Global Medical Response has appointed Chris Burns as chief operating officer of emergency fixed-wing services. He now oversees national operations for Guardian Flight and EagleMed, both licensed air carriers providing long-range air medical transport.

Burns joined Guardian Flight in 2024 as director of operations. He introduced new safety and training protocols, improved scheduling and compliance, and promoted a people-focused leadership approach.

“Chris brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic foresight and mission-driven leadership to this role,” says national president of air operations Daniel Sweeza of GMR. “His depth of experience and proven success in air medical transport make him the ideal person to lead our fixed-wing operations into the future.”

Burns, a former U.S. Army aviator, brings more than 30 years in aviation and a long history in air medical services. He has held senior roles at Air Methods and Classic Aviation, a division of Intermountain Health, and has worked across operations, maintenance, sales and strategic planning.

“I’m honoured to take on this role and lead such a dedicated team of professionals,” says Burns. “At the heart of fixed-wing medical transport is a simple mission; getting patients the care they need, when they need it most.” He will now lead efforts to elevate safety, service and innovation across GMR’s fixed-wing fleet.