Community Chat

[Rainbows and Roses]

Was this today? Oh, I am so sorry..........they could break the news for this..........stupid media.

[Rainbows and Roses]

I like to watch True Crime with Aphrodite Jones

[Suhse]

Horrible, so sad that they are doing their normal job, and it becomes the last day of their life; we never know, do we? I'm in Spokane, so of course, we heard the news. A number of years back, I was running Bloomsday, our huge 12k run, the first Sunday of May. There are usually over 50,000+ runners. One of the helicopters covering the run, crashed and the pilot was killed. Random tragedies and so hard to understand!

[croemer]

I feel so sad for all. The poor man that was burned...who can see that coming?

[terrier3]

When I worked at a radio station, the traffic copter guy asked me if I wanted to go for a ride...I said no, it looked too dangerous.

A few months later, the copter crashed into some electric wires and the reporter and pilot were electrocuted and died, the copter crashing onto the Niagara River, not far from the Falls.

He was a great guy...but there were two stations at the time trying to get the most "news." It was very foggy that day and the other station's copter was grounded.

I don't see the need for all these reports from in the air...especially the car chases with the police. Leave that to the police copters...it's a sick kind of news entertainment anyway!

[medicgirl]

So tragic. I was on duty yesterday with my crew. We work on a helicopter air ambulance. Sadly, for the industry, accidents like this are on the rise. We were horrified as we saw it unfold. Our pilot talked with us medical crew about it, and how we just never know when we strap in to fly to an accident scene or hospital if we are going to be coming home, even when everything goes right. Pilots and crew are exceptionally skilled, but climb into a powerful machine that deserves respect and has the potential to take their lives. I was touched to read all the caring thoughtful responses here for that crew who died doing their job-covering the news to help make others aware. I was a little upset about the comment asking if someone was equating a helicopter crash with a missing airliner (paraphrasing), because while it's clearly not on the same scale, it was an air accident just the same, and lives were lost with families and friends left behind, just the same. We never know. I take every opportunity I get to let my friends and family know I love them when I go off to work, and I bet that news crew did too. They were well-loved. We hurt so much for the lost crew yesterday-it hurts every time to hear. I wish their friends and families peace. The photo showed last night of the empty spot in the hangar where their helicopter lived had flowers in its place, and seeing it broke my heart. An empty spot where the beloved "office" of two amazing men once stood by, waiting for duty. May they forever rest in peace.

[Suhse]

Medicgirl:

Years ago, the entire crew of a Heartflight ambulance and their passenger, were killed, here in Spokane.

There is permanent memorial to them, outside the main entrance to Sacred Heart Hospital.

Thank you for the work you do. The lives you save!

There are risks in everything, but, it must be so rewarding to know what a difference you make.

[medicgirl]

On 3/22/2014 SUHSE39 said:

Medicgirl:

Years ago, the entire crew of a Heartflight ambulance and their passenger, were killed, here in Spokane.

There is permanent memorial to them, outside the main entrance to Sacred Heart Hospital.

Thank you for the work you do. The lives you save!

There are risks in everything, but, it must be so rewarding to know what a difference you make.

Oh SUHSE39, Thank You so much for your kind words! It means a lot that you took the time to write such a sweet reply to me. I remember hearing about the crew lost in Spokane, how sad it always is. You are right about making a difference-I have had several people today that we have flown and cared for on 'their worst day', and nothing makes me happier than hearing from them in a card or letter that they are here today because we were there to help. I feel truly blessed to have this career. Thank you again my friend! You take care

[Suhse]

Medic girl: You are welcome. I could not do what you do, too squeamish! But, I have the greatest admiration for those who can!

[dooBdoo]

On 3/19/2014 medicgirl said:

So tragic. I was on duty yesterday with my crew. We work on a helicopter air ambulance. Sadly, for the industry, accidents like this are on the rise. We were horrified as we saw it unfold. Our pilot talked with us medical crew about it, and how we just never know when we strap in to fly to an accident scene or hospital if we are going to be coming home, even when everything goes right. Pilots and crew are exceptionally skilled, but climb into a powerful machine that deserves respect and has the potential to take their lives. I was touched to read all the caring thoughtful responses here for that crew who died doing their job-covering the news to help make others aware. I was a little upset about the comment asking if someone was equating a helicopter crash with a missing airliner (paraphrasing), because while it's clearly not on the same scale, it was an air accident just the same, and lives were lost with families and friends left behind, just the same. We never know. I take every opportunity I get to let my friends and family know I love them when I go off to work, and I bet that news crew did too. They were well-loved. We hurt so much for the lost crew yesterday-it hurts every time to hear. I wish their friends and families peace. The photo showed last night of the empty spot in the hangar where their helicopter lived had flowers in its place, and seeing it broke my heart. An empty spot where the beloved "office" of two amazing men once stood by, waiting for duty. May they forever rest in peace.

Oh, medicgirl. I have tears in my eyes reading this. I think we tend to feel removed, distant from these human tragedies and forget they are people, flesh and blood, loved by many and such an excruciating loss to those who know them.

God bless you for the work you do. And my gratitude to all those who serve and protect. May Gary Pfitzner and Bill Strothman rest in peace.