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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is there a need for a charitable air ambulance_
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2. Who fills the need for charitable air ambulance service_ MERCY MED:FLIGHT fills the need for a charitable air ambulance service that meets the special transportation needs of those who are critically ill or seriously injured. Often referred to as "the good Samaritans of the air," MERCY MED:FLIGHT provides free long-distance medical transportation for patients who cannot afford commercial air ambulance service. MMF benefits people in medical and financial dilemmas. MMF’s goal is to airlift non-ambulatory patients who need to move a long distance to receive needed assistance such as life-saving surgeries, necessary rehabilitation, or life-enhancing and healing reunions with families. MMF is the nation’s only charitable air ambulance operation providing Advanced Life Support capability at absolutely no cost to the patient or patient's family.
3. Who qualifies for MMF assistance_ To qualify, the patient must:
MERCY MED:FLIGHT is incorporated in the state of Texas and is based at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth, TX. MMF serves the entire nation, except Hawaii.
5. What are the qualifications of MMF flight crews_ The MERCY MED:FLIGHT crew consists of pilots, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics who donate their time and expertise, allowing MMF to offer its free humanitarian service. All medical personnel must have a minimum of two years experience in critical care, be currently employed in their field of expertise, and have been trained in aviation physiology and air ambulance procedures. MERCY MED:FLIGHT pilots are highly experienced with military, corporate, airline and civil aviation backgrounds. All MMF captains have completed Cessna Citation type ratings at CAE SimuFlite International. Our average captain has over 10,000 hours of flying experience.
6. What are the credentials of MMF_ MERCY MED:FLIGHT is licensed by the Texas Department of Health as an EMS provider. MMF is an IRS 501(c) (3) organization. All contributions—both cash and in-kind—are tax deductible. MMF is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
7. How are MMF missions funded_ MERCY MED:FLIGHT is a true charitable organization. Patients are never charged for our services. Our missions of mercy rely on donations of time, services, supplies, equipment and financial contributions from a wide range of donors who recognize and understand the need for MMF’s humanitarian mission. Contributions come from individual donors, corporations, foundations, special giving groups, community organizations and the Combined Federal Campaign (#2988).
8. How long has MERCY MED:FLIGHT been in operation_ MMF began flight operations in February 1996 and has flown more than 290 patients. We have received over 2,400 calls for help since MMF’s free service began. 9. What is the history behind MMF_ MMF opened its office at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, in July 1994 in hangar and office space donated by Burlington Northern Railroad. We began flight operations in 1996 after successfully completing an 18-month start-up plan and fund-development effort. Sustaining support—both in cash and in-kind gifts—has come from many individuals, foundations, and corporations from across the United States. The start-up plan raised more than 100% of its projected $575,000 start-up budget needs, including a $100,000 challenge grant from The Huston Foundation in Pennsylvania and a matching grant from The Meadows Foundation of Dallas. An IRS approved 501c(3) charitable organization, MMF is incorporated in the state of Texas and has a well-developed and active Board of Directors and a well qualified, full-time president and CEO. Air ambulance operations are based in Fort Worth which provides centrally located, cost-effective air access to serve the United States. The late Tom Landry, legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was instrumental in MMF’s formation and was actively involved on the MMF Advisory Committee until his death in February 2000. The following staff members are actively involved in MERCY MED:FLIGHT's charitable air ambulance program:
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