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Request GundersenAIR

Use this form to request GundersenAIR attend your event, schedule a helipad tour or ride along with our experienced flight crew. Please read the form carefully and fill it out completely. Thank you and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Request details

Due to the high number of requests we get, processing public relations events without all information is difficult and may influence whether or not we can honor the request. We understand your event is important and we ask that you give us enough time to process your request.

Prior to requesting GundersenAIR to attend or participate in an event, please gather all the form information so we can process your request efficiently and quickly. Late requests may be subject to denial based exclusively on time, so please make your request early.

Thank you and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future!

NOTE: Before submitting this form, please make sure you know landing zone GPS Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude, ie., 43 36/090 41). We CANNOT process your request without this information.
Visits give us an opportunity to support our service area agencies. You can request GundersenAIR to attend or participate in an event or schedule a helipad tour or other educational event. We understand your event is important and we ask that you give us enough time to process your request. Prior to making your request, please review our criteria and then complete the request form. Be sure to gather all the form information so we can process your request efficiently and quickly. Thank you and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future!

GundersenAIR is not able to attend preschool, elementary or junior high events. Hangar tours (which take about 25 minutes) can be provided to the following:

  • Preschools
  • Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts
  • Elementary/middle schools
  • Low-attendance events
  • Non emergency, medical-service related events

Note: We will only be accepting applications for Ride-Alongs from April 1 through May 31, and September 1 through October 31.

Gain hands-on helicopter transport experience by spending a day with our flight team. To ride along with us, you must be at least 18 years old and working in pre-hospital, emergency, or critical care nursing, or as a medical/emergency communications specialist.
  1. To ride along with us, you must be at least 18 years old and working in pre-hospital, critical care nursing, or as a medical/emergency communications specialist. Students planning to enter a related healthcare field may also be considered on a case by case basis.
  2. Applications will only be accepted when all materials have been received. Due to high demand, ride-alongs who have had the occasion to fly, either on a patient mission, (including aborted missions), or PR flights will not be eligible for another ride-along opportunity for a period of five years.
  3. Participation will be on an 'observation basis only' with no involvement with patient care responsibilities. Participants will be under direct supervision of the flight crew and pilot.
  4. Participants must be in good physical health, be physically fit, have current TB test and hepatitis vaccinations, not prone to motion sickness, or be suffering from a head cold. Due to weight and balance requirements, the weight restriction is 220 pounds.
  5. Orientation and training will be held on the day of the scheduled ride-along.
  6. Ride-along shifts are scheduled from 0700 to 1500 at the Sparta location, and 0900 to 1700 at the Decorah location.
  7. Ride-along shifts will only be scheduled from April 1 through May 31, and September 1 through October 31. Only one participant will be allowed per shift.
  8. Prior to the beginning of your ride-along shift, the approved applicant will be advised to contact GundersenAIR at (608) 269-2296 for (Sparta) or (608) 775-5870 (Decorah) to confirm the helicopter is available and not grounded due to unforeseen maintenance or inclement weather. If the approved applicant must cancel or the helicopter was unavailable for the scheduled shift, it is the participant's responsibility to attempt re-scheduling. Rescheduling cannot be guaranteed and will be done on a space available basis. 
  9. All participants are asked to dress appropriately in EMS uniform (clean and professional) or non-denim dark pants, work shoes/boots and a work shirt (no scrubs). Absolutely no open toe shoes/sandals will be permitted per safety standards. A radio headset and safety glasses will also be provided.
  10. Photo and video recording is prohibited during all legs of flight and while providing patient care. Photo and video recording is also prohibited while at referring facilities and/or scenes.
  11. You will accompany the flight team throughout their daily activities. We recommend bringing reading materials or something to work on in the event the flight crew is involved in patient charting, etc.
  12. Participants must be aware that weight limitations, the need for specialty teams, inclement weather, etc. may prohibit participation on certain flights. This may result in being left at a referring facility due to weight restrictions with a patient on board. If this should occur, GundersenAIR will make arrangements for transportation back to the Sparta or Decorah base.
  13. Participants should bring a sack lunch, as there are no eating facilities nearby. The hangar has a microwave and refrigerator available. Breaks will be provided as schedule allows.
  14. GundersenAIR is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please place personal items in a secure location.
  15. Participants must keep all patient information confidential!
  16. Participants will refrain from using social media to discuss their ride-along experience. This includes the use of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and other such social networking.
  17. Following completion of the ride-along shift, participants will be asked to complete an evaluation form. We welcome any suggestions you may have.
  18. Date and time of designated ride-along shift will be confirmed via email from GundersenAIR staff.
  19. With safety as top priority, riders are not allowed to work a night shift prior to their scheduled ride-along shift.

GundersenAIR participates in public relations events only within the normal Gundersen referral area. GundersenAIR supervisors and committee members must approve all other requests. Other criteria include:

  1. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) related events/education such as farm safety classes, or first responder, police or fire training/education for landing zone or crash recovery.
  2. Medical/trauma related education or training (i.e. preparing patients for transport/loading of aircraft) for emergency dept. /critical care area personnel.
  3. Gundersen and affiliate related events/functions (i.e. specialty picnics, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals events)
  4. Highly attended public events (i.e. Deke Slayton Air Fest, Octoberfest Racing at La Crosse Speedway)
  5. Fly-in breakfasts within the referral area.
  6. High school or college EMS related events (mock crashes) and/or career days.
  7. Wal-Mart (Children's Miracle Network Hospitals supporter) pending approval.

Additional information:

  • Every attempt will be made to not schedule events during GundersenAIR staff shift changes (between the hours of 5:15-6:15 a.m. and 5:15-6:15 p.m. for Sparta and 7:15-8:15 a.m. and 7:15-8:15 p.m. for Decorah).
  • Efforts will be made to honor requests made on short notice, however, requests may be denied based exclusively on time.
  • Unfortunately, GundersenAIR is not able to attend preschool, elementary or junior high events. Hangar tours (which take about 25 minutes) at Gundersen in La Crosse can be provided to the following:
    • Preschools
    • Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts
    • Elementary/middle schools
    • Low attendance events
    • Non emergency medical service related events
Type of group
Is the helicopter needed for the event?

Helicopter details

Landing zone surface
Landing zone obstacles
Radio frequency
i.e., TSA302
Type of audience

Contact information

Primary contact

Is the event day contact different from the primary contact?

Event day contact

You do not meet the qualifications to participate in the ride-along program, you must be 18 or older. 
Does your service/affiliation currently utilize GundersenAIR on a first-call basis, or plan to in the future?
Job title and department

Emergency Contact
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Vaccinations

Are you current on all vaccinations?
Have you been vaccinated for hepatitis?

Ride Along

Have you participated in the Gundersen AIR Ride-along Program before?
Are you actively involved in setting up landing zones for helicopter transport services?
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1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300
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