LifeFlight of Maine shifts focus to staff mental health
Maine's air ambulance service invests in employee well-being to combat costly turnover and ensure critical care access.
(Photo via NPR)
LifeFlight of Maine, the state's sole medical helicopter service, is adopting a new operational strategy aimed at reducing high turnover rates among its healthcare workforce. By prioritizing the mental health and personal needs of its employees, the organization seeks to stabilize staffing levels in a field characterized by significant operational risks and high costs.
The financial incentive for this shift is substantial. According to an official identified as Kellner, the cost to train a new employee for the organization is approximately $100,000. By investing in retention through support systems, the service aims to mitigate the economic impact of losing experienced personnel.
The program has received positive feedback from those on the front lines. Brian Merklin, a paramedic and member of the peer support team, noted that while many organizations acknowledge the mental health challenges inherent in emergency medicine, LifeFlight of Maine is the only employer he has worked for that has provided tangible support. He expressed a desire to see similar initiatives adopted in other regions.
As of Nov. 8, 2026, the organization continues to serve as a critical link for rural patients who rely on air medical transport. With community hospitals facing potential closures and an increasing demand for emergency medical services, the stability of the flight crews remains a central component of the state's healthcare infrastructure.