LIFE FORCE Air Medical

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]

01/20/2026

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

National Registry Refresher Course
Dates: February 23, 27 | March 2, 6
Location: Erlanger Medical Mall - Probasco Auditorium
Times: 8:30 AM till 5 PM EST
Cost: $50 - REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

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

01/16/2026

Did some training with Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga on K-9 Transports. We are honored to have multiple veterinary hospitals on board in the Chattanooga area to be able to transport these working K-9s to when needed.

01/08/2026

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

01/01/2026

Berger began his career in Asheville, North Carolina. He worked as a paramedic for a fire department.

12/31/2025

LIFE FORCE Flight Paramedic Retires After 30 Years

Dec. 31, 2025 — Chattanooga, TENN.

LIFE FORCE proudly recognizes Flight Paramedic Robert Berger as he retires after more than 30 years of dedicated service to our program and the communities we serve.

Robert joined LIFE FORCE with a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence that has defined his career. Over the last three decades, he has served as a trusted partner to EMS agencies, first responders, and hospitals across our region, providing critical care in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. Beyond his exceptional skills, Robert is known for his calm presence, professionalism, and the compassion he shows to every patient and family. He has also played a significant role in mentoring fellow team members and shaping the next generation of aviation medical professionals.

“Robert’s career reflects the very best of what LIFE FORCE stands for: compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to those we serve,” said Robbie Tester, Vice President of Patient Logistics. “His steady presence and dedication have made a lasting impact on our program, our partners, and countless patients. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.”
Robert’s final day of service will be December 31, 2025, marking the completion of an outstanding career built on integrity, courage, and a genuine commitment to others.

Please join us in thanking Flight Paramedic Robert Berger for more than three decades of service and wishing him a long, healthy, and well-earned retirement.

12/25/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from LIFE FORCE✨🎄

This Christmas, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our EMS and hospital partners across the region. Your dedication, teamwork, and compassion make a difference every single day — and we are honored to stand beside you in service to our communities.

May this season bring peace, safety, and time with the people who matter most. From our LIFE FORCE family to yours — Merry Christmas and thank you for all that you do! ❤️🚁