A Flight Chaplain: How One Program Supports its Crewmembers

Abstract

Being exposed to human suffering on a frequent basis can take its toll on air medical program staff, resulting in “burnout,” a feeling of being overwhelmed, or loss of empathy and compassion. Puchalski1 noted that, over time, “our exposure to suffering and the existential questions that arise from suffering may lead to a spiritual or philosophical growth, or it may result in ‘gradual wearing down of the spirit.’”1 To avoid losing valued staff to burnout and frustration, the program implemented a flight chaplaincy program.