The air transport unit carrying Santa landed atop the Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
WASHINGTON — With less than a week to go before Christmas, Santa Claus got a special lift from MedSTAR Transport as he spread holiday cheer to children at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. An iconic blue and yellow air medical transport unit landed on the rooftop helipad at Verstandig Pavilion to deliver Santa, who carried gifts for young patients receiving care at the hospital and their families.
“The holiday season is such an important opportunity to build happy, healing moments for our patients,” said Ron Armontrout, operations manager for MedSTAR Transport, which used an off-duty air transport unit for the flight. “We know the sleigh and reindeer are probably busy with the big ride coming up, so why not use MedSTAR Transport to help Santa get some gifts to children?”
After landing, Santa traveled throughout MedStar Georgetown visiting pediatric patients admitted to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU), and Transplant units. He delivered books and stuffed animals to each child in hopes of brightening their spirits. For these patients, at least part of the holiday season will be spent away from home battling serious medical conditions.
“All of the children were thrilled to see Santa and we thank MedSTAR Transport for making this happen!” said Katie Wallace, child life supervisor at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. “We work all year to help our children and families manage their tough situation through games and fun experiences. Visits from special guests always help our patients have a good day while undergoing treatment.”
Over 41 years, MedSTAR Transport has treated and transported more than 100,000 patients via air and ground ambulance across the Mid-Atlantic region. The program consists of four air ambulance helicopters, a fleet of ten ground ambulances, a dedicated communications center, and a team of approximately 120 medical providers, flight crew members, and communications specialists.
Last year, the opening of the 477,000 square-foot Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital included a brand-new rooftop helipad, which now provides MedSTAR Transport with direct access to emergency and operating rooms.
This year marks Santa’s first air transport landing at a MedStar Health hospital, a very special flight organizers hope to make an annual holiday tradition in the coming years.
Categories
Media Contacts
Brendan McNamara
410-772-6557
202-394-2430 (mobile)
brendan.t.mcnamara@medstar.net
Ryan Miller
571-400-1057 (mobile)
ryan.m.miller2@medstar.net
Browse by Category
Latest press releases
- 12/18/2024 9:00 PM
- 11/26/2024 2:18 PM
- 11/11/2024 3:09 PM
- 11/7/2024 8:07 PM
- 11/6/2024 5:09 PM