Eglin AFB airmen launch life-saving medevac mission

An Air Force flight test unit and base medics broke from their routine on Aug. 5 to fly a last-resort critical care mission, airlifting a man suffering from a brain aneurysm from Panama City to Pensacola for immediate neurosurgery.

The 413th Flight Test Squadron at Duke Field and the 96th Medical Group launched after a tasking from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center to move the patient from Ascension Bay Hospital to Sacred Heart Hospital. “We are the last possible option to get that patient to a higher-level care facility,” said Maj. Richard Burges, a 413th FLTS test pilot, who took the initial call to start the mission. “However, we are a flight test unit and are not on alert to support these mission types. So, every time we’re able to accomplish one, it’s due to the efforts of our maintainers, medics, and flight equipment personnel.”

Once 413th FLTS commander Lt. Col. Dale Hargis accepted the tasking, Burges reached out to the 96th MDG to build a team. The medical crew comprised Capt. Erik Bjelke, an intensive care nurse; Staff Sgt. Ramon Gonzalez, a paramedic; and Dr. (Capt.) Jonathan Martin, an emergency physician. Bjelke and Gonzalez had recently completed the squadron’s helicopter training, helping speed their response. “There was an immense sense of purpose,” said Bjelke, recalling the immediacy of movement to be ready for the takeoff. “Our hospital has many highly skilled medics, but it’s not often we get to apply the critical skills we train to maintain for wartime or contingency operations. This mission was truly unique and a significant departure from my usual day-to-day tasks.”

Logistics added complexity. The unit’s UH-1 Huey was at Eglin for scheduled cleaning, 15 miles from the crew at Duke Field, forcing aircrew, maintainers and flight equipment teams to battle rush-hour traffic and extend maintenance hours to recover the aircraft. Meanwhile, Maj. Josh Park, a 413th FLTS test pilot, mapped helipad procedures at both hospitals and calculated fuel and power requirements for a fully loaded aircraft. “Without his quick and accurate planning, we would not have taken off with enough fuel to transport the patient to Pensacola without having to stop along the way,” said Burges about his mission co-pilot.

The helicopter was airborne in less than two hours from the initial call. “These missions are frequently the most difficult. We don’t have much time to plan and make sure everything is accomplished,” added Burges, who also flew a critical care flight in 2025 involving a child. “Thankfully, our amazing team was able to divide and conquer. None of it could have happened without people immediately taking care of business without waiting to be tasked.”

When the Air Force team arrived at Ascension Bay, the patient’s family was by his side. “The family was incredibly relieved and appreciative to see the Air Force,” said Bjelke about his first live patient transport. “It seemed like we were their only hope.”

Inside the helicopter’s tight cabin, the medics split responsibilities: airway support and medications on one side, IV pumps and continuous monitoring on the other. “Our workspace was very limited, so each team member had a specific focus area,” said Bjelke. “It truly required close coordination and trust within the team.”

On arrival in Pensacola, with crew rest limits near and fuel low, the Airmen carried the patient directly into the emergency department rather than wait for hospital staff to assist. A security guard who had halted traffic for the landing turned and saluted as they passed. “It was a powerful moment of recognition and respect,” said Bjelke.

The Huey lifted from Sacred Heart with roughly 10 minutes of fuel, stopping at Pensacola International Airport to refuel before returning to Duke Field. By then, the patient had been delivered and taken into surgery.

“Flying the UH-1N on this life-saving mission was a profound privilege,” said Park. “For me, the true highlight was watching our 96th TW Airmen, both civilian and military, come together at moment’s notice and uniting their specialized skills to help save a fellow American in need.”

Wing leadership praised the all-hands push that made the mission possible. “The seamless collaboration between the 413th FLTS and 96th MDG was instrumental in saving this patient’s life,” said Col. Tara Lovell, 96th MDG commander. “Beyond providing a vital service to our local community, this mission validated our rapid-response and readiness capabilities.”