APALACHICOLA, FL, June 10, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that George E. Weems Hospital has selected Air Methods Ascend’s Critical Care Review online program to provide additional training for its first responders.

Founded in 1959, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit community healthcare facility serving Franklin County from Alligator Point to Apalachicola. Through Franklin County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Weems Hospital provides ambulance services 24/7 across the county, specializing in rapid care and stabilization of all types of patients, with a focus on critical patients suffering from airway and respiratory compromise, cardiac disorders, stroke, and traumatic injuries. With a fleet of three ambulances and two backup vehicles, Weems’ ambulance service is staffed with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.

“To effectively support Weems Hospital and provide the best patient care throughout the county, we need to ensure our first responders are equipped with the highest level of training possible,” said Franklin County EMS Director Richard Lewis. “Ascend’s online program provides easy and convenient access to advanced training that is practical and engaging, ensuring that our first responders remain updated on the latest medical best practices.”

Ascend’s offerings of innovative online education programs include Critical Care Review, and EMS Review which are designed to help flight and critical care clinicians as well as emergency medical responders seeking to advance their training, help improve emergent patient outcomes and meet their continuing education needs. Courses meet certification requirements for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), and International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC).

Ascend’s in-person and online education programs provide access to world-class educators, state-of-the-art tools, and cutting-edge technologies to help pre-hospital and critical care clinicians build their knowledge, enabling them to operate at the top of their licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements. Education programs include advanced manikin-based simulation and virtual reality training that mirror real-world patient care scenarios, building life-saving skills and confidence.

“We are excited to partner with Weems Memorial Hospital and offer our online training programs to their first responders,” said Dr. Stephanie Queen, Air Methods Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “Our online programs will provide them with the latest clinical techniques and practices to provide the best possible care for their patients.”

Learn more about the Ascend education program here.