LIFE FORCE Air Medical

03/10/2026

HIRING FLIGHT PARAMEDICS

We are hiring a Flight Paramedic for our Sparta, TN and our Blue Ridge, GA bases. If you are interested, you can apply online at www.erlanger.org/careers

Also email your resume or CV to Stacy.Prater@erlanger.org

03/07/2026

This week, we celebrate Women in Aviation and recognize the incredible women who serve on our team.

These women play a vital role in delivering critical care across our region. Their skill, dedication, and leadership help ensure that patients receive the highest level of care when minutes matter most.

We are proud to work alongside these outstanding professionals who continue to inspire the next generation of women in aviation and emergency medicine.

Thank you to the women of LIFE FORCE for the lifesaving work you do every day.

✈️🚁

03/06/2026

On March 5, 2026, the Chattanooga Police Department honored Tactical Medics Justin Krantz and Jason Kile with the Citizen Service Medal during its 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony for their extraordinary actions while serving alongside the department’s SWAT Team.

On September 15, 2025, CPD SWAT responded to an aggravated domestic assault involving an armed barricaded suspect. During the operation, K-9 Diesel was deployed to clear a room and suffered severe lacerations to both hind legs from broken glass.

Working under the protection of the Bearcat, Tactical Medics Justin Krantz and Jason Kile immediately provided lifesaving care. They identified significant hemorrhaging wounds, applied direct pressure, packed the injuries with hemostatic gauze, and secured pressure bandages to control the bleeding. Justin then accompanied Diesel and his handler to the emergency veterinary hospital, continuing reassessment and treatment during transport.

Veterinary staff later advised that without the rapid intervention by these medics, Diesel likely would not have survived the trip to the hospital. Despite every effort and extensive medical consultation, the severity of his injuries ultimately led to the humane euthanasia of K-9 Diesel two days later, surrounded by his handler, family, and the K-9 Unit.

Through their decisive actions, professionalism, and compassion, Justin Krantz and Jason Kile gave K-9 Diesel a fighting chance and allowed his team the opportunity to say goodbye.

We are incredibly proud of their courage, dedication, and commitment to those who serve — both human and K-9.
Please join us in congratulating Justin and Jason on this well-deserved recognition. 🐾🚑👏

03/02/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring the Military Career of our Flight Communicator Kenny Botts 🇺🇸

Kenny began his military journey at just 17 years old, enlisting in the Delayed Entry Program in 1983. After graduating high school, he left for Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ, launching what would become more than four decades of honorable service.

From serving as a Small Arms Repairer and Unit Armorer — earning the Army Commendation Medal for his instruction in weapons marksmanship — to leadership roles in Germany and Fort Stewart, Kenny’s early career was marked by excellence and dedication.

In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Shield and later breached into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. After active duty, he continued his service in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Combat Medic.

During multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, Kenny completed over 475 combat missions, provided life-saving care under fire — earning the Combat Medic Badge — and supported humanitarian missions for Iraqi children. He later served as Senior Medical NCO, trained deploying soldiers in life-saving skills, and represented the U.S. internationally teaching medical training in Bulgaria and Germany.

Stateside, he led COVID response operations across 19 Tennessee counties, supported flood response efforts, and continued mentoring and training soldiers until his final drill on February 8, 2026, marking his mandatory retirement.
Over 40 years of service. Multiple deployments. Countless lives impacted.

Thank you, Kenny, for your courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to this nation. We salute you on your retirement from the military and hope we keep you around for years to come in the Communication Center here at LIFE FORCE. 🇺🇸

02/25/2026

State of Tennessee EMS Ventilator Course

Dates: April 1-2, 2026
Times: 9 am till 5 PM EST
Cost: $150 per person

For more information and/or to register, go to www.lifeforceairmed.com/calendar

02/24/2026

LIFE FORCE Air Medical is now hiring a Clinical Educator to help lead, inspire, and elevate clinical excellence across our program.

This role is perfect for a motivated EMS professional who is passionate about education, mentorship, and advancing critical care transport medicine. If you thrive on developing others, strengthening systems, and making a real difference in patient outcomes — we want to hear from you.

Please email your resume and/or inquiries to Stacy.Prater@erlanger.org

02/12/2026

02/07/2026

Brian Ceraolo, Vice President of the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics and Director of Operations at Erlanger Life Force Air Medical was recently recognized by the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics. With nearly 40 years in EMS, he’s dedicated to leadership, safety, and advancing paramedicine.

ICAPP Board Spotlight! We’re proud to highlight one of the leaders helping shape the future of EMS through service, vision, and advocacy.
Vice President Brian Ceraolo

1. Name
Brian Ceraolo

2. Organization
Director of Operations, Erlanger Life Force Air Medical
Vice President & Board Member, International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics (ICAPP)

3. Tell us about your journey in EMS (Tell us your WHY)
I began my public safety career in 1987 with the Red Bank Fire Department and have spent nearly four decades serving in fire, EMS, air medical, communications, education, and leadership roles. From volunteer rescue squads to county EMS, ground and flight paramedicine, and health system operations, my “why” has always been the same: to serve others in their most vulnerable moments and to help build systems and teams that deliver excellent, compassionate care. EMS is not just my profession—it is a calling rooted in service, faith, and leadership.

4. What aspects of EMS are you most passionate about right now?
I am most passionate about critical care transport, flight paramedicine, safety culture, leadership development, and education. Building strong operational systems, mentoring the next generation, and advancing clinical excellence in high-acuity environments are especially important to me.

5. What do you believe EMS professionals need more of? (Today and Future)
Today and in the future, EMS professionals need strong leadership, better support for mental health and resilience, meaningful professional development pathways, and organizations that advocate for advanced practice, safety, and recognition of EMS as a true profession within healthcare.

6. Who are you outside of EMS (Hobbies, family, what fills your cup?)
My wife Corrie and I have three children—Emili, Allie, and Tyler—and our family and faith are central to my life. We are members of Soddy Church of Christ, where I serve as an elder and am involved in youth ministry, teaching, leading singing, technology, and care teams. I enjoy photography, teaching, mentoring, and serving in ministry.

7. What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
Many are surprised to learn that I hold a Doctor of Ministry degree and spent several years as a full-time minister before transitioning fully into EMS and healthcare leadership. I also have decades of experience in photography and graphic arts.

8. Why did you choose to serve on the board of the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics?
I chose to serve on the ICAPP board because I believe deeply in advancing paramedicine as a profession. ICAPP’s focus on education, leadership, safety, and advanced practice aligns with my lifelong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and professional growth in EMS.

9. What makes ICAPP different from other professional organizations in EMS?
ICAPP stands out because of its strong emphasis on advanced practice, leadership development, safety, and professional standards. It brings together clinicians, educators, and leaders who are committed not

only to clinical excellence, but also to shaping the future of paramedicine through advocacy and innovation.

10. What impact do you hope ICAPP has on the next generation of paramedics?
I hope ICAPP inspires the next generation to pursue excellence, lifelong learning, and leadership. My goal is for ICAPP to help prepare paramedics who are clinically strong, ethically grounded, safety- focused, and confident leaders within healthcare systems.

11. Finish this sentence: “The future of EMS depends on……”
“The future of EMS depends on committed leaders, advanced education, strong safety culture, and a shared dedication to serving patients with excellence and compassion.”

01/29/2026

01/26/2026

🚨 CALL TO ACTION – TENNESSEE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST RESPONDERS 🚨 YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED !!

Law Enforcement Officers and EMS professionals across Tennessee — We are asking for your voice. For the past year we have worked insanely hard to get this bill drafted in hopes that it will become law.

Tennessee House Bill 1694 (Tennessee K-9 Emergency Medical Care & Transport Act) is currently before the House Health Committee, and your support matters.

This bill authorizes emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide emergency care to injured “K-9 first-responders” (police, military, detection, or search-and-rescue dogs) and transport them to veterinary facilities. Care must be provided under the oversight of a veterinarian acting as an “emergency veterinary medical director”. It also provides immunity from criminal and civil liabilities for EMS personnel providing this care in good faith.

📧 Please take a moment to email the members of the House Health Committee listed below and ask for:�
✔️ Their support of HB 1694�
✔️ A YES vote when the bill comes before them

You can write your own message or use the draft email template provided below. Start sending your emails to them NOW… A list of those on the Health Committee are listed below along with their email addresses.

Let’s stand together for our K-9 partners. 🐾🇺🇸�🐕‍🦺 They Run Toward Danger. We Must Stand Up for Them. 🐕‍🦺HB1694

Tennessee House of Representatives on the Health Committee: E-Mail List.

Bo Mitchell - rep.bo.mitchell@capitol.tn.gov
Shaundelle.Brooks - rep.shaundelle.brooks@capitol.tn.gov
Caleb Hemmer - rep.caleb.hemmer@capitol.tn.gov
Susan Lynn - rep.susan.lynn@capitol.tn.gov
Esther Helton - rep.esther.helton@capitol.tn.gov
Michele Carringer - rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov
Sam McKenzie - rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov
Tom Leatherwood - rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov
Tim Hicks - rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov
Ron Travis - rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
Iris Rudder - rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov
John Gillespie - rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov
Gary Hicks - rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov
Ryan Williams - rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov
Ron Gant - rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov
Mark White - rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov
Andrew Farmer - rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Bryan Terry - rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov
Kip Capley - rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov
Brock Martin - rep.brock.martin@capitol.tn.gov
Sabi Kumar - rep.sabi.kumar@capitol.tn.gov
John Ray Clemmons - rep.john.ray.clemmons@capitol.tn.gov
Paul Sherrell - rep.paul.Sherrell@capitol.tn.gov
Timothy Hill - rep.timothy.hill@capitol.

Your SUPPORT is greatly appreciated.

E-Mail Letter Draft - (If you choose to use this drafted email letter, please adjust names and information in the letter accordingly to your agency etc

Dear Representative [LAST NAME] and Honorable Members of the House Health Committee,

I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of House Bill 1694, the Tennessee K-9 Emergency Care and Transport Act. This legislation is critically important to the safety, welfare, and survivability of the working K-9s who serve alongside law enforcement and first responders across the State of Tennessee.

I am a [law enforcement officer / EMS professional / agency representative] with [agency or organization name] serving the citizens of [CITY, COUNTY], Tennessee. These highly trained animals are not only tools in the field — they are trusted partners who protect our communities, locate missing persons, detect narcotics and explosives, and place themselves in harm’s way to keep Tennesseans safe.

House Bill 1694 provides clear statutory authority for trained emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency medical care and transport to a canine first responder injured in the line of duty, under the oversight and direction of a licensed veterinarian serving as an emergency veterinary medical director. This bill establishes a thoughtful, structured framework that prioritizes patient safety, responder accountability, and professional oversight.

Importantly, HB 1694:
* Requires approved training for EMS personnel
* Establishes veterinary medical direction and oversight
* Limits transport to situations where no human patient requires care or transport
* Provides good-faith civil and criminal liability protections for EMS personnel

This legislation does not expand scope irresponsibly or mandate services. Instead, it removes legal uncertainty and allows trained professionals to act decisively when seconds matter most. It ensures that emergency responders can provide lifesaving care without hesitation while maintaining appropriate safeguards for both providers and agencies.

For the past 18 months, similar emergency K-9 care and transport protocols have been successfully utilized in Tennessee through a pilot program with LIFE FORCE Air Medical in Chattanooga, Tennessee, demonstrating that this model is both safe and effective when properly structured. HB 1694 ensures these practices can be applied consistently and responsibly across the state.

Supporting House Bill 1694 sends a strong message that Tennessee values its working K-9s, the agencies that rely on them, and the communities they protect. This legislation would have a meaningful and lasting impact on the safety, readiness, and effectiveness of public safety operations across our state. Providing a lawful pathway for emergency medical care honors their service and supports the first responders and agencies who depend on them.

Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued support of Tennessee’s first responders. I respectfully urge you to support House Bill 1694, the Tennessee K-9 Emergency Care and Transport Act. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information or answer any questions.

Respectfully,
[Full Name]�
[Title / Rank]
�[Agency or Organization]
�[City, County, Tennessee]
�[Email Address]
�[Phone Number]