A Hospital Wing helicopter with a Le Bonheur Pedi-Flite crew onboard crashed this morning in Fayette County. The team was en route to Bolivar, Tenn., to pick up a patient for transport to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Hospital Wing pilot Charles Smith, Pedi-Flite Nurse Carrie Barlow and Pedi-Flite Respiratory Therapist Denise Adams died in the crash. Pedi-Flite is the pediatric and neonatal critical care transport team of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
“TASA’s heart is heavy today as we learn of the crash of a Memphis Hospital Wing helicopter. We all know in the EMS community the risks and rewards of this profession. There is no greater cause than helping others in their time of need. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and their loss as well as the Hospital Wing Team,” said Chad Graham, President of the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association
Emergency crews utilized specialty equipment to access the crash site due to muddy conditions. The NTSB is expected to arrive later this evening to begin their investigation.
“We are reaching out to our Hospital Wing friends to offer any support we possibly can,†added Graham.