LEWISTON, Maine — "We didn't know what we were going into," LifeFlight of Maine, Flight Nurse Cameron Bird said.
Both Pilot Dustin Smiley and Bird spoke with NEWS CENTER Maine just days after multiple flight crews from LifeFlight of Maine provided life saving services for the victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston, on Oct. 25.
"So that night we walked into the emergency department. I made eye contact with one of our other crew members who had been there for a little while. 'Where do you need us? Right. Point the way'," Bird said.
A common misconception of the public is that LifeFlight crews only provide aid when the aircraft is airborne. They are also trained to work within a hospital. This is something they did at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston following the deadly event.
"We're seeing people on the worst day of their life and [our director's] challenge to us and our challenge to each other is to always be worthy of that role that we're going to be helping someone on their worst day," Smiley stated.
Maine has multiple crews positioned throughout the state, but the Lewiston based crew was already stationed and in place at CMMC. Bangor and Sanford crews flew in to assist.
Bird praised the CMMC staff—not affiliated with LifeFlight of Maine.
"We showed up to a horrible event and they were very well prepared. But they had done a fantastic job rallying their troops to be ready to take care of what was happening," Bird said.
"I just want to recognize it takes an entire team within LifeFlight of Maine," Smiley stated. "We have mechanics right here in this hangar," he added.