[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO KATHY A. BATTERMAN

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathy L. Batterman who 
became one of the first crew members for ``Flight for Life'' and was 
the first certified flight nurse in the United States. Mrs. Batterman's 
life was tragically cut short in the line of duty when, on April 4, 
1999, the ``Flight for Life'' helicopter crashed in Indian Springs 
Nevada during a bizarre snowstorm after transporting a patient to a Las 
Vegas hospital.
  During her career Kathy flew over 3,000 rescue flights and is 
credited with saving thousands of lives. Kathy epitomized excellence in 
all aspects of nursing. Not only was she one of America's premiere 
flight nurses, she was a certified flight registered nurse, an advanced 
trauma specialist, and Nevada's first pre-hospital nurse practitioner. 
Kathy was a respected educator and a pioneer of EMS education in 
Nevada. Her contagious energetic spirit, encouraging smile, and 
enthusiasm inspired many others to do their best. Kathy was also 
instrumental in placing a second ``Flight for Life'' base in Pahrump, 
Nevada recognizing how crucial the response time is for those needing 
emergency care in the outlying rural communities around Las Vegas. Not 
only was she a magnificent flight nurse, she was also a caring and 
devoted wife and mother.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathy A. Batterman for her 
dedication to providing emergency medical service to the Las Vegas and 
outlying community. Her death is a profound loss to the community and 
the medical profession.

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