LifeSaver air medical program marks 45 years of service in Alabama

SYLACAUGA, Ala. (WBRC) - The LifeSaver emergency air medical program celebrated 45-years of service in Alabama on May 13. Former patients along with program founder Dr. Robert Carraway were in Sylacauga to celebrate and say thank you.

“I was very lost before this happened to me and I think that I have found my direction,” said Collin Long.

In July 2025, Long suffered a traumatic brain injury at Auburn University Golf Club.

“Once they got me on the flight they had to do a blood transfusion, and Ms. Autumn gave me a one percent chance at life until I got to UAB so, I’m forever grateful for them,” said Long.

A 10-year flight nurse and paramedic with LifeSaver, Autumn Lindsey says the program is a great example of consistency while striving to provide the best care.

“It’s kind of the top of the line for nursing and for paramedics. It’s something that some of us have strived for our whole lives, but it requires us to continually try to be better every day, trying to be better, improve our skill,” said Lindsey.

Carraway started the program to provide service regardless of location.

“There was a big obstacle of surviving patients in rural Alabama. There would not be a helicopter program now called Life Saver if it wasn’t for my father who listened to what I wanted to do,” said Carraway.

Dr. Robert Carraway went on to say this program was never about him, but a way to help people who needed help the most.

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