The emergency medical services community across Pennsylvania is mourning the tragic loss of Jerry Splitt, longtime Program Manager for Geisinger Life Flight and a respected flight nurse, who died in an accident on June 9, 2026.

His passing has left a profound void among colleagues, first responders, healthcare professionals, and the countless patients whose lives were impacted by his decades of dedicated service.

Jerry Splitt served as Program Manager for Geisinger Life Flight, one of Pennsylvania’s most respected air medical transport programs, based in Danville. In his leadership role, he oversaw a six-base helicopter EMS operation along with two critical care transport sites, while continuing to serve in clinical capacities as a flight nurse.

He was widely recognized for his pride in the Life Flight program and its more than 100 employees. Colleagues recall his consistent acknowledgment of the aviation, maintenance, communications, and clinical teams whose collaboration helped make the program successful and highly regarded throughout the region.

A Career Defined by Service and Leadership

Jerry’s career with Geisinger spanned nearly three decades. He began as Chief Flight Nurse and Program Coordinator in 1998, a role he held for over 12 years before becoming Life Flight Program Manager in 2000—a position he maintained until his passing.

Even in leadership, he remained closely involved in patient care, earning respect for his hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to the mission of emergency medicine.

He was also regarded as a mentor to younger flight nurses, paramedics, dispatchers, and EMS personnel, many of whom credit him for guidance early in their careers.

A graduate of Geisinger School of Nursing, Jerry earned his nursing diploma between 1986 and 1988 and later completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Bloomsburg University. His early passion for emergency medicine developed into a lifelong commitment to critical care and air medical transport.

Throughout his career, he participated in countless emergency missions, responding to rural incidents, severe trauma cases, and life-threatening medical emergencies. His professionalism earned him widespread respect across Pennsylvania’s EMS and healthcare systems.

Tributes from the EMS Community

Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and organizations across the region.

Geisinger Emergency Medical Services honored Jerry as a dedicated leader, mentor, and friend, praising his compassion and lifelong commitment to patient care.

Rory Stubbs extended condolences, noting that Jerry had “touched countless lives” and was gone too soon.

Pam Segaria described him as a valued colleague whose absence will be deeply felt, while Freeland Northside Community Ambulance remembered his long-standing service on air medical missions and his positive presence in the EMS community.

The Millville Community Fire Company also shared condolences, reflecting on his repeated service to their area and his reputation as a dependable and compassionate healthcare professional.

A Lasting Legacy

Those who worked with Jerry remember him not only as a leader but as a mentor, advocate, and friend. His influence extended far beyond administrative leadership, shaping the careers of countless EMS professionals and improving the care provided to thousands of patients.

His legacy is reflected in the strength of the Life Flight program he helped build, the professionals he mentored, and the communities he served.

Funeral Arrangements

At the time of publication, funeral and memorial service details for Jerry Splitt have not yet been announced. The family is expected to release additional information in the coming days.

In the meantime, tributes and condolences continue to be shared across the EMS and healthcare communities in recognition of a life devoted to saving others.