Published October 01. 2026 10:30AM
Lehigh Valley Health Network-Jefferson Health recently celebrated 45 years of MedEvac service to the Lehigh Valley and northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
Since its launch in 1981, the program has transported more than 105,000 patients requiring emergency medical care. The anniversary celebration, themed “Every Minute Counts,” highlighted the importance of rapid response in critical situations.
Flight medics, nurses, physicians, administrators and support personnel attended the event. Bryan Evans, director of LVHN-MedEvac Critical Care and Emergency Transport, served as master of ceremonies and praised the dedication and professionalism that have helped make the program a success.
The MedEvac program currently operates four helicopters through Air Methods, which provides the aircraft and pilots that support LVHN-Jefferson Health’s air medical transport services.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDFlight medics and nurses with 30 or more years of service gather in front of Medic 1 during Lehigh Valley Health Network-Jefferson Health’s “Every Minute Counts” celebration Sept. 9 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, marking 45 years of MedEvac service and more than 105,000 patient transports. Pictured are Mike Adams, 35 years; Tim Hickey, 36 years; Barry Mitchneck, 30 years; Tom Rothrock, 36 years; Doug Deutsch, 31 years; Ray Pagenhardt, 34 years; Rich Kuklentz, 30 years; Joe Rice, 32 years; and Dwight Bitting, 38 years.
A proud flight nurse, James Kish holds his son, Andrew, in front of MedEvac 1 during Lehigh Valley Health Network-Jefferson Health’s “Every Minute Counts” celebration. The event marked 45 years of MedEvac service and more than 105,000 patient transports.
Current flight staff and colleagues gather for a group photo.
The leadership team for Lehigh Valley Health Network-Jefferson Health’s MedEvac program includes Ryan Hay, vice president of emergency management; Joe Rycek, chief flight nurse; Adam Garger, MedEvac manager; Bryan Evans, director of critical care and emergency transport; Colin Hunsicker, development manager; Dr. Jeffrey Kuklinski, medical director; and Dr. Zach Matuzsan, assistant medical director.
