Charlevoix Patient Receives Life-saving Coast Guard Flight to Mayo

A Charlevoix Hospital patient is alive today due to a life-saving flight to Mayo provided by a Coast Guard helicopter crew and the incredible teamwork it took to make the flight happen. 

The patient was in crisis, suffering from chronic issues due to cancer and needed immediate and specialized care that only Mayo could provide. However, because of the State of Emergency in effect from the ice storms, no other flight services were available that day and no other hospitals in Michigan could accept the patient. Ground transportation to Minnesota was also not possible due to the distance and the staffing of multiple crews that would have been required for such a trip. 

Thanks to the quick work of Lori Embrey, Department Assistant, MHC Patient Transfer and Placement Center; Jesse Silva, Director of Lake Charlevoix EMS; and Brenda Wilson, Manager of Boyne Valley EMS; a Coast Guard flight was arranged to transfer the patient to Mayo. When the medical crew boarded the flight, the pilot asked, “Who do you guys know to make this happen?”

Upon arrival from the 4-hour flight, the patient went straight to pre-op, underwent a 14-hour surgery and has a good prognosis.

“This was a great example of teamwork on all parts. Jesse with Charlevoix EMS was incredible with his resource knowledge and quick thinking to get this patient moved safely in the best manner for the medical attention the patient needed,” said Lori, who also helped to coordinate ground transport from the airport to Mayo for the patient. “The ice storm was devastating for all our Northern Michigan hospitals and communities. It was incredible to see us be able to come together under these circumstances for a good outcome for this patient.”