Long-time UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital LifeGuard Air Ambulance Flight Paramedic Sue Mincks, recently soared to a personal milestone – she has flown 1,000 flights on LifeGuard. Watch the video interview here!
Mincks has worked at St. Luke’s for 16 years and counting, joining St. Luke’s and the LifeGuard team in 2005. Prior to working at the hospital, she was a paramedic with Area Ambulance for 18 years.
“I really enjoy what I do,” shared Mincks. “Every day and every patient is different. Working as part of the LifeGuard team is the best job ever, because when I am not out on a call, I am able to help out throughout the hospital.”
Mincks is part of a three-person team, which includes a pilot, flight paramedic and a flight nurse. The LifeGuard crew is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to respond to emergencies in Linn, Johnson, Jones, Cedar and Benton counties.
“Working as member of the LifeGuard team requires one to think, expand our horizons, never stop learning, and then apply that knowledge to come up with an outside-the-box solution,” Mincks said. “Flying also comes with some unexpected perks such as teaching new students in the hospital or providing public and outreach education. Other additional perks include unique things like having a new vantage point to see the sun rising or setting, Christmas lights sparking off the snow, seeing the corn mazes from above, and so much more.”
“While many have come close, Sue is the first flight team member with St. Luke’s LifeGuard to reach this milestone,” explained Jordan Kelly, LifeGuard program manager. “Sue has truly taken our mission to the skies and provides the healthcare we want our loved ones to receive.”
“As a member the LifeGuard crew I hope we make a difference in our patient’s lives but it takes a team, and I can’t do my job without the rest of the LifeGuard team members. I am just a small piece of the whole puzzle, but I like being a part of it.”
Mincks and the entire LifeGuard team have helped thousands of individuals since the helicopter came into service over 40 years ago. LifeGuard has been a familiar sight in the skies around Cedar Rapids since February 23, 1981.
You can watch an interview with Mincks via the UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/DE5PZue-0ik
