November 14, 2025 – Ceremony held at Mother Frances Hospital to recognize the achievement
(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Flight for Life, its trusted air medical transport service dedicated to saving lives across the region.
Established in 1985, CHRISTUS Flight for Life is a cornerstone of the region’s emergency response system. Covering more than 120,000 square miles, CHRISTUS Flight for Life operates from four strategically located bases in Longview, Mount Pleasant, Palestine and Wills Point, each serving a 150-mile radius.
The team’s helicopters respond to more than 1,500 calls annually, delivering advanced, critical care.
“Every minute counts and can be the deciding factor in whether someone survives a critical illness or traumatic injury,” said Shawn Salter, chief administrator for CHRISTUS Flight for Life. “We believe that access to critical care should not depend on geography and we are committed to bringing that care wherever it is needed.”
Each Flight for Life helicopter is staffed by a highly trained pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic, available around the clock. The aircraft are equipped with advanced medical technology capable of handling a wide range of emergencies, from neurological and cardiovascular crises to severe burns, pediatric illnesses, major trauma, and even mass casualty incidents.
The ability to bring critical care to patients quickly can mean the difference between life and death. For people in remote communities or in situations where ground transportation would take too long, air medical transport bridges the gap between an accident scene and specialized hospital care.
“At the heart of this program are the absolute best medical professionals you will find. People who have answered to call to provide services where needed most,” Salter said. “Every crew member who have come before and serve today, this milestone is not possible without their commitment to service.”
Over the years, hundreds of nurses, paramedics and pilots have served on the Flight for Life team, building a culture of professionalism, courage and compassion.
Chad Soloman, a flight nurse with CHRISTUS Flight for life for 11 years, said those experiences will stay with him forever.
“I have so many stories from the years. It is almost so hard to recall just one,” Soloman said. “But every story always had one thing in common: that we were there in a time of need and we were able to save someone’s life who may not have survived if we had not been there as quickly as we were. “
In the 40 years since its founding, CHRISTUS Flight for Life has not only expanded its reach but also its capabilities. Advances in helicopter technology, communications and onboard medical equipment have transformed the way emergency medicine is delivered in flight. Today, the team works closely with regional hospitals, first responders and emergency management agencies to ensure seamless coordination of care.
Salter says the anniversary is a time to celebrate, but also to look forward.
“We’re proud of our history, but our focus remains on what’s next as we continue to invest in technology, training and partnerships that will allow us to serve our communities even better.”
As Flight for Life enters its fifth decade, the program’s mission remains the same as it was back in 1985: To provide rapid, expert, compassionate care when every second counts.
“Whether it’s in the middle of the night or in the middle of nowhere, our team is ready,” said Salter. “Forty years later, that commitment to saving lives is as strong as ever.”
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