Medical transport service launched in 1981
For 45 years, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)–MedEvac, part of Jefferson Health, has been a cornerstone of emergency medical care across Eastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern New York, and Southern New Jersey. Since taking to the skies in 1981, MedEvac has served as a beacon of hope by providing advanced medical care during life's most critical moments.
In 1981, LVHN MedEvac launched as one of Pennsylvania’s first air medical programs, and one of the first seven across the entire nation. It was the first air medical transport service dedicated to Northeast Pennsylvania.
Over the decades, the program has continuously evolved to meet community needs.
To date, MedEvac teams have provided lifesaving care to nearly 105,000 patients.
Experience and specialized care are MedEvac’s greatest assets. The program features a team of over 70 certified nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and physicians, all accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).
The fleet includes four aircraft helicopters and one ground ambulance that operate around the clock, plus a second ambulance on duty 12 hours per day. Every vehicle is staffed by experienced critical care professionals qualified to administer treatment beyond standard Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities.
MedEvac provides specialized transport for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients experiencing a wide range of critical health conditions, including severe burns, acute cardiac or respiratory distress, neurological illnesses, and traumatic injuries.
Through efficient communications and advanced technologies MedEvac teams bring patients directly to the highest level of specialty care at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest including:
MedEvac’s mission to improve lives relies heavily on robust community partnerships and an unyielding commitment to safety. MedEvac works side-by-side with local EMS, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, 911 dispatch centers, and regional hospitals to bring expert care even closer to home.
A crew-led safety council ensures that safety remains the top priority in every mission, aligning with the highest industry standards. Crew members also undergo rigorous ongoing training, including annual skills days, simulation lab sessions, medical director rotations, quarterly advanced airway evaluations, and regular safety education.
As LVHN reflects on MedEvac’s 45 years of service, we honor the pioneers who laid the groundwork for this lifesaving work in 1981, as well as the dedicated crew members who carry on the legacy today.
MedEvac remains steadfast in its promise: to deliver expert, critical care to our communities now, and for the next 45 years to come.
