Fun facts:
As has been the history of STAT MedEvac, the organization has again led the way in developing the next level of technology in the critical care transport arena. STAT MedEvac’s leadership, board of directors and flight crews helped to develop the Airbus H135 helicopter. STAT MedEvac now has multiple H135 aircraft on line and it is the state-of-the-art aircraft for the industry. Thanks to STAT MedEvac Master Pilot, Andrew Montenaro, MedEvac 16, for joining the podcast.
Cindy Lehman
Flight Nurse
STATMedEvac 18
Years of service – 1
Operations Control Specialist
Currently serving as Interim Supervisor for the Operations Control Specialists.
Years of Service – 8
In our first episode of 2026, it seems fitting to hear from James Houser, President and CEO of the UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. / STAT MedEvac. It has long been the legacy of STAT MedEvac to create and innovate change within the air medical and ground critical care transport industry. Jim discusses this legacy, including STAT MedEvac’s role in the innovation of the Airbus H135 aircraft, which features advanced Airbus Helionix avionics.
Jenn Plourde
Flight Paramedic
Years of Service – 1 year
Fun facts about Jenn:
Starting off the new year, we’re celebrating two amazing STAT MedEvac employees, Maggie Zaliponi and Mike Shaffer, who have reached their Mission Milestones. Thank you both for your hard work, commitment, and the positive impact you make every day at STAT MedEvac.
Pictured above: Sharon Grossman, Samatha Adams, both from the PPC (Professional Practice Council), Maggie Zaliponi celebrating 3,000 missions, and Jim Houser, President and CEO of the Center for Emergency Medicine and STAT MedEvac.
Pictured above: Sharon Grossman from the PPC (Professional Practice Council), Mike Shaffer celebrating 3,000 missions and Jim Houser, President and CEO of the Center for Emergency Medicine and STAT MedEvac.
Sam Briski
Senior Mechanic
Years of Service – 7 years.
STAT MedEvac is lucky enough to have Santa’s direct phone line, and we called him into work last week! Santa made a special visit to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Harrisburg, continuing a heartwarming tradition we started together years ago. We’re honored to help keep this joyful tradition going for many years to come. You can find the full article on TheBurgNews.com at Santa arrives to visit children at UPMC via MedEvac chopper – TheBurg.
Also thank you to FOX43 News for this coverage of Santa and his elf visiting the children. Santa brings holiday cheer to pediatric patients with helicopter visit.
Dr. Paul Paris, Medical Director Emeritus, the Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation, has been known to many in Western Pennsylvania in various roles. An EM physician at UPMC – Presbyterian, an on-line medical director to many of the EMS providers, a mentor to EM residents and researchers and, the hand-picked leader to take over the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania from it’s original creator, Dr. Ron Stewart.
Dr. Paris was recently recognized by PEMF as the 2025 Ronald D. Stewart Excellence Award. We took a few minutes to talk about his career and how he feels about the impact he has had on many EMS careers.
