posted October 29, 2024

FORT McDOWELL, AZ, Oct. 29, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Fire Department has selected Air Methods Ascend’s online EMS Review program to provide continuing education to its first responders.

Founded in 2000, the Fort McDowell Yavapai National Fire Department serves the 40 square miles of the federally recognized reservation northeast of Phoenix. Staffed with 15 firefighters, the fire department provides emergency services for the 950-member Native American tribe and responds to approximately 1,100 calls annually. The FMYN FD also provides CPR training throughout the community.

“Ascend’s online programs will provide Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation first responders with the necessary education to meet our goal of providing the highest level of care and quality service to our residents,” said Fire Chief Eddie Smith. “We are grateful to have access to cutting-edge continuing education to ensure our paramedics have the knowledge they need to provide patients with the life-saving care they need and deserve.”

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation first responders will utilize Ascend’s online EMS Review programs, which cover essential topics such as airway management, cardiovascular, trauma, operations, and other medical emergency topics. With 60 curriculum hours, the program far surpasses the minimum requirements for recertification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

“We are excited to partner with Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Fired Department 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 are designed to equip first responders with the latest skills and knowledge to help provide the best patient care during emergencies.”

Ascend offers both in-person and online education programs, providing pre-hospital and critical care clinicians with access to world-class educators, state-of-the-art tools, and cutting-edge technologies to help 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. 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 Critical Care Readiness in-person training and Critical Care Review online modules are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Additionally, Air Methods Ascend is a licensed provider of SimX’s virtual reality training platform. This platform offers over 300 clinical scenarios, enabling clinicians to immerse themselves in realistic medical emergencies. Through this immersive experience, clinicians can hone their decision-making skills and refine their ability to provide optimal patient care in high-pressure situations. Being a licensed provider also enables Ascend to offer virtual reality training remotely to its customers, significantly reducing training costs for the receiving agency.

Learn more about the Ascend education program here.