UCAN - University of Chicago Aeromedical Network

08/26/2026

🐾🚁 Happy National Dog Day from the UCAN crew!

Today we’re celebrating the four-legged members of the UCAN family—the ones who may not fly missions, but are always ready for a warm welcome home after a long shift. ❤️

From professional couch warmers and treat inspectors to expert ball chasers and emotional support specialists, our pups are an important part of our crew. 🐶🐾

Drop a photo of your favorite four-legged copilot in the comments so we can give them some National Dog Day love! 📸👇

08/24/2026

Meet the Crew Monday 🚁

Maribeth Vasquez

🚁 How long have you been with UCAN? 5 years

🚁 What’s something you enjoy doing outside of work? Traveling, exploring new places, backpacking and going for long walks with her “boys” Moose and Rocket 🐾

🚁 On your way into work, what do you like to listen to? Chicago traffic or EDM as she rides her bike to work!

🚁 What’s your favorite kind of patient? A good trauma!

🚁 What was your background prior to UCAN? MICU and PICU.

🚁 Favorite on shift/post call snack? Chicken tendies

🚁 Favorite Chicago Sports Team? Chicago White Sox

🚁 How would your coworkers describe you?
Most likely to be a serial killer because of her indecipherable handwriting OR…. Unhinged loaner. (Cause she’d rather be camping alone).

🚁 You get dispatched to a scene. What is your walk out song? Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

08/19/2026

As always, we appreciate our EMS partners!

07/23/2026

07/09/2026

Training that strengthens patient care starts with great educators. 🧠

A huge thank you to our Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Michael McCartin, for spending time with the UCAN flight crew reviewing the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the prehospital and flight environment.

From identifying life-threatening conditions to helping guide critical decision-making in the field, ultrasound continues to be an invaluable tool for our crews. Dr. McCartin’s expertise, hands-on instruction, and commitment to education help ensure our teams are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to provide the highest level of care when every second counts.

We’re grateful for your leadership and your dedication to advancing clinical excellence across UCAN. Also, your ability to draw a picture of yourself as demonstration!

Thank you, Dr. McCartin! 👏🚁

06/17/2026

We’re starting to compile pictures for our 2027 calendar and are in need of your help!

Please see flyer attached! 🚁🚑🚒🚓🏥

05/15/2026

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to getting your patients to the closest trauma center as safely and efficiently as possible. Our thoughts are with the families and those impacted by this incident.

05/14/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month! 🧠

NBC 5 recently featured an incredible story highlighting a young stroke survivor, alongside interviews with two of Tareq Kass-Hout and James Siegler discussing UChicago Medicine’s Comprehensive Stroke Program.

So, how does UCAN play a role in caring for these patients?
Time is brain... EVERY SECOND COUNTS! ⏰

Through a collaborative partnership between UCAN and UChicago physicians, protocols have been developed to rapidly transport qualifying stroke patients directly to Interventional Radiology from referring hospitals, while also initiating Code Stroke activation for patients requiring Emergency Department evaluation.

This streamlined approach has strengthened continuity of care and significantly reduced time-to-treatment for patients requiring interventional radiology intervention — helping deliver faster, life-saving stroke care when every second matters.

& remember the FAST acronym to account for warning signs and symptoms of a stroke
F - Face Drooping
A - Arm Weakness
S - Speech Difficulty, slurred/jumb
T - Time is Critical - CALL 911

Check out the clip below! 🤩

The World Health Organization reports that one in four adults are projected to have a stroke in their lifetime, which is up in the past two decades. NBC 5's Kate Chappell reports on how doctors in Chicago are working to reverse severe strokes in real time.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible moms of UCAN! 🌷🚁💗

Today, we celebrate the women who answer the call both in the air and at home. Your compassion, strength and dedication make a difference in the lives of patients, families and your own loved ones every single day.

From critical care transports to bedtime stories, school drop-offs to lifesaving interventions — you do it all with grace and resilience. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the care you provide, and the example you set for future generations.

We are proud to have such extraordinary mothers on our team. Wishing all of our UCAN moms a Mother’s Day filled with love, appreciation, and well-deserved recognition. ❤️

05/06/2026

Happy Nurses Day to the incredible team that shows up every single day with skill, compassion and heart. 🚁

Behind every flight, every patient, and every critical moment is a nurse making a difference when it matters most. Your dedication, teamwork and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed—and today, we celebrate YOU.

Thank you for the lives you touch, the comfort you provide and the strength you bring to our UCAN family. ❤️