posted July 17, 2024

SUN CITY WEST, AZ, July 17, 2024 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that Arizona Fire & Medical Authority (AFMA) has selected Air Methods Ascend’s EMS Review online programs to provide continuing education to its first responders.

Covering more than 600 square miles and serving approximately 90,000 residents, the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, which was established in 2017, is a full service, all hazard fire and rescue agency providing services from 12 strategically located fire stations. AFMA is staffed by full-time and part-time fire and EMS personnel, as well as over 50 active citizen volunteers in community support roles.

“Ascend’s online programs provides AFMA with the necessary education to meet our goal of providing the highest level of care and quality service to our residents,” said Fire Chief Mark Burdick. “We are grateful to have access to cutting-edge continuing education to ensure our EMTs and paramedics have the knowledge to provide our patients with the care they need and deserve.”

AFMA’s first responders will receive 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 excited to partner with Arizona Fire & Medical Authority and offer our online training programs to their EMTs and paramedics,” 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).

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.