The pilots who fly the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s two Trauma Hawk air ambulances ensure that traumatically injured patients receive the care they need safely and quickly – when every passing minute can mean the difference between life and death. For twenty years, Gerald M. Pagano, the District’s Director of Medical Transport and Aeromedical Facilities, has been piloting Trauma Hawk and saving lives. Pagano was recently recognized for his distinguished service when he was named “EMS Pilot of the Year” by the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with the Florida EMS Pilots Association.
Pagano has supported the mission of the District’s Aeromedical Program since 1990 and was one of Trauma Hawk’s first pilots. During his accomplished career, Pagano’s leadership resulted in the Aeromedical Program obtaining its operating air carrier certificate, the purchase of the two Trauma Hawk helicopters, the installation of a flight data system and the most recent IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) authorization.
