posted April 17, 2025

Hands-On-Training Supports First Responders with Lifesaving Techniques

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – April 17, 2025 – First responders across central Arizona are now better equipped to care for patients experiencing life-threatening airway emergencies thanks to an Advanced Airway Management Training course hosted by Air Methods’ Native Air 14 at Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority’s (CAFMA) Training Center. Held on April 16, the bi-annual event provided hands-on, scenario-based training to nearly 100 in attendance. The course is designed to enhance critical lifesaving skills for all age groups—infant, pediatric, and adult–that can be applied in emergency situations.

“We do this with our local area providers as a continuing education opportunity,” said Dani LeMond, Native Air flight paramedic and base outreach coordinator. “This has been such a rewarding experience for us here at Native 14 because we get to see the providers’ application of skills that they improve and learn during these labs on actual patients we fly.”

Led by Native Air’s experienced critical care clinicians and local EMS Medical Director Dr. Chris Lampe of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the training included advanced techniques such as needle and surgical cricothyrotomy, secondary airway device placement, bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilations using Air Methods’ “two thumbs-up” method, and medication administration for rapid sequence intubation (RSI).

“Our mission is to ensure that our first responders are always up to date with the latest techniques and protocols,” said Dr. Lampe. “This Airway Lab has become an essential opportunity for our providers to practice and refine their skills, which directly translates to better patient outcomes when they’re out in the field.”

Participating teams included Priority Ambulance, Lifeline Ambulance, CAFMA, Prescott Fire Department, pre-med students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and students from the local paramedic programs at Granite Mountain Training Center and Yavapai College.

“It’s inspiring to see multiple EMS agencies collaborating in these trainings,” said CAFMA EMS Captain Brett Poliakon. “This type of hands-on, scenario-based training is essential for strengthening the time-critical skills we depend on when every second counts in an emergency. It’s an investment in readiness, patient outcomes, and the safety of our communities.”

Advanced airway management represents some of the most complex procedures in air medical practice. Air Methods clinicians lead the industry with a 98% overall intubation rate and a 94% first-time success rate, performing more than 2,200 advanced airway placements annually.

“Watching students successfully perform their first intubation is incredibly rewarding for us as educators,” said LeMond. “It’s a powerful moment when they realize the significance of these life-saving skills in real-world applications.”

All Air Methods clinicians participate in Air Methods Ascend, a comprehensive training program combining hands-on and simulated annual education to ensure excellence in critical care. Through outreach initiatives like the Advanced Airway Management course, Air Methods and Native Air 14 in Prescott Valley remain committed to elevating patient care and supporting local first responders with top-tier training backed by evidence-based practices. All courses are accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).