University of Michigan - Survival Flight

09/13/2025

Every flight we take starts with one of the most important parts of our team — dispatch.

They are the ones who:
✈️ Coordinate every mission we go on
🚑 Arrange ambulances and ground support when needed
📟 Send out all Code and RRT pages in the hospital
👀 Watch over every flight to ensure we stay safe
⛽ Monitor our fuel levels and track nearby aircraft

Our dispatchers are truly our eyes and ears on the ground. They keep us informed, safe, and moving so we can focus on our patients. We couldn’t do our jobs without them! 💛

Take a moment to thank a dispatcher — they are the quiet heroes making it all happen behind the scenes.

09/11/2025

🇺🇸 Remembering 9/11 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to remember the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, healthcare workers, and everyday heroes who ran toward danger when others were running away.

We will never forget.
🕯️

08/29/2025

This week we had the opportunity to do a Landing Zone (LZ) class with Owosso Fire. 🚁🔥
We went over how to set up a safe LZ when calling Survival Flight for a scene call, covering everything from location selection to communication and safety considerations.

Big thanks to Owosso Fire for having us out—we always appreciate the chance to train together!

08/26/2025

Getting an up-close look at our aircraft never gets old. 🚁 Every detail is designed with safety and patient care in mind, and we’re proud to share a glimpse into the heart of what makes our missions possible.

08/11/2025

Happy 100 years Michigan Medicine. We are proud to be part of this team!

100 years ago today, we took the final steps of opening the nation's largest university hospital, at the corner of Ann and Observatory Streets.

This aerial image taken a few years later shows the hospital that came to be known as "Old Main" - after it was expanded upward by another two floors.

The hospital had 700 beds, 13 operating rooms and amphitheaters, outpatient clinics, a huge X-ray facility, clinical laboratories and much more. Designed by the firm of celebrity architect Albert Kahn, it was funded mainly by the state of Michigan. Two other buildings also housed inpatients, making U-M the 11th largest hospital complex in the country at the time.

Across the street, the dormitory for nursing students, Couzens Hall, opened just after the hospital. Named for the U.S. senator whose gift made it possible, it housed more than 250 students and classrooms for the Training School for Nurses, the forerunner of today's University of Michigan School of Nursing

Next door to it is the Detroit Observatory, built in 1854 as U-M's astronomy outpost on what was once the edge of town. Across from the Observatory stands the Simpson Memorial Institute, which opened in 1927 for clinical research on blood disorders.

Also this month in 1925, our University of Michigan Medical School opened its newest research and teaching building, then called East Medical but now used by U-M earth scientists and called the 1100 North University Building. The Medical School's research and teaching had begun on the Diag in October of 1850.

Learn more about "Old Main" hospital: https://michmed.org/RB88r

Do you remember this hospital as a patient, staff member, or alumnus? Share your memories here: michmed.org/memories

Explore all 175 years of U-M medical history here: https://medumi.ch/175th

Image: Bentley Historical Library

08/09/2025

It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while both of our bases end up at the same facility.
If you didn’t know we operate 2 bases . One is out of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and our 2nd is out of Howell at the Livingston County Airport.

08/03/2025

This past week we had the opportunity to put on a Landing Zone (LZ) class for the Plymouth Fire Department. We went over how to safely set up and secure a landing zone when calling Survival Flight for a scene flight.

We covered key points like:
✅ Picking a safe, clear area
✅ Communicating with the flight crew
✅ Keeping everyone safe during landing and takeoff

Thanks to Plymouth Fire for having us out—it’s always great working with teams who are dedicated to safety and teamwork on every call.

07/29/2025

🔧 The Unsung Heroes of Survival Flight ✈️💪

While our aircraft may be the most visible part of what we do, there’s a team behind the scenes that keeps everything running—our mechanics.

These incredible professionals are truly the backbone of our team. Every bolt, every inspection, every repair—they’re the reason we launch with confidence and return safely, every single time.

They work tirelessly, often unnoticed, to make sure our crews and patients are flying in the safest aircraft possible. You literally can’t overstate the importance of this team. Without them, none of what we do would be possible.

To our mechanics—thank you for the dedication, precision, and pride you put into every aircraft. We see you, and we couldn’t do it without you. 👨‍🔧👩‍🔧🛠️

07/25/2025

🚑 EMS Night Out Recap! 🌙💨

Last night we had the opportunity to host an EMS Night Out alongside an amazing group of paramedics and nurses! It was a great evening of learning, collaboration, and hands-on practice.

We focused on airway and ventilation—diving into everything from foundational concepts to managing difficult airways. Attendees got hands-on time with our difficult airway trainer and practiced performing a cricothyrotomy, reinforcing critical skills that save lives in high-stakes situations.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out, asked questions, and got involved. Nights like these make all the difference in building stronger, more confident teams out in the field.

07/22/2025

Out in the community today for an aircraft display with Green Oak Firefighters!

We had the chance to connect, answer questions, and give an up-close look at our aircraft and gear. Events like these are a great way to build strong relationships with our local first responders and share how we work together during critical calls.

Thanks to Green Oak Fire for having us out — we’re always proud to partner with those who serve! 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

07/18/2025

🚨 This Thursday: EMS & Nursing CE Opportunity! 🚨

We’re offering Continuing Education credits for both EMS and Nursing.

We’ll be diving into Airway & Ventilation Essentials, covering:
🔹 Intubation review
🔹 Difficult airway management (yes, even crics!)
🔹 Ventilator basics and best practices

Whether you’re brushing up or looking to expand your skills, this is a great opportunity to stay sharp and earn credits.

Spots are limited — send us a message to save yours today! 👇