In honor of one of the best: A Letter Honoring the REACH Flight Nurse Who Died in a Crash
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Screenshot from Sacramento Fire Department video of the aftermath of the crash.
In honor of one of the best.
A flight nurse, Susan Smith, for REACH Air Ambulance has passed away due to injuries sustained when the helicopter she served on crashed the night of Monday, Oct 6.
This is a great tragedy for the Northern California Emergency Services community and for us all.
Our First Responders: medical; fire; Highway Patrol; Sheriff; and all, are the greatest example of the American spirit. They are trained in important skills, which they refresh constantly whether they are paid or volunteers, and they serve their community with dedication and without prejudice.
No First Responder will come upon an injured person and refuse to treat them because of race, color, creed or political persuasion. They will treat all according to their need.
They come at a moment’s notice to help people who are in the midst of their worst time. They are there to help their community, and neighboring communities as needed, often as volunteers, who selflessly give of their time – and sometimes sleep – to be there when needed.
They sometimes have to handle those who don’t want their help due to intoxication or mental impairment. And in all cases they show up and are the calm, competent, helping hands when help is needed.
The Air Ambulances (REACH, PHI, and CAL-ORE) that serve our rural area are a lifeline of quality care when advanced skill and timing matter. We have suffered a great loss and our hearts go out to Ms Smith’s family and extended EMS family. We will always remember her as one of the best.
Dottie Simmons
STAR volunteer dispatcher (retired)
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If you have a scanner set on 154.070 you will hear emergency responders being called out on a regular basis. Some of the people who are called are paid but many are volunteers giving of their time and usually their money as well. Fire gear is not cheap and most volunteers have to buy their own.
These people are heros in my book!
And they manage without having guns.
This is a rescue operation, not a military coup—totally different personnel.
Few realize just how much courage and dedication these folks have…
Helicopter-Ambulance crews are the highest trained, the best equipped, possessed of the top skills and professionalism available…
Absolutely crack crews every time, all hours, when needed…
Helicopter Ambo crews make the average ER look challenged, especially in remote hospitals…
I salute these crews, and we all mourn the losses that sometimes occur…
Get H-Ambulance Insurance: It’s worth it…
I so agree, they are the best of the best. You see them arrive and immediately recognize their competence and skill. AND having the Helo insurance/membership is inexpensive and worth every penny and more!
“AND having the Helo insurance/membership is inexpensive and worth every penny and more!”
Without a policy in force, the out-of-pocket cost for a single flight typically ranges from a cool $20,000 – $60,000.
Im so sad to hear she didnt make it. These people are literally as close to angels on earth as they come, Kym can attest to that.
Seeing that many people on the hwy helping to lift the chopper off of her while one woman got under there with her to try to help calm her was so uplifting in these times of divisiveness.
As Dottie said so well, these folks are going to help you if you need it no matter who you are.
Lets honor this beautiful soul by being like her in our daily lives.
RIP
May her family and community know how much we appreciate the work she did, and feel the love and admiration that so many of us hold.
❤
Life flight crews are the best people. Caring, compassionate, professional and personable. My ride in the heli was frightening, I left my body, the flight was noisy, I felt so helpless, but these folks made it all ok…I hate that this happened to her. RIP dear woman!
Well said Dottie. Suzie Smith was a long time friend and colleague. Her calm, reassuring presence will be sorely missed. Continued prayers for others aboard Reach 5 that night. Dede and Chad get well soon. RJ prayers for you and your family too.
as everyone else has said, the people who man and pilot these flights are amazing, talented and caring individuals. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues.
If it wasn’t for Reach, I wouldn’t be here today. On two different occasions, the transported me to an out of the area hospital for brain surgery. The crew on the flight were amazing. They calmed my frazzled nerves and made me believe that every thing was going to be ok. In the end, everything turn out great The crew was a great source of support and I was treated with the utmost care and dignity. .