Why it matters: University of Utah Health’s AirMed Perinatal Team received the Pediatric and Neonatal Transport Award of Excellence from the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), recognizing their leadership in high-risk neonatal and maternal care.
The big picture: This annual national award honors teams that demonstrate excellence in safety, education, and measurable impact in pediatric and neonatal transport.
- What sets them apart: The team averages 17 years of experience with advanced clinical training and is the only dedicated NICU/OB team in the region with its own helicopter.
- Quick response: Having a dedicated aircraft means faster response times for high-risk cases across Utah and the Mountain West.
- Rural reach: The team serves families in remote communities where access to specialized neonatal care is limited. The AirMed Perinatal Team provides critical transport services to moms and babies throughout the Mountain West region, supported by University of Utah Health’s TeleNICU program.
What they’re saying:
“Watching this team get recognized on a national level for the really incredible work that they do, that’s a huge inspiration to me. They work so hard and the pressures of their job are so immense and they are just consummate professionals. They are so great at what they do.” — Dr. Kelli Lund, Medical Director of the AirMed Perinatal Team and Director of the TeleNICU Program
“We service so many of the moms and babies in the Mountain West region, and to get recognition for the work that everybody does together has been really rewarding.” — Tandy Larson, Perinatal Flight Nurse
“It just feels like a really large award, and it feels nice for people to see that we are making a difference.” — Aimee Jensen, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The bottom line: This recognition reflects years of dedication, collaboration with neonatologists, and the team’s ability to respond to complex cases where backup isn’t immediately available.
What’s next: The AirMed Perinatal Team continues expanding access to specialized care for high-risk pregnancies and newborns across the region.