Man leaves $6.7 million to air medical service that saved his life multiple times

A Heartfelt Gesture of Gratitude

In a remarkable display of gratitude and generosity, a man has left a staggering $6.7 million to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART), the air medical service that saved his life multiple times. This extraordinary donation will significantly enhance the capabilities of DHART, ensuring that thousands of residents in Northern New England continue to receive critical medical care when they need it most.

A Lifelong Commitment to Healthcare

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been a long-time advocate for healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. He regularly drove his community members to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) to help them access specialized care that is not available elsewhere in the region. This dedication to his community is a testament to the importance of healthcare in everyday lives.

How DHART Makes a Difference

DHART operates 24/7, transporting patients to any appropriate medical facility by air or ground. With bases in Lebanon and Manchester, New Hampshire, the team consists of communications specialists, EMTs, flight nurses, flight paramedics, pilots, mechanics, and respiratory care practitioners. Their aviation services are provided by Metro Aviation Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana, ensuring top-notch medical transport.

The Need for Expansion

In recent years, many towns in Northern New England have faced staffing or funding shortages in their ambulance services. Local hospitals have been forced to reduce specialty care programs, increasing the demand for DHART's services. Currently, DHART has a fleet of four ambulances and four helicopters, but only two helicopters are operational while the other two serve as backups.

The Impact of the Donation

The $6.7 million donation will be used to expand DHART's resources across three phases:

• Phase One: Early next year, two new ambulances will be purchased for basic transport in the region. This will ensure that more patients can receive timely and efficient medical care.
• Phase Two: Starting from 2026 or 2027, DHART will develop an EMT certification program. This program will help train more emergency medical technicians, enhancing the service's capacity to respond to emergencies.
• Phase Three: In mid-2028, DHART will invest in fleet management and transportation resources in Southern New Hampshire. This phase will aim to improve the overall efficiency of the service, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

A Community's Thank You

The donation is a testament to the community's appreciation for DHART's lifesaving efforts. It underscores the importance of continued support for healthcare services, especially in rural areas where access to specialized care can be limited. This act of kindness not only benefits DHART but also ensures that future generations will have access to critical medical care.

Conclusion

In a region where healthcare access is crucial, this donation serves as a beacon of hope. It highlights the impact that individual generosity can have on community-wide initiatives. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, stories like this remind us that there are still many good people working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we all have access to the care we need.

---

References: Man leaves $6.7 million to air medical service that saved his life (2024-10-17) Man leaves $6.7 million to air medical service that saved his life (2024-10-16) Patient leaves $6.7M in will to expand rural EMS in N.H. (2024-10-16) DHART (Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team) (n.d.) DHART expands with $6.7 million donation (2024-10-16)