Congratulations to Dr. Eric Swanson, Professor of Emergency Medicine, who celebrated his 25th anniversary as the Air Med Medical Director! Dr. Swanson first trained as a flight physician at the University of Pittsburgh during his EM residency. He became Medical Director for Air Med in 1998. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Air Medical Journal, and is the Chair of the Utah Air Ambulance Committee.
Dr. Swanson has won many awards, including the 2001 Air Medical Physician Association Medical Director of the Year Award, the 2002 Utah Department of Health’s EMS Physician of the Year Award, the 2009 Air Medial Physician Association’s Distinguished Physician Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2015 Barbara A Hess Research and Education Award for the Association of Air Medical Services.
Air Med serves the largest rural catchment area in the country and through Dr. Swanson’s leadership, Air Med has always been on the cutting edge of care. Air Med was the first Helicopter EMS system to use etomidate for RSI, and LMA’s for failed RSI. Air Med was also involved in the first study of the EZ-IO, and a multicenter study using TXA. Air Med supports specialized programs including neonatal transport and the mechanical circulatory support transport program. Through Dr. Swanson’s efforts, Air Med has elevated the care for thousands of patients throughout our region!
