A paramedic injured in this month’s air ambulance helicopter crash on Highway 50 in East Sacramento has been transferred from UC Davis Medical Center to an inpatient rehabilitation facility as she continues her recovery.
Margaret “DeDe” Davis, 66, was one of three crew members aboard the Reach Air Medical Services helicopter that went down Oct. 6 shortly after takeoff from UC Davis Medical Center. Sacramento Fire Department officials said some of their members met with Davis this week to wish her well before her move to an acute rehabilitation center closer to home in the Redding area.
Global Medical Response, the parent company of Reach, said in a statement Friday night that Davis — who had served in the Marines and Navy and was a volunteer firefighter — had been discharged from the hospital and “has begun the next important phase of her journey to recovery.” The pilot, 60-year-old Chad Millward, who was a retired CHP officer, remains in the intensive care unit but is in stable condition, according to the company.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support shown to our team,” the statement from parent company Global Medical Response read in part. “The compassion and concern from our community have meant so much to all those affected, and we are deeply appreciative of everyone keeping our crew and their families in their thoughts and prayers.”
Margaret “DeDe” Davis, left, and pilot Chad Millward, right, are seen in an undated photo. Davis has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility following the Oct. 6 helicopter crash in East Sacramento, while Millward remains in the intensive care unit in stable condition.
The crash killed flight nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith, 67, a longtime Reach veteran and Palo Cedro resident whose 50-year nursing career included humanitarian medical missions abroad.
“We deeply mourn the loss of Susan ‘Suzie’ Smith, whose dedication and compassion touched countless lives,” the company said. “As we celebrate the ongoing recovery of Chad and DeDe, we honor Suzie’s memory and her significant contributions to our community.”
Smith’s family announced Thursday that a public celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
“Her legacy reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and never hold back the good we can give,” her family said in a statement.
Smith’s body was flown home to the north state Oct. 12 in a final flight from Sacramento to Red Bluff, followed by a ground procession to Palo Cedro.
Federal investigators continue to examine the cause of the crash.