Aviation has redefined several sectors, including healthcare, by offering critical services such as air ambulances, medical escorts for both airline and private charter flights. These services are crucial for urgent medical care, ensuring that patients in critical conditions receive prompt assistance or repatriation, even in isolated locations. In places such as Canada, where large distances separate numerous communities from urban hospitals, air ambulances are essential rather than just a luxury. Having medical personnel on board enables these flights to provide critical medical attention while transporting patients to specialized care facilities in the air.
The global air ambulance market is estimated to grow steadily due to the increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly in regions with challenging geographical layouts. However, the industry is not without its complexities. Regulatory barriers, operational costs, and the need for highly skilled medical teams trained for aviation-specific scenarios all present challenges. Within this intricate framework, companies like Angels of Flight Canada Inc. led by Gail Courneyea, play an indispensable role. They merge advanced medical care with the technical demands of aviation, standing as a source of expertise and dedication in the specialized field of air medical transportation.
Founded in 1988, Angels of Flight Canada Inc. is a premier provider of air medical transport services, specializing in the care and safe transfer of patients across national and international borders.
Let’s understand the vital intersection between aviation and healthcare, exemplified by Gail’s inspiring journey!
A Journey from Nursing to Aviation Leadership
The story of Gail’s transition from a hospital registered nurse to the President/CEO of a leading air medical transport service is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and visionary thinking. Gail’s career began in critical care, where she worked for over 18 years, primarily in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), treating some of the most critically ill patients in a hospital setting. “I was used to providing care in a controlled hospital environment, where the resources and staff were always within reach,” she reflects. Her role was demanding, and she was no stranger to the high-stakes nature of critical care. However, one experience dramatically altered the trajectory of her career.
One day, Gail was unexpectedly asked to accompany a patient on a flight to a larger medical facility. Up until that point, she had been involved in land transfers via ambulances but had never worked in aviation. “That day changed everything for me,” she says. Stepping onto a small plane, she immediately realized that providing medical care in an aviation environment presented its own set of challenges—both logistical and psychological. Initially unfamiliar with the sounds, movements, and pressures of flying, Gail faced an environment where her medical expertise had to meet the unfamiliar demands of an airborne workspace. Despite her initial discomfort, this experience sparked a fascination that would eventually lead her to dedicate her career to air medical transport.
In the months that followed, Gail immersed herself in learning more about the field of air medicine. She sought specialized training, enrolling in a college air medical care program taught by military professionals in Ontario, and even earned a private pilot’s license to better understand the aviation aspect of her new career. “I knew I had to understand the aviation environment if I was going to succeed in this field,” she explains. Her determination to master both critical care nursing and aviation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Angels of Flight Canada.
The Birth of Angels of Flight Canada Inc.
Angels of Flight Canada Inc. was born out of a simple realization: Canadian hospitals needed a specialized air medical service staffed by nurses, along with paramedics. After completing her training, Gail was disheartened to learn that the field of air medical transport was dominated by paramedics, with little to no opportunities for nurses. But rather than accept the limitations imposed by the system, she chose to create her own path. “If there wasn’t a job available for me, I decided I would create one,” Gail shares. Thus, in 1988, she launched Angels of Flight Canada, a company that would serve patients across Canada and internationally.
The company initially focused on providing air medical escorts, ensuring that critically ill patients could be safely transported between hospitals. Over time, however, the company’s services expanded to include full-scale air ambulance services, both domestically and globally. “We realized that the need wasn’t just within Canada – people from all over the world required our expertise in managing complex patient transfers,” Gail explains.
The Foundation of Air Medical Care
One of the key factors that set Angels of Flight apart from other air medical service providers is its emphasis on specialized training. Air medical transport is not merely about transferring patients from one location to another; it requires a deep understanding of both medical care and the aviation environment. Recognizing this, Gail and her team developed a comprehensive education program that equips nurses with the skills they need to work in this unique field. “Air medical transport requires a completely different skill set compared to land-based medical care,” she explains. “Our nurses are trained not just in how to care for patients’ mid-flight but also in how to ensure their own safety in the aviation environment.”
The program covers a wide range of topics, from the physiological effects of flight on patients to emergency protocols specific to air travel. Nurses learn about the mechanics of the aircraft, the impact of altitude on medical conditions, and how to manage medical emergencies while in the air. The company also provides training for paramedics, respiratory therapists, doctors, and even medical directors, ensuring that every member of the team is prepared for the challenges of air medical transport. “We work closely with health care professionals to make sure they understand the aviation aspect of our work,” Gail adds. This thorough approach to training ensures that the staff is equipped to handle any situation that may arise during a flight.
In addition to their own internal training programs, Angels of Flight has also achieved ISO certification, a prestigious recognition that confirms their adherence to international standards in both healthcare and aviation. “Our ISO certification is something we take very seriously,” Gail states. “It’s a reflection of the high standards we maintain across every aspect of our operations, from patient care to safety protocols.”
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Internationally
Operating a private specialized healthcare service in a country with a public healthcare system posed its own set of challenges. “Being a private company in a public system has always been an uphill battle,” Gail admits. Gaining the trust of hospitals and healthcare institutions was easy. Angels of Flight’s commitment to quality care, combined with its ability to transport patients over long distances – often internationally – helped the company carve out a unique niche.
One of the turning points for Angels of Flight came when the company began to receive international requests for patient transfers. “We quickly realized that our expertise was in demand beyond Canada, and that’s when we really started expanding internationally,” Gail recounts. Today, Angels of Flight Canada coordinates flights to and from countries globally. The company’s ability to navigate complex regulations, pandemics, and political unrest, work across borders, and provide seamless medical care has made it a leader in global air medical services.
The Launch of a New Education Platform
Looking to the future, Gail and her team are not resting on their laurels. They are currently in the process of launching a new education platform that will provide specialized training in air medicine and air safety. “We’re developing a platform that will allow people around the world to access the knowledge they need to work confidently and safely in air medical services,” Gail shares. This initiative will be a game-changer for the industry, offering standardized training to healthcare professionals worldwide, whether they are working in developed nations or remote regions with limited access to resources.
This innovative approach is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about improving patient outcomes on a global scale. By equipping healthcare providers with the skills they need to operate in airborne environments, Angels of Flight Canada is helping to ensure that necessary care and patient repatriation home to family, can reach even the most isolated locations.
Caring Beyond Borders
For Gail, the success of Angels of Flight Canada is about more than just business – it’s about the human connections that are formed along the way. “Every patient we transport has a story, and our job is to make sure that their story continues by providing the best care possible,” she reflects. Whether it’s navigating the bureaucratic challenges of crossing international borders or coordinating airbourne care on a 24-hour flight, the team at Angels of Flight approaches each case with compassion and expertise.
This personalized approach extends to the families of patients as well. Angels of Flight works closely with family members to ensure that they are kept informed every step of the way. “We don’t just care for the patient; we care for the whole family,” Gail emphasizes. This level of dedication is what sets Angels of Flight apart and has earned the company a stellar reputation in the industry.
Overcoming Barriers as a Female Leader
As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Gail has faced her share of obstacles. “There were times when I had to fight for my place at the table,” she admits. From banking issues to being one of the few women in aviation leadership, Gail’s journey has not been without challenges. However, she believes that these hurdles have only made her stronger. Her advice to other women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields is clear: “Surround yourself with supportive networks and never be afraid to break new ground.”
A Legacy of Care and Innovation
As the world continues to evolve, so too does the need for specialized healthcare services that can adapt to different environments and situations. Angels of Flight Canada Inc., under the visionary leadership of Gail, represents the future of air medical services. By combining medical expertise with aviation know-how, the company has not only saved countless lives but also set new standards for the industry.
This special International Civil Aviation Day edition celebrates Gail’s remarkable journey from hospital nurse to CEO and highlights the critical role that air medical services play in global healthcare. Her commitment to excellence, innovation and compassionate care has not only transformed the air medical transport industry but has also created a lasting legacy that will benefit patients for generations to come.
