Flight Nurse Lisa Pittman reaches 500 Patient Flights

PERRYVILLE, Mo,.(KBSI) — Flight nurse Lisa Pittman has spent years flying through the skies, providing critical care to patients in their most vulnerable moments. Now, after completing her 500th patient flight, she reflects on the impact of her work, thousands of lives touched, countless families given more time with their loved ones.

“A huge accomplishment,” Pittman said. “You don’t think you’re going to hit that number, but to actually achieve it, it was great to get it done and to provide access to our rural community.”

Pittman, who has been with Air Evac 80 since 2019, received a special set of flight wings to celebrate the milestone. She describes her role as more than just a job, but rather a calling from her family history.

“My dad was in the service, and he took care of helicopter maintenance, so I was exposed to it early on,” Pittman said. “I knew I wanted to do it, but I wanted to get more experience first. Then the opportunity opened up, and I wanted to be home-based. That’s why I came to Air Evac 80.”

While Pittman’s work in the air is life saving, she finds the most fulfillment on the ground, when former patients return to express their thankfulness.

“We actually have patients that come back to see us,” she said. “It’s rewarding because sometimes, in this field, you don’t always get to know what happens after transport. It’s nice to have the opportunity to let them know we were there for them.”

David Ochs, program director for Air Evac 80, praised Pittman’s dedication to both her patients and her team.

“Lisa always goes above and beyond,” Ochs said. “Whether she’s providing critical care transport, being a friend in someone’s time of need, or supporting her colleagues, she’s always there. Her bedside manner in the sky brings hope to families on what can be their worst day.”

With 500 flights behind her, Pittman isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Her next goal? 750 flights on her way to reaching 1,000.

“I think 750 is the next one to obtain,” she said.

Until then, Pittman and her crew remain ready for the next emergency, prepared to answer the call at a moment’s notice continuing to serve and save lives, one flight at a time.