Life Link III

04/24/2026

Earlier this week, flight crew members at our Marshfield, WI base got to spend the morning with the Marshfield High School Principles of Biomedical Sciences students.

Our team—Stephanie, Sarah, and Tim—hosted the group to share a closer look at careers in flight medicine and what it takes to deliver critical care when every second counts.

Thanks for your curiosity, great questions, and interest in the future of patient care! 🚁

04/23/2026

Survival Story: Steve Pfahning

Nearly 8 years ago, Steve set out for what he thought would have been an ordinary motorcycle ride near his home. Just a few miles in, everything changed in an instant. A deer ran directly into his motorcycle, causing a devastating crash that left Steve with catastrophic injuries and a 3% chance of survival.

But Steve’s story didn’t end there. Against overwhelming odds, he survived. Steve firmly believes that the speed and care provided that day made all the difference.

“Life Link III saved precious time for urgent medical care,” he shared. “They are an integral part of my miracle.” 💙🚁

Read Steve's full story here: lifelinkiii.com/steve-pfahning/

04/22/2026

Strong partnerships, hands-on learning, and a shared commitment to saving lives.

Earlier this week, we teamed up with Essentia Health EMS and Deer River Fire Department for a joint trauma training, bringing providers together to sharpen skills, build connections, and elevate the care we deliver in critical moments.

Grateful for the collaboration and dedication from everyone involved. This is how we move care forward!

04/22/2026

Proud to partner with Chisholm Ambulance Service for ECMO Training on Thursday, May 14. This hands-on experience is a great opportunity to build advanced skills and continue elevating the level of care provided to patients, wherever and whenever they need it.

🚑 Chisholm Ambulance Hosts ECMO Training Opportunity 🚑
Chisholm Ambulance is proud to host an upcoming ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Training, bringing advanced, life-saving education directly to our region.
This training is designed for EMS professionals and healthcare providers who want to expand their knowledge and preparedness when responding to critical cardiac and respiratory emergencies. ECMO is a rapidly evolving intervention, and early recognition and coordination with ECMO-capable centers can make a life-saving difference.
Together, we continue to strengthen our ability to serve and save lives in our community. 💪

04/18/2026

🎧 | National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Meet Kevin Sweeney, Communication Center Supervisor with 5 years at Life Link III.

Kevin leads with a passion for people, especially when it comes to helping new Communication Specialists find their footing and grow into confident, capable members of the team.

“My favorite part of the job is watching new Comm Specs grow…seeing the moment things start to click and they take ownership of their role.”

For Kevin, the “why” is simple: making a difference. Whether it’s coordinating patient transports or bringing multiple departments together toward a common goal, he finds purpose in the impact the Communication Center has every single day.

“I take pride in supporting a team that plays a key role in every flight request. We may be behind the scenes, but our impact is significant.”

Outside of work, Kevin is always ready for his next adventure, often setting sail on cruises through the Caribbean 🌴. He recently checked off his first overseas trip to London and is already looking forward to more travel ahead. When he’s closer to home, you can find him gaming, attending country concerts, or spending quality time with his family.

Thanks for leading the way, Kevin! 💙🚁

04/17/2026

🎧 : Mac Johnson

Meet Mac, Communication Specialist & ECMO Specialist with 5.5 years at Life Link III.

Mac plays a critical role behind the scenes, serving as the vital link between those calling for help and the teams responding to serve patients in need. It’s a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly, and one he finds incredibly rewarding.

“What I love most about working in the Communication Center is knowing that at the end of every shift, I’ve made a positive impact for someone, somewhere who needed help.”

Mac’s journey with Life Link III is a unique one. He started as a Flight Paramedic in 2020, later transitioning to the Anoka base in 2022, where he began cross-training with the Communication Center. By bringing clinical experience into communications, Mac helped strengthen collaboration between teams and improve workflows, something he’s especially proud of.

Today, while also working full-time as a Forensic Death Investigator, Mac continues to support Life Link III in a casual role as both a Communication Specialist and ECMO Specialist.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find Mac and his wife on a mission to explore Minnesota’s coffee scene. They’ve visited over 300 independently owned coffee shops and counting ☕️. When they’re not caffeinating, they enjoy traveling, relaxing by the pool, and spending time with the family dog, Oakley.

Thank you, Mac, for everything you bring to Life Link III Communication Center! 💙

04/16/2026

🎧 : Jordan Friedrich

Almost 5 years in, Jordan thrives in what she calls “controlled, coordinated chaos.” From juggling phones and radios to managing multiple moving pieces at once, it’s all about bringing order to the moment, and making it work seamlessly.

For Jordan, it’s the constant problem-solving, multitasking, and adaptability that make the job so meaningful. No two days are ever the same, and every moment matters.

Outside the comm center, you’ll likely find Jordan planning her next trip, spending time with family, or volunteering with a dog rescue (if there’s a dog involved, they’re in!). And somewhere in the mix? A crispy Diet Coke.

Jordan also serves on the Board of Directors for IAMTCS, advocating for communication specialists across the industry, an extension of the same passion she brings to work every day.

Because even behind the headset, they’re right in the middle of it all! 💙

04/16/2026

04/15/2026

🎧 : Melissa LaDoucer

Melissa has been a dedicated Communication Specialist at Life Link III for 6+ years!

For Melissa, it’s the variety that makes the job so meaningful, no two days are ever the same. From problem-solving complex situations to connecting with teams across the field, she thrives in an environment where every decision helps determine what’s best for the patient. And along the way, she’s built strong relationships with coworkers and partners.

Melissa does this work because it's a way to be able to help the patient, while not being hands on. It's a way to make sure that your crews are safe and make it home safely. It's a way to make a difference to someone in their time of need.

Outside of work, you’ll find her crafting, anything and everything creative! 🖌️🪡

She also shared something special: "This is my dream job, one that I didn't even know existed. I currently live in an area of Minnesota that we fly patients out of. Just knowing that air medical is available to my family and town is a great reassurance when time is of the essence."

Help us celebrate, Melissa! 💙

04/15/2026

🎧 : Dan Phelps

Meet Dan, Communication Specialist at Life Link III, who’s been part of the team for the past 6 months.

For Dan, his favorite part of the job is "the people", working alongside dedicated coworkers in Comm/OCC, as well as the clinicians, pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and everyone who plays a role in each mission.

He’s driven by a simple but powerful purpose: helping others. Dan recognizes that every call represents someone’s worst day, and he’s committed to being a calm, steady presence in those critical moments while delivering the highest level of service.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding in the winter, and soaking up the outdoors in the summer. "You can always find me watching college/NHL hockey (GO SIOUX! GO AVS!) and college/NFL football." 🏒🏈

Thank you, Dan for all you do! 💙

04/14/2026

We’re proud to have so many members of the Life Link III team representing us at the Critical Care Transport Medical Conference (CCTMC) going on now in Orange Beach, Alabama! 👏

From sharing knowledge to advancing critical care transport, our team is helping move the industry forward. Special shoutout to Brian Dotts for presenting our Education Team’s research at the CCTMC Scientific Assembly, along with Allen Wolfe, Kolby Kolbet, and Kevin Collopy for taking the stage and sharing their expertise.

We’re grateful to have such passionate, driven professionals on our team making an impact! 🚁

04/14/2026

🎧 : Amber Hennagir

Meet Amber, Communication Specialist with Life Link III, who’s been part of the team for almost 1 and a half years.

Her favorite part of the job? Being part of a team that helps save lives, even from behind the scenes, by making sure every mission is coordinated safely and efficiently.

She does this work because, "It has a real impact. Whether it’s getting help to someone quickly or making sure landing zones are secure, I know what I do matters, and that’s important to me."

When she’s off the clock, Amber is busy with her three young kids, spending time outside, watching movies, and (attempting to) convince them that naps are a good idea 😄

Help us celebrate Amber and the vital work of our Communication Specialists this week! 💙