TICONDEROGA — A LifeNet helicopter medic suffered a fatal heart attack while in the air with a patient Wednesday evening.
Flight Paramedic Kevin Robert of Malta suffered the medical emergency while transporting a patient aboard helicopter LifeNet 7-13 out of the business’s Ticonderoga base.
A flight nurse was also aboard the aircraft and the pilot landed at Saratoga Hospital, the closest hospital, officials said. It had been bound for Albany Medical Center.
Medical staff and the helicopter crew tried unsuccessfully to revive Robert, LifeNet officials said.
“Our priority now is the well-being of our teammates and the continued support of Kevin’s family,” LifeNet said in a statement. “The Ticonderoga base remains on safety stand-down as we allow our team the time and space they need to grieve.”
Expressions of grief and sympathy for Robert’s family have poured in from ambulance squads throughout the region, LifeNet representatives said.
Robert was well-known in the EMS field and served in various Capital Distr ict ambulance services for the last 25 years, most recently for Malta-Stillwater Ambulance and Sand Lake Ambulance. He also taught a paramedic program at Hudson Valley Community College.
“We ask that you keep Kevin’s family, friends, and teammates in your thoughts and join us in respecting their privacy as we all navigate this heartbreaking loss,” LifeNet said in its message. “We will forever cherish the memories Kevin leaves with us and we will carry his memory and legacy with us on every mission.”
The patient aboard the aircraft was also treated at Saratoga Hospital before being transferred to Albany Medical Center.
The LifeNet of New York program is owned and operated by Air Methods Corporation based in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Its website says it has 11 helicopter bases throughout New York state.