Gail Courneyea’s journey from being a nurse in critical care to a prominent leader in aeromedical services talks more than her career change—it’s her journey of vision, compassion, and determination. Suddenly, one shift and completely unprepared, she was instructed to accompany a young patient to a specialized hospital. In this situation, she recognized that there’s a gap in healthcare and immediately made it her purpose to close it by providing the right care needed to the patients at such difficult times of their lives. Determined in her mission, this ultimately led her to the founding of Angels of Flight Canada Inc., a company recognized for its life-saving services and dedication in patient recovery with the highest quality care, regardless of their location.
From the outside, it could have looked like a strange career opportunity—from ICU nurse to building an international healthcare service—but for Gail, it was simply about doing whatever it took to provide the best possible care. She started with one moment that changed everything: a flight to transport a young patient from a remote hospital to a specialized center. “Although I was not comfortable with flying, I completed the flight but realized there had to be much more to learn to provide the needed care in the air environment.”
That flight became the turning point in Gail’s career. Although many might have seen it as merely an aspect of her nursing responsibilities, she perceived it as a crucial opportunity to push her limits, enhance her understanding, and ultimately make a broader impact. “After a second emergency critical care flight, I embarked on a journey to educate myself and others on the world of aviation and healthcare,” she says, reflecting on how this experience reshaped her understanding of both industries. This moment of realization became the cornerstone for the creation of Angels of Flight Canada—a business rooted in providing the highest level of patient care, no matter the circumstances.
Let’s explore Gail’s inspiring journey from critical care nurse to a leader in aeromedical services!
Challenges and Triumphs
Starting a business in a new field is never easy, and for Gail, the path was anything but smooth. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but she and her team of like-minded nurses were determined to forge a new path in the healthcare world. “The only four nurses from the College program, were the initial nurses with Angels of Flight Canada Inc. All shared the same goals and endeavored to meet challenges as they presented,” she says of the early days.
One of the biggest obstacles they faced was the industry’s response to female leadership. Gail recalls, “We were not prepared for the extreme negative impact from the male-dominated aviation and ground ambulance services.” But despite the resistance, she and her team did not back down. They faced the challenges head-on, responding with professionalism and a determination to achieve their vision.
She emphasizes that, as women in a male-dominated industry, they had to prove themselves every step of the way. “Coming from a working environment of predominantly women—Nurses—we were not prepared for the extreme negative impact from the male-dominated aviation and ground ambulance services,” she explains. Despite these challenges, Angels of Flight Canada remained focused on its mission to offer world-class flight nursing services.
There was another hurdle—one that many entrepreneurs face when starting a business: financial challenges. Gail explains how difficult it was to secure funding, especially as a woman in business during that time. “The husband in a marriage received all the credit ratings despite a wife having worked and contributed to the income. I had no ‘credit score’,” she shares. “Building relationships with a financial institution that supports women in business is necessary.” She was able to persevere, proving that determination and building the right relationships can overcome even the most challenging barriers.
The Growth of Aeromedical Services
When Gail first started, air ambulance services were rare, and nurses weren’t part of the equation. “Because of the vast distances in the country, flights were always part of the healthcare system but not with nurses,” she explains. But the industry has changed dramatically since then. Today, many private air ambulance companies employ registered nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists to ensure patients receive the highest quality care during air transport.
She has witnessed this shift firsthand, and her company, Angels of Flight Canada, has been at the forefront of this evolution. “Today, many private Air Ambulance companies operate to fulfill the needs of hospitals, insurance companies and the general population,” she observes. This shift has made it clear that aeromedical services are a crucial part of healthcare, offering patients the opportunity to receive the care they need no matter where they are.
The early days of Angels of Flight Canada were a challenge to build, but through hard work, advocacy, and perseverance, Gail and her team carved out a niche in this vital service. Their dedication to patient care—whether in the air or on the ground—has been central to their success. As the demand for such services grew, so did their commitment to innovation. This dedication has set them apart from other companies, and they continue to offer personalized, compassionate, and reliable services to patients in need of emergency transport.
Leading with Integrity
For Gail, one of the most important aspects of leadership is integrity. “Put simply, you just can’t be a part of the healthcare community without acting with integrity,” she asserts. For her, integrity is at the core of everything Angels of Flight Canada does. “People in the throes of a medical crisis are at their most vulnerable point in life, and they and their family members need to trust that the decisions that are being made on their behalf will provide the best possible outcome.”
She explains that healthcare is different from other industries. While the financial sector may be about maximizing profits, in healthcare, the focus is entirely on the patient’s well-being. “Some of us may have experienced the results of having received bad advice on our investments, however, the principles regarding patient care have to be held to a much higher standard,” Gail reflects. She believes that integrity is not just an ideal but a daily practice, something that shapes every decision and action taken at Angels of Flight Canada.
But integrity in healthcare isn’t always easy, especially when tough decisions have to be made. “There are situations that a healthcare team will face which require honesty and truthfulness to be expressed in terms that cannot be misconstrued in the heat of the moment,” she says. There are times when a decision may not be in the best interest of the patient, and it’s up to healthcare providers to speak up. “If something is simply a bad idea, and one which may further compromise the patient, there are ethical standards that make it imperative to express objection and offer an alternative plan.”
At Angels of Flight Canada, integrity is not just a value, but a standard that every team member upholds. “Reliability, responsibility, consistency, and unwavering commitment are key components for upholding the reputation of a first-class service provider,” she explains. Her company’s reputation is built on these principles, ensuring that patients and their families always receive the best care.
Balancing Healthcare and Entrepreneurship
Running a successful business while being deeply involved in healthcare is no small feat, but Gail makes it seem effortless. She credits her success to a few key factors: commitment, support, and long hours. “Committed to working long hours and a good support group,” she says simply, highlighting the importance of having a strong team behind her. Without that support, it would have been impossible to grow Angels of Flight Canada into the respected organization it is today.
As a nurse and entrepreneur, she understands the delicate balance between professional responsibility and personal life. But what drives her is her unwavering commitment to patient care. She shares that her determination to continue working long hours stems from her love for the profession and the mission she set out to accomplish: “I knew that no matter what, I needed to make sure the patients in my care received the best possible outcome, whether on the ground or in the air.”
Through sheer will, Gail has managed to keep a steady balance, even in the most demanding times. She believes that having a strong support system is essential in entrepreneurship, as there are numerous obstacles to overcome. The demands of the healthcare field, combined with running a company, can be overwhelming, but for her, it’s all part of the journey.
The HALO Membership Card
One of the most notable initiatives by Angels of Flight Canada is the HALO membership card, which was designed to help travelers in need of medical assistance while abroad. Gail explains, “We designed a membership program for travelers that was a result of observing over years the same problems travelers were having when confronted with a medical situation while out-of-country on work or vacation.” This program, although handed over to another company in 2021, helped fill a critical gap for travelers who needed medical repatriation or assistance while abroad.
“We continue to identify problems and find solutions for travelers needing repatriation and healthcare institutions confronted with overcrowding,” she adds, showing that the company’s commitment to innovation never stops. Angels of Flight Canada continually seeks new ways to help those in need, constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world.
By addressing the specific needs of travelers, her company recognized a problem that many had overlooked. With their HALO membership card, Angels of Flight Canada made it easier for individuals to receive medical care no matter where they were in the world. This initiative helped make healthcare services more accessible and reduced the stress of navigating medical crises when abroad.
Empowering Women in Business
As a woman leading a successful company in a traditionally male-dominated field, Gail offers valuable advice to others aspiring to break barriers in their careers. “Surround yourself with professionals who support women in business such as women entrepreneur groups, law professionals, and financial experts,” she advises. “Take time to connect with the right resources for your company. Be patient, be kind and don’t give up your dream.”
Her journey has taught her the importance of perseverance and patience. “Take time to learn as much about the profession and never give up on continuous learning,” she says, emphasizing that knowledge is power, especially when entering a field like healthcare. She believes that women can be just as successful, if not more so, in fields that have historically been male dominated. Gail’s story is proof that with the right resources, dedication, and an unshakable belief in one’s mission, anything is possible.
A Legacy of Dedication
Looking to the future, Gail has big plans for Angels of Flight Canada. “We will be expanding to offer another service in aviation and training by spring,” she shares, showing that the company’s growth is far from over. The healthcare industry continues to evolve, and she remains committed to ensuring that Angels of Flight Canada plays an essential role in improving care for patients in need of air transport.
Her advice to young professionals looking to make a difference in healthcare or entrepreneurship is simple yet profound. “The Healthcare industry needs dedicated, knowledgeable professionals to work with healthcare agencies, support services, and provide good care to the sick and injured despite their location,” she concludes.
