I have been a flight paramedic and nurse for more than 21 years and will resign my flight status as soon as my replacement can be found ("Medevac Crashes on the Rise," AJN Reports, February). I've had about nine near-death experiences during my flight career. In the latest incident, we made an emergency landing with a patient who didn't need air transport. It was merely a convenience, and medical evacuation (medevac) should not be used in this way. I am crushed by the loss of nurse paramedics and pilots who have died needlessly in medevac crashes. I have a 17-year-old son who's about to go to college and play baseball, and I intend to be around to see him play.

Using a helicopter to transport critically ill patients can save lives. But the increased risks associated with overuse are simply unacceptable.

Kerry Mark Jeanice, RN

Harvey, LA