Air Methods Ascend program makes state-of-the-art online education available to the New Mexico State University Fire Department

LAS CRUCES, NM, May 22, 2023 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today that New Mexico State University (NMSU) Fire Department has selected the Air Methods Ascend critical care clinician online education program for their volunteer student firefighters.

Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, NMSU Fire Department provides emergency fire, medical, hazardous materials, and confined/technical rescue services to the NMSU main campus and the DACC Las Cruces campus, as well as mutual aid to Dona Ana County and the City of Las Cruces. The department also provides fire prevention, public education services and programs to reduce the occurrence of fire.

“Our volunteers must meet the same firefighting and emergency medical standards as professional firefighters in the industry,” said NMSU Fire Department Chief Johnny Carrillo. “This is a very demanding lifestyle that is not suitable for everyone, and we’re excited to utilize Air Methods Ascend online courses to prepare our volunteers for the job ahead.”

The Ascend in-person and online clinical 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 both 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 Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) and International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC).

“We are excited to partner with the NMSU Fire Department to provide their students with the advanced, high-quality education they need to become the next generation of healthcare providers,” said Dr. Stephanie Queen, Air Methods Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “Air Methods Ascend prepares students for real-world scenarios by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to handle any situation. Our courses are designed to be challenging and realistic, so that students can be confident in their abilities when they are faced with a real-world emergency.”

Learn more about the Ascend education program here.