camaraderie among neighbors, is why she chose to work in EMS. For this, and many other reasons, Heather often reflects on our 3P’s—people, passion, and purpose. Thank you, Heather, for embracing new challenges as the regional director of operations for Air Evac Lifeteam and for your unique approach as a woman in aviation. We love seeing how you accomplish our goal of continued growth, providing care to the world at a moment’s notice. #WOAW #OneTeam

In honor of Women of Aviation Week, we are thrilled to highlight Aircraft Maintenance Technician Tori Lee. Joining Med-Trans in September 2023, she was drawn by the company’s strong values and commitment to life-saving work. She values the sense of purpose and fulfillment she gains from being part of a team that is supportive and values her. For Tori, aviation and EMS feel like a natural path, and she’s proud to contribute to the mission of saving lives every day. Tori demonstrates the passion and determination that defines our team at GMR. We are thankful to have her as a valuable member of our team. Thank you, Tori, for inspiring women in aviation. #WOAW #OneTeam

Kalyn Kauffman is the embodiment of perseverance. Mother of two beautiful girls with another one on the way, Kalyn boards her aircraft every day and inadvertently creates a legacy for women, especially aspiring aviators. Her industrious career began at age 20 while living in Minnesota where she performed maintenance on agriculture Bell 47 helicopters. It was that initial passion that propelled her towards Air EMS life, and for 3 years now, Kalyn has been a dedicated aircraft maintenance technician working with Air Evac Lifeteam. Kalyn, we are proud to celebrate you during this Women of Aviation Week! Thank you for maintaining the safety of our patients and flight crews alike! #WOAW #OneTeam

Stefanie Lanschuetzer-Spellman began her job with REACH just last year, and she’s already made a lasting impact in EMS flying with a little bit of bucket work. What’s bucket work? Stephanie says it’s a very rewarding job, carrying hundreds of gallons of water or retardant via helicopter and dropping it with pinpoint accuracy on a fire. The substantial and extraordinary good in which Stefanie helps people during their most vulnerable moments is exactly the kind of rising stardom we love to celebrate. Thank you, Stefanie, for pushing the boundaries of emergency services and being an exemplary woman in aviation this soon in your career! #WOAW #OneTeam

At her core, Carol Belcher sees herself as a fixer. She is driven by solving problems, finding solutions, and improving processes, which is what ultimately led her to joining the Air Evac Lifeteam in 2011. But what made Carol proud to play a role in the company’s mission was how valuable the service we provide really is, especially in rural America. It’s for Carol’s get-your-hands-dirty attitude that we recognize her as an outstanding GMR employee this Women of Aviation Week. Thank you for all you do! #WOAW #OneTeam