Record-Breaking Attendance at Mercy Flight Central Education Conference Highlights Growing Demand for Regional EMS Training

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (May 1, 2026)— A record number of EMS providers, clinicians, and

healthcare professionals gathered this week as Mercy Flight Central hosted its annual Spring

Education Conference, welcoming more than 130 attendees and marking the highest

participation in the event’s 12-year history.

The milestone reflects a growing demand for collaborative, real-world training opportunities

across the region’s emergency medical system—particularly as providers navigate increasingly

complex patient needs and evolving care environments.

“This conference is about more than education—it’s about bringing the entire system together,”

said Lauren Kolb, CEO of Mercy Flight Central. “Every patient benefits when EMS providers,

hospital teams, and air medical crews have the opportunity to learn from one another and build

those relationships ahead of the call.”

Sessions throughout the day focused on real-world scenarios, evolving clinical practices, and the

critical role collaboration plays in delivering timely, high-quality care—especially in rural and

underserved communities. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with Mercy

Flight Central’s team and explore the equipment and training that support its operations.

As an independent, nonprofit provider, Mercy Flight Central relies on strong partnerships across

the EMS and healthcare landscape to ensure patients receive the care they need when it matters

most. Events like the Spring Education Conference reflect the organization’s ongoing

commitment to supporting the professionals who serve on the front lines every day.

“This level of participation speaks to the shared commitment across our region to continuously

improve,” Adam Oplinger, Director of Clinical Operations added. “We’re grateful to everyone

who took the time to be here and invest in their training and their patients.”

About Mercy Flight Central

Founded in 1992, Mercy Flight Central is a nonprofit air medical service that provides high

quality emergency medical transport to the critically ill and injured. Mercy Flight Central's

highly skilled medical teams respond with ICU-level care when time is of the essence. MFC

delivers advanced critical care services directly to the patient, whether on the scene of an

accident or in a small hospital. Operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Mercy Flight

Central is dedicated to serving the communities of upstate New York and beyond.