posted October 16, 2024

MONTICELLO, IL, OCT. 16, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that Kirby Medical Center has extended their contract with Air Methods Ascend to continue offering its online EMS Review program to provide additional training for their emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.       

Located in Monticello, IL, Kirby Ambulance Service provides ambulatory services for Kirby Medical Center, which has been serving the healthcare needs of families in Piatt County and the surrounding areas as a not-for-profit hospital since 1941. Recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health as an Advanced Life Support Service, Kirby’s paramedic units provide advanced life support to adults, children, and infants.

“Over the past year, we have partnered with Air Methods Ascend to offer an EMS Review program to our EMTs and paramedics and it’s been a great success,” said Director of EMS and Kirby Ambulance Service Ethan Leynes. “Ascend’s online education program has been instrumental in helping our paramedics and EMTs stay up to date on the latest clinical practices and techniques.”

Under the renewed contract, Kirby Medical Center’s first responders will continue to have access to Ascend’s online EMS Review programs, which cover various topics in 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 thrilled that Kirby Medical Center has decided to continue offering our online 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’s in-person and online education programs provide 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.