Here at Kunes Auto Group of Macomb, we love connecting with the incredible people who serve our community. That's why we were thrilled to sit down with Scott Schaefer, a dedicated nurse from Air Evac Lifeteam Base 144, for a special edition of our "Kunes Car Convos."
Scott was initially eyeing a Camaro, but fate had other plans! The Camaro sold just before our interview, but we quickly found a more than worthy substitute: a stunning Corvette Stingray. And as Andy Laverdiere pointed out, the Corvette has its own aviation connection, reminiscent of the Mercury astronauts who famously leased Corvettes for just $1 a year.
A Consolation Prize Worthy of a Hero
"This is your consolation prize," Andy joked as Scott admired the Corvette. "All right, I can accept that," Scott replied with a smile.
Scott, originally from the Chicago area and a graduate of Illinois State University's nursing program, shared his journey from ER nurse and educator to flight nurse. He explained the rigorous training and the diverse backgrounds of Air Evac crew members, which include paramedics and nurses, all working together to provide critical care.
Serving the Community from the Air
Air Evac plays a vital role in our community, providing rapid medical transport for patients in need. They respond to scene calls, transport patients between hospitals, and assist local EMS in getting critically ill or injured individuals to larger facilities with specialized care.
"People in Macomb see you guys flying over all the time, but they may not know a whole lot about you," Andy noted. Scott emphasized their 24/7 availability (weather permitting!) and the collaborative nature of their work with other Air Evac bases, ensuring that everyone in their service area receives timely care.
Behind the Scenes: Life as a Flight Nurse
Scott gave us a glimpse into the daily life of an Air Evac crew member. With four pilots working 12-hour shifts and the medical staff staying in on-site quarters, they're always ready to respond. He explained their 90-mile primary response radius and their willingness to extend that range when needed, highlighting their commitment to serving the entire region.
The conversation delved into the challenges and rewards of the job. Scott acknowledged the inherent nervousness that comes with high-stakes situations, but stressed the importance of relying on training and experience. He also emphasized the rigorous safety protocols and the collaborative nature of their work, dispelling the myth of adrenaline-fueled risk-taking.
"People often say we're so brave," Scott said. "No, we're not. We're operating within the trained safe conditions."
The Future of Air Medical Transport
With the increasing consolidation of hospitals and the growing need for specialized care, Scott believes that air medical transport will become even more crucial in the future. He highlighted the ability to provide critical care and rapid transport, saving valuable time and potentially saving lives.
From the Driver's Seat to the Skies
To wrap up the interview, Scott took the Corvette for a spin, reminiscing about his grandfather's Corvette and his lifelong passion for cars, boats, planes, and, of course, helicopters.
We at Kunes Auto Group of Macomb are incredibly grateful for the dedication and service of Scott Schaefer and the entire Air Evac Lifeteam. They are true heroes, providing essential care to our community.
Want to Learn More?
- Visit Air Evac online at airmed.com.
- Join us for our First Responders Day this summer to see the Air Evac helicopter up close!
And don't forget to watch the video to see some amazing footage of the helicopter flying over our dealership!
We thank Scott and Air Evac for their time and service!
