Flight 1 air-medical team reaches new heights

Published date: |
Estimated read time: |
Authored by:
  • Tom Johnson
Topics:
Community People

Very few medical helicopters fly with a flight nurse and respiratory therapist on every mission. This unique configuration is one of the reasons Vertical Magazine spent a week in Central Florida with AdventHealth’s Flight 1 team.

Vertical Magazine takes group photo of AdventHealth's Flight 1 team
Vertical Magazine photographer takes group photo of AdventHealth's Flight 1 team

The team is featured in an article, titled Lifesaving Archangels, part of Vertical’s Fall 2024 edition and tells the story of Flight 1 from its humble origins nearly 40 years ago to its current place as one of just a few programs of its kind in the U.S.

The story features team members like flight nurse Contessa Graebert, who traces the beginnings of her career to fascination born from a family member’s air ambulance ride as a child.

AdventHealth flight nurse, Contessa Graebert, interviewed by Vertical Magazine
Vertical Magazine interviews AdventHealth flight nurse Contessa Graebert

“My parents credit that helicopter team with saving her life,” Graebert told the magazine.

The magazine also produced a companion video, titled Saving Lives in Florida: Inside AdventHealth's Flight 1 Program. The more than 10-minute piece takes viewers onboard Flight 1 as it flies above Central Florida on its lifesaving missions.

Recent News