FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paul Filla, Lee County EMS
              (239) 335-1606

LEE COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES NAMES NEW CHIEF PILOT

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 17, 2003) - Lee County Emergency Medical Services announced today that Richard O'Neal has been named as the incoming Chief Pilot for its Air Ambulance operations. O'Neal will take the place of current Chief Pilot Fred Ungerer who will retire later this year.

As Chief Pilot, O'Neal is responsible for overseeing the County's emergency medical air ambulance operations including the planning, training and development of the program under FAR Part 135 Operations. The position also includes duty as an EMS Pilot when coverage requires it and may also require providing medical assistance with stabilization and care of patients to be transported.

O'Neal brings to his new position more than 20 years of experience and more than 7,500 flight hours. He most recently served as a line pilot for ERA Aviation Incorporated supporting offshore oil and gas production. Prior to that position, O'Neal served as director of operations for the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center from 1992 through 2001. O'Neal graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and was also an honor graduate from the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight School.

O'Neal's arrival marks the first of many changes for Lee County EMS Air Ambulance operations. Following the transitionary period, Ungerer will depart with more than 25 years service in the Lee County EMS Air Ambulance operations. Early next year, Lee County will take delivery of their new American Eurocopter EC-145, the first of its kind in the western hemisphere. Lee County EMS began its Air Ambulance operations in 1978.