Mistye Courter

Mistye Courter has worked in the emergency medical services (EMS) industry for 15 years—all of which have been with Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL). Although she never expected Air Evac to become her sole employer, she never looked back. Mistye attributes her calling to one special trait: a can-do attitude.

In West Plains, Missouri, Mistye searched for her first job after finishing school. For her, EMS wasn’t something she had planned; it just kind of happened. “I wanted something different,” she says. “I was approached by a manager at a job fair who thought I would be a good fit here, so I decided to apply at AEL.” And so she did. Mistye started her career as a Medicaid follow-up specialist.

AEL is a membership partner of the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), America’s largest air ambulance membership service. Through this partnership, members have their life flight covered by AMCN in the event of an emergency.

It was Mistye’s job to determine whether coverage was still possible for members on Medicaid. If coverage wasn’t possible, it lit a fire within her. Much like a flight paramedic’s purpose is to do what’s best for the patient at a moment’s notice, Mistye is there to support our patients and their families during their most difficult moments.

“Trying to bring that money in the door, knowing that you can make a bad situation into something good, it’s a great feeling. That’s what I love most about my role at AEL.”

Her resolve to make EMS accessible to all ultimately became a springboard for Mistye’s success in the industry. She became a leader for her division’s Medicaid group, and now she works as an appeal writer, advocating for subsequent affordable healthcare.

“My advice to someone interested in a career in EMS, keep focus on what you are doing. You couldn’t ask to work for a better place. We are here for you and for your family, and that’s what makes every day worth it.”

Mistye’s passion, drive and encouragement are precisely what make her an asset to Air Evac, AMCN, and GMR. Couple these with that can-do attitude, and there’s no stronger list of characteristics a member of the EMS industry can have than hers.