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In the fast-paced world of air medical services, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One way to ensure that we meet and exceed industry standards as an organization is through simulation education, a method that mirrors real-life medical scenarios for training purposes. Recently, Air Methods achieved a significant milestone by earning Simulation Center Accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Air Methods was the world’s first air medical program to earn this prestigious accreditation. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what simulation education entails, how we use it, and the importance of this accreditation for Air Methods and within the industry.
What is Simulation Education?
Simulation education at Air Methods uses realistic scenarios to train clinicians. It involves various methods, such as virtual reality (VR), didactic learning, cadaver labs, and physical manikins of varying fidelity. These simulations offer a risk-free environment where professionals can practice and hone their skills, preparing them for real-world clinical situations.
“Healthcare simulation is a vital tool that allows air medical programs to prepare for the complexities and high-stakes scenarios our clinical teammates face every day.” said William Belk, Director of Medical Simulation and Innovative Education, “By replicating real-world situations in a controlled environment, we can practice, refine, and master the skills needed to deliver critical care in the HEMS environment. This level of preparation is essential for ensuring that our teams are ready to respond effectively to any patient encounter.”
Simulation training is invaluable in healthcare because it provides hands-on experience without patient risk. Practitioners can make and learn from mistakes in a controlled setting, ensuring they are better prepared for clinical situations. This form of education enhances critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and procedural skills through deliberate practice and guided self-reflection.
Understanding SSH Accreditation
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) accredits programs that adhere to the highest standards in simulation education. Accreditation ensures that a program follows best practices and maintains a high level of standardization, which is crucial for learner safety and ensures the program is delivering high quality education.
The accreditation process under SSH is rigorous. In 2020, we began revamping our simulation education program, rewriting policies and procedures to align with the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practices published by the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning, as well as other published standards and industry best practices.
Now that we are fully accredited, Air Methods is committed to maintaining these high standards. The accreditation is valid for five years, but we must submit annual reports to SSH to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
Significance of Accreditation with SSH
Air Methods is the first air medical program to receive SSH accreditation, aligning itself with experts across the healthcare field, including hospitals, and major universities. This accreditation signifies quality assurance and credibility, validating that Air Methods’ practices are on par with those of industry leaders.
A critical aspect of SSH accreditation is creating a psychologically safe learning environment. Air Methods encourages open communication, where learners can ask questions and acknowledge what they don’t know without fear of failure. This approach contrasts with traditional clinical training methods, fostering a more supportive and practical educational experience.
Air Methods’ achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry, encouraging others to follow suit. By raising the bar, we aim to create the best possible learning experiences for our students, ultimately leading to better-prepared healthcare professionals who can save lives.
“Our recent SSH accreditation is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the entire clinical education team at Air Methods. Over the past several years, we’ve worked tirelessly to elevate our simulation-based education, refining our practices and enhancing the learning experiences for our employees and customers,” said William Belk, Director of Simulation and Innovative Education at Air Methods. “This achievement is not just a milestone but a reflection of our commitment to excellence in critical care transport education.”
To be the first air medical program to achieve Simulation Center Accreditation is more than just a badge of honor; it’s a commitment to excellence in clinical education. Our simulation training programs are designed to provide clinicians with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their field. By setting a high standard, we are enhancing our training programs and inspiring the entire industry to strive for better practices.
Our Simulation Facilities & Training Methods
Air Methods has established four state-of-the-art simulation education facilities in Georgia, New York, Colorado, and Arizona. Each facility offers comprehensive training programs for clinicians that include multi-day sessions. These programs cover various aspects, such as trauma care, invasive procedures, and advanced medical topics in critical care transport.
Air Methods brings out its clinicians at least once a year for an extensive training session, where they run through educational simulations and receive updated training. An annual needs assessment is also conducted to evaluate our training requirements and the industry’s needs. The assessment ensures that the training provided is relevant and updated to align with needs of our providers and patient population.
The facilities offer a wide range of training methods, including:
• Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive experiences that replicate real-world scenarios.
• Didactic Learning: Traditional classroom-based education.
• Cadaver Labs: Hands-on anatomical training on human tissue.
• Manikin-Based Simulation: Realistic practice on task trainers and high-fidelity patient simulators.
Through the Air Methods Ascend program, we extend these training opportunities to not only our partners but also clinicians outside our network. This inclusivity allows a broader range of healthcare professionals to benefit from our advanced training methods.
“By setting a high standard of care and continuously striving for excellence, we not only benefit our organization but also set an example for the entire industry,” said Air Methods VP of Clinical Services, Stephanie Queen. “Through our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care, we push the boundaries and help drive the industry forward towards a brighter future.”
Sometimes the hardest part is the waiting. When our team is dispatched to a scene where a man who does not speak English is trapped inside a confined space with possible crush injuries, hypothermia and hyperkalemia, they must wait for him to be extricated. How do you stand that interminable time? How do you stay ready? And then how do you switch from inaction to action once it’s time? Our team tackles yet another unique case in this month’s episode. We’re joined by Nissa Hattaway, Flight Nurse BA, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN and Justin Brown, Flight Paramedic NREMT-P.
Interested in obtaining CE credit for this episode? Visit OnlineAscend.com to learn more. Listeners can purchase individual episode credits or subscribe to the Critical Care Review Bundle and gain access to all episode CE Credits.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-41-the-calm-before-the-storm. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
In the aviation industry, safety is a priority. But it’s also a fundamental way of life, particularly in high-risk sectors like air medical services. Air Methods relies on its Safety Management System (SMS) program to establish a comprehensive systematic approach to safety, serving as the cornerstone of our company. It’s the backbone of our operations, ensuring that every flight is as safe as possible for patients and flight crew. With an unparalleled personal and financial commitment to our SMS, Air Methods has set the benchmark in air safety management.
What is a Safety Management System Program? A Safety Management System program is precisely what it sounds like — a method for proactively mitigating risk to operations. It involves structures, procedures, practices, and policies to handle safety risks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describes it as a “formal, top-down, organization-wide approach,” and having one ensures “the effectiveness of safety risk controls.”
Air Methods’ SMS program has several components, which include:
Until recently, the FAA did not require Part 135 operators (providing on-demand services like air ambulances) to have a safety program. Air Methods voluntarily implemented a safety management system to promote proactive safety practices. Following a federal ruling, most Part 135 operations will now adhere to the Department of Transportation and the FAA’s safety management system requirements, though not all. Operators impacted by the new rule are expected to comply by around May 2026, pending a final decision.
What the FAA’s New Requirement Means It is crucial that the FAA requires that most Part 135 operators follow safety procedures and have a formal Safety Management System program.
“Under the current voluntary program, it means that Air Methods has put into practice all relevant procedures required under the federal mandate,” says Caleb Luck, Safety Department. “To maintain acceptance, along with the active maintenance of our program and as part of the new standard, we must maintain a state of continuous improvement to our program.”
Part 135 operators rely on this program significantly. It allows us to maintain uniform standards while flexibly adapting to individual operational contexts. “This program also helps us navigate risks within our organization and foster collaboration using a shared approach,” explains Caleb.
The Key Components of an Effective Safety Management System To ensure a safe and secure working environment, organizations today need to have a robust SMS in place. An effective SMS program encompasses several key components that promote safety and minimize workplace risk.
These components include:
Safety Policy: Establishes senior management’s commitment to safety and defines methods and processes that will meet safety goals.
Safety Risk Management: Assessing acceptable risks helps determine the necessity and effectiveness of implementing new or updated risk management measures.
Safety Assurance: Assesses the ongoing efficiency of applied risk control tactics and aids in pinpointing fresh hazards.
Safety Promotion: Training, communication, and other efforts are essential for fostering a culture of safety across all levels of the workforce.
Specific Benefits of SMS-Certified Operations for Partners and Patients Our ongoing efforts to enhance our SMS program ensure the highest level of safety for all. We routinely monitor the program’s effectiveness and make sure it retains high standards for our employees, partners, and patients. This commitment is evident in our evolving platform, where employees can easily report concerns with the assurance that they will receive prompt action.
For Example, multiple reports were submitted by flight crews regarding the deficiency or absence of quality hazardous terrain and flight awareness systems across various aircraft within the fleet. These systems are essential for providing flight crews with information about nearby terrain and other aircraft. The safety management and aviation teams concluded that further discussion on this matter was necessary. As a result, immediate updates were implemented for aircraft with a critical need for these systems, accompanied by a phased-out plan to ensure the installation of new systems in other specified aircraft over time.
The Role of the SMS Program Within Air Methods The SMS program at Air Methods sets the stage for fostering a strong safety culture within the organization by setting clear expectations for all employees and outlining the two fundamental principles.
These are:
Upcoming Enhancements As we continue to evolve our safety culture, we are implementing new updates to our SMS program. In early June, we will see the release of a new tool for safety reporting that includes a Corrective/Preventative Action Plan (CAPA) tool. These tools will enable us to proactively identify hazards and unmanaged risk, respond more effectively, and ultimately decrease the risk of incidents and accidents from occurring.
We are confident that our SMS program will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the industry’s changing requirements. We will continue to work closely with the FAA to ensure we stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of safety in the aviation industry. With the recent mandate for Part 135 operators, we have been working diligently to stay ahead of the changes that will impact the SMS landscape.
Learn more about safety practices at Air Methods.
Any pediatric case comes with a higher degree of tension due to a variety of factors, including compensatory efforts to distress leading to a precarious “cliff” when those efforts cease. When our team is called to assist a 5-year-old child struggling to breathe but still exhibiting strong vital signs, how will the AMPED team react? This episode emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that while we aim for perfection in our actions, sometimes achieving “good” outcomes is sufficient. Recovery is a journey, and there are skilled and compassionate teams ready to take over patient care as we transition. We’re joined by Robert Pringle, MD; Jamie Hogue, MSN, RN, TCRN, CEN, CFRN; and Greg Denz, NRP, FP-C, BS.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-40-macgyver-and-medicine. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Improving patient outcomes by transfusing donated whole blood during transports
OMAHA, NE, May 01, 2024 – The LifeNet, TriCity LifeNet, and StarCare programs across Nebraska are proud to announce they now carry and can administer whole blood onboard every air medical transport. These programs are all part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the nation. Having whole blood aboard their helicopters allows their industry-leading trauma clinicians to provide additional life-saving care when every minute counts.
“Whole blood has been studied and proven to provide better outcomes of trauma patients versus administration of packed red blood cells (PRBCs),” said Base Outreach Coordinator and TriCity LifeNet Flight Nurse Luke Ballmer. “It is the best product for the human body, offering better and faster outcomes for the patient.”
Each unit of whole blood provides red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and clotting factors for superior outcomes for patients suffering from trauma or hemorrhagic shock. It is particularly valuable in rural areas where there may be limited access to donated blood. Since the Air Methods programs all carry their own blood supply, their clinicians can administer it in-flight while preserving hospital stock. The crews previously carried packed red blood cells and plasma and are excited to now carry whole blood which delivers oxygen around the body more effectively.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that whole blood transfusions improve the 30-day survival rate of patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock by 60 percent. The earlier patients receive whole blood, the better their outcomes, showing the significance of pre-hospital transfusion. Moderately to severely injured patients, including those with head injuries, particularly benefit from whole blood transfusions.
“Having whole blood on board means Nebraskans have access to critical lifesaving interventions in trauma scenarios,” said Derek Strohman, account executive with Air Methods. “We can administer this resource immediately at the scene, then the patient can be flown directly to a higher-level trauma center for definitive surgery and further long-term care.”
The benefits of administering whole blood were accentuated during World War I and in the early stages of World War II. According to the National Institutes of Health, the ability to separate blood into its different components was developed in 1940, and it became more common to administer blood products due, in part, to the improved ability to store them. However, blood components don’t carry oxygen as well as whole blood, and during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq the military brought whole blood transfusion back into favor. Doctors found that using warm whole blood allowed trauma patients to recover faster and live longer. Additionally, using universal, low-titer O blood is not only safe in both children and adults, but it also eliminates the time needed to test patients for blood type in an emergency.
All Air Methods clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Air Methods Ascend is available to medical personnel across the country.
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About Air Methods:Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With over 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features approximately 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.
Contact:Denisse CoffmanAir Methods*protected email*720-666-8499
Any pediatric case comes with a higher degree of tension due to a variety of factors, including compensatory efforts to distress leading to a precarious “cliff” when those efforts cease. When our team is called to assist a 5-year-old child struggling to breathe but still exhibiting strong vital signs, how will the AMPED team react? This episode emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that while we aim for perfection in our actions, sometimes achieving “good” outcomes is sufficient. Recovery is a journey, and there are skilled and compassionate teams ready to take over patient care as we transition. We’re joined by Danica Mainridge RN, BSN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN and Kevin Dominic NRP, FP-C.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-39-dont-let-the-perfect-be-the-enemy-of-the-good. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Zachary T. Fica MD, MS; Amy Marquez MSN, CFRN; John Ehrhart FPC; Christian Sloane MD
We present the case of a 10-year-old previously healthy male who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest because of abdominal trauma and survived with excellent neurologic outcomes and near complete return to baseline functional status at hospital discharge. The rapid response and efficient mobilization of resources led to an excellent patient outcome despite the severity of injuries, including intra-abdominal injuries with expected mortality, out-of-hospital traumatic arrest, coagulopathy, and an extended pediatric intensive care unit stay. This case underscores the significance of timely advanced trauma life support interventions, especially early blood product administration, efficient transport, and airway management, while sharing a remarkable case of out-of-hospital pediatric traumatic arrest with near full recovery.
A 10-year-old previously healthy male called his mother on his smartwatch saying he had crashed his bicycle while riding in their neighborhood and felt unwell. His mother called 911 who activated emergency medical services, and the local advanced life support fire department arrived at the scene to find the patient pale and lethargic with right-sided abdominal pain. Recognizing the need for immediate transport to the nearest pediatric trauma facility approximately 35 miles away, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) was requested per county protocol because of a shorter transport time.
Click below to read the full case report and discussion published by ScienceDirect.
David J. Olvera MBA, NRP, FP-C, CMTE; Michael Lauria MD, NRP, FP-C; Jeremy Norman BAS, NRP, FP-C; David Gothard MS; Andrew D. Gothard BS; William Bradley Weir MD, FACEP, FAEMS, FAMPA
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a critical skill commonly performed by air medical teams in the United States. To improve safety and reduce potential patient harm, checklists have been implemented by various institutions in intensive care units, emergency departments, and even prehospital air medical programs. However, the literature suggests that checklist use before RSI has not shown improvement in clinically important outcomes in the hospital. It is unclear if RSI checklist use by air medical crews in prehospital environments confers any clinically important benefit.
This institutional review board–approved project is a before-and-after observational study conducted within a large helicopter ambulance company. The RSI checklist was used by flight crewmembers (flight paramedic/nurse) for over 3 years. Data were evaluated for 8 quarters before and 8 quarters after checklist implementation, spanning December 2014 to March 2019. Data were collected, including the self-reported use of the checklist during intubation attempts, the reason for intubation, and correlation with difficult airway predictors (HEAVEN [Hypoxemia, Extremes of size, Anatomic disruption, Vomit, Exsanguination, Neck mobility/Neurologic injury] criteria), and compared with airway management before the implementation of the checklist. The primary outcome was improved first-pass success (FPS) when compared among those who received RSI before the checklist versus those who received RSI with the checklist. The secondary outcome was a definitive airway sans hypoxia improvement noted on the first pass among adult patients as measured before and after RSI checklist implementation. Post-RSI outcome scenarios were recorded to analyze and validate the effectiveness of the checklist.
Ten thousand four hundred five intubations were attempted during the study. FPS was achieved in 90.9% of patients before RSI checklist implementation, and 93.3% achieved FPS postimplementation of the RSI checklist (P ≤ .001). In the preimplementation epoch, 36.2% of patients had no HEAVEN predictors versus 31.5% after RSI checklist implementation. These data showed that before RSI checklist implementation, airways were defined as less difficult than after implementation.
The implementation of a standardized RSI checklist provided a better identification of deterring factors, affording efficient and accurate actions promoting FPS. Our data suggest that when a difficult airway is identified, using the RSI checklist improves FPS, thereby reducing adverse events.
Click below to read the full research paper published by ScienceDirect.
When an infant patient faces seemingly insurmountable odds over the course of several hours, one of our clinicians suffers a mental health breakdown over the ensuing shifts, days and weeks. Thankfully her team recognized changes in her behavior and mood and offered abundant help. This episode covers not only the case involving the infant patient, but the aftermath and care for our clinicians. If you, or someone you work with, is struggling with your mental health, please reach out to Shatterproof, part of FHE Health on the web or at (833) 591-1536.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-37-asking-for-help-isnt-giving-up. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Our profession requires extensive and exhaustive training. Much of it can seem esoteric and possibly unnecessary at the time, but we train on all of these things for a reason. When our team comes upon a severely burned patient, they extent of the burns causes a melange of difficulties. Could an obscure, and rarely used, procedure ultimately help and provide the patient more time? The AMPED team discusses this little-used technique and we discuss the importance of remaining familiar with the abundance of techniques and treatments we learn during our training.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-36-sometimes-the-solution-is-obscure. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
As first responders, the odds of patient survival are not always in our favor. But that does not stop us from working quickly to provide the highest level of care for the chances of defying those odds. In this episode, a 10 year-old boy wrecks on his bicycle, a fairly common occurrence and one that rarely requires air transport, yet when our team arrives on scene, his vitals crash in front of their very eyes. What’s going on? And what actions do they take to save his life? An inspirational, harrowing and odds-defying episode of AMPED awaits you this holiday season.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-35-hope-is-a-good-thing. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
February is American Heart Month, a month dedicated to promoting heart health and recommitting to our cardiovascular wellbeing. We also acknowledge pivotal programs like Mission: Lifeline®, a national American Heart Association initiative. Their goal is to revolutionize the system of care for patients facing critical heart-related emergencies. Mission: Lifeline® unites healthcare professionals and stakeholders to significantly raise survival rates and improve the quality of care for patients being treated for cardiac events. Their recognition system is well known throughout the country and celebrates hospitals and EMS agencies that consistently excel in timely, evidence-based care for acute heart conditions.
“Mission: Lifeline® gives us a roadmap best practices to deliver the best possible patient outcomes of STEMI and Stroke care. Air Methods provides our hospital and EMS partners a means to provide rapid and highly acute patient transport in order for them to obtain Bronze, Silver and even Gold recognition.” said Air Methods VP of Clinical Services, Kelly Miller.
At Air Methods, we are proud to play a key role in this life-saving initiative by providing indispensable support through:
“Time equals muscle for our STEMI patients and brain for our Stroke patients,” Kelly explains. “Air medical transport, when activated early, will improve patient outcomes and save lives.”Air Methods is dedicated to assisting EMS and hospital personnel in delivering the highest standard of patient care possible. Our air medical services directly impact the AHAEMS8, AHACAD9, and AHACAD23 recognition criteria across EMS, Receiving Center, and Referring Hospital programs. View the criteria here. If you are interested in partnering with Air Methods to increase quality of care and potentially receive Mission: Lifeline® recognition, click here and your local Air Methods representative will get in touch.
Concepts, research, and solutions pertaining to this article were contributed to by Aidan O’Connor, NR-P, FP-C, Regional Sales Director at Air Methods, and William Kelly Miller, Vice President of Clinical Services at Air Methods.