ASTNA Bereavement Fund
The Bereavement Fund was established in 1999 to remember colleagues who have given their lives in the line of duty. In the event that crew members are killed in a transport crash, ASTNA generally contributes $1500 to the estate of each crew member who perished.
Air Medical Memorial Wings
The idea for the Air Medical Memorial Wings© originated in January 1998 following a rise in air medical accidents. The wings were designed as a tribute to our colleagues who have died as a result of an air medical accident. The original wings were produced in June of 1998.
Similar to the black mourning band worn by police and firefighters on their badges for the loss of a comrade, the memorial wings are intended to show respect and honor for our air medical transport colleagues. The wings were designed to be worn with any type of uniform.
For over 20 years, Air Medical Memorial Wings has provided two sets of wings to each colleague lost, to be given to their family members. The agency/program involved in the accident is contacted for assistance in obtaining additional wings prior to the memorial service, if desired. On behalf of the Air Medical Memorial Wings, the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, and fellow air medical professional organizations, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all of the programs, agencies, and families that have suffered injury or loss of life. Thank you for supporting the memorial that honors our colleagues.
The cost of the wings is $10 (since July 1, 2002), which includes normal postal delivery. A minimum of $1 per wing is donated to the ASTNA Bereavement Fund. Additional contributions may be given to other air medical transport safety and research projects.