By: Jane Haas, HALO-flight Marketing Director
Being two years old means being inquisitive, and not necessarily understanding of what might be more harm than fun. Colt Thomas Chambers was two on the day he and his parents had a first-hand experience with HALO-Flight, and the rattlesnake that found Colt in the yard.
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The family was enjoying a pleasant South Texas December afternoon in the yard when tragedy struck. Colt had just turned two the month before, and when he screamed out, the family swept him up and sped him to the hospital.
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Following exhaustive treatment, HALO-Flight was called for transport to the closest pediatric center in hopes of saving his young life.
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“A huge weight came off my shoulders,” said Amanda Valverde Chambers, Colt’s Mother, “when I saw the flight crew coming down the hall. I knew he was going to be in good hands and I was able to relax.”
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The flight was fraught with skilled medical interventions, according to the Flight Nurse on board. Upon arrival at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, the flight crew, who had called ahead, was greeted by HALO-Flight Board Member Dr. Jay Koska, DCH Anesthesiologist and Critical Care Medicine Physician.
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During his hospitalization, Colt made a remarkable recovery despite the cascade of events that made it such a challenging case, explained Ryan Kelley, one of the HALO-Flight medical crew who helped treat and transport Colt to the Hospital. Kelley even visited him in the Hospital a few days later. “When I walked in the door, he sat up in the bed. I just teared up,” said Kelley.
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Two days in ICU, followed by five more in the hospital was how the Chambers family geared up for the holidays; but the Christmas Eve discharge was the gift the family wanted most.
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None of us knows when tragedy will strike. Being prepared for the unexpected is one way to help protect yourself and your family from the high cost of life-saving care.
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Since 1987, HALO-Flight has been there when minutes — like those prayed for by the Chambers Family — mattered most. And since 2003, HALO-Flight has given back to the organizations and individuals who have generously supported the mission of the non-profit organization with a subscription membership plan known as the Guardian Plan that helps reduce the financial burden of air ambulance service.
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An average air ambulance helicopter transport can exceed $20,000. Many insurance companies only provide a payment for service of 30 to 50%, leaving the patient with the remaining balance. Insured Members enrolled in the Guardian Plan are charged no out-of-pocket for HALO-Flight transports deemed medically necessary once terms of the patients insurances have been met. Uninsured Members receive a 50% discount for HALO-Flight services.
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You can purchase the HALO-Flight Guardian Plan via our website at https://haloflight.org/guardian-plan/. Individual Members can safely and easily join online; and receive a renewal reminder via email 45 days in advance to remind them their renewal is coming up. It features a RENEW NOW click button to facilitate the transaction.
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Membership provides debit forgiveness assistance for flights anywhere in the 26 county service area of HALO-Flight whether it is a 911-emergency launch or a physician-ordered transfer from one medical facility to another. This also includes flights deemed medically necessary between South Texas and trauma centers in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and the Valley; and, Membership also includes debit forgiveness assistance with our reciprocal partner Dallas CareFlite.
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Membership coverage extends to all family members who live in the same household and are enrolled in the program including dependent, custodial and non-custodial children.
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As a non-profit organization, HALO-Flight seeks additional community support in several ways including our Guardian Subscription Plan. The Plan features three types of Membership:
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- Individual: $35 annually per household
- Business: Rates are per employee/family per year based on the size of your Business
- Ranch: $35 per employee/family per year + $35 per guest per year.
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Joining the Membership Plan offers the following:
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- Insured enrolled Members are charged no out-of-pocket expenses for HALO-Flight transports deemed medically necessary. Individuals flown with no insurance coverage are provided a 50% discount on services.
- Service extends to anywhere in our 26-county service area, for patient transfers outside our service area, and with our reciprocal partner: Dallas CareFlite.
- Membership benefits are for all family members who live in the same household, and are listed on the application (Includes dependent children, custodial, and non-custodial children).
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The Ranch Plan is unique in that it is the only Plan not requiring a launch initiated by a First Responder. HALO-Flight staff works with the property owner or manager to establish a landing zone on the property provided the destination meets 911-dispatch protocols. Each Ranch Plan is tailored to meet the needs of the Rancher or property owner and covers the employee/family household both on and off the Ranch.
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The Individual Plan covers Members anywhere in HALO-Flight’s service area when requested by a First Responder or by a healthcare provider; but does not include the tailored landing zone component mentioned above. Members are invited to join via our website at https://haloflight.org/guardian-plan/. Individual Members can safely and easily join online; and receive a renewal reminder via email 45 days in advance to remind them their renewal is coming up. It features a RENEW NOW click button to facilitate the transaction.
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The Business Plan enables employers to reduce additional out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance if their employees are flown by HALO-Flight during an emergency, accident or illness. Rates are based on business size and are as follows:
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- Small Business: 2-50 from $12 to $20
- Medium Business: 51-100 from $12 to $15
- Large Business: 100+ either $12 or individually negotiated.
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For more information on ways to secure the HALO-Flight Guardian Plan for you, your family or your employees contact HALO-Flight at 361.2650509 or Membership@HALOFLIGHT.org
