Native Air Helicopter Adds Realistic Element to Shattered Lives Event

LAS CRUCES, NM - Apr. 13, 2026 - Students participating in the Shattered Lives event at Organ Mountain High School on April 9 got an even greater perspective on the seriousness of drunk driving when the Native Air 31 emergency air medical helicopter, based in Las Cruces, arrived on the scene to transport a mock patient to a trauma center.

Shattered Lives is an annual event for high school students across Doña Ana County that simulates a drunk driving accident. Using a realistic mock multi-vehicle crash, the program aims to prevent impaired driving by educating students on its serious and far-reaching consequences. Last week's event included students portraying critically injured or killed victims, as well as a student playing the role of the impaired driver.

"Exercises like Shattered Lives are incredibly valuable for our community," said Native Air Flight Nurse Edward Martinez. "They allow us to reach and involve our youth who are often overlooked until tragedy strikes. It's important for people of all ages to understand the real consequences of their actions."

First responders from around Doña Ana County, including Native Air, participated to provide simulated medical aid and transport, as well as scene containment and investigation.

"What makes this exercise especially meaningful is showing the public that there are dedicated members of their community ready to help in times of need," said Martinez. "Police officers, firefighters, flight nurses, flight medics, ER nurses, physicians, and many others all play a vital role in giving someone a fighting chance."

Native Air has been involved in the program for over 20 years, playing an essential role in planning and executing the event, and strengthening its message to students.

"The involvement of Native Air in the Shattered Lives of Doña Ana County Program adds a powerful layer of realism and urgency that greatly enhances its impact on students and the community," said Eva Madrid, 4-H agent with Doña Ana County Cooperative Extension Service which organizes the event. "By witnessing an actual helicopter response, participants gain a deeper understanding of the serious consequences of impaired and distracted driving. In regions like southern New Mexico, helicopter emergency medical services are critical in providing rapid transport and advanced life support, especially when access to trauma centers is limited. These services can significantly improve patient outcomes by delivering specialized care at the scene and reducing the time it takes to reach definitive treatment."

Native Air is part of Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider. Along with their sister bases in Alamogordo, Deming, Silver City, Carlsbad, Artesia, and Roswell, Native Air provides the highest level of critical pre-hospital care across southern New Mexico. With the ability to land directly at the scene of an accident, their highly trained flight nurses and paramedics administer industry-leading critical care when every second counts. Their aircraft are equipped as flying ICUs, carrying the medical equipment and medications needed to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics, and other critical patients. They also carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

"Native Air's continued partnership not only demonstrates the life-saving role of air medical services but also reinforces an important message," said Madrid. "Every decision matters, and the need for such critical response can happen in an instant."

Photos and video are available here, courtesy of Air Methods: https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1e5ViYRwwStFXmP6