Air Medical Journal RSS feed: Current Issue. Air Medical Journal is the official journal of the five leading air medical transport associations in the United States. AMJ is the premier provider of information for the medical transport industry, addressing the unique concerns of medical transport physicians, nurses, pilots, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, communication specialists, and program administrators. The journal contains practical how-to articles, debates on controversial industry issues, legislative updates, case studies, and peer-reviewed original research articles covering all aspects of the medical transport profession.http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Air Medical Journal1067-991X291January 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003435/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S1067-991X(09)00343-5Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-611http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003447/abstract?rss=yesJacqueline C. Stocking, RN, MSN, MBA, CMTE, CEN, CFRN, FP-C, NREMT-P, Corresponding Editor Air Methods CorporationEditorial Board10.1016/S1067-991X(09)00344-7Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-622http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003459/abstract?rss=yesAir Medical Journal (ISSN 1067-991X) is published bimonthly by Elsevier Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710. Months of issue are January, March, May, July, September, and November. Business and Editorial Offices: 1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2899. Customer Service Office: Elsevier Health Sciences Division, Subscription Customer Service, 3251 Riverport Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices.General Information10.1016/S1067-991X(09)00345-9Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-644http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003332/abstract?rss=yesAir Medical Journal congratulates the following 2009 association award winners! 2009 Association Award Winners10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.002Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6In This Issue67http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003344/abstract?rss=yesAir & Surface Transport Nurses Association Karen Wojdyla, Executive Director2010 Association Offices10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.003Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6In This Issue89http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003381/abstract?rss=yes Climbing to a higher level. According to this motto of the AIRMED 2000 conference in Stavanger, Norway, Gerhard Kugler's aim was to develop and improve the German and European helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) system. The former director of the German Automobile Club Air Rescue (ADAC-Luftrettung GmbH) and founder and honorary president of the European HEMS and Air Rescue Committee (EHAC) had guided the initiation process and important developments of Germany's prehospital helicopter rescue for more than 40 years with passion.Climbing to a Higher Level—a Tribute to Gerhard Kugler, 1935-2009Manuel FT Struck10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.007Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6In This Issue1010http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003113/abstract?rss=yesIn 2009, a small committee of the Commission on Accreditation for Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) board of directors created a new tool to measure compliance with the accreditation standards. This tool started out as a risk assessment but developed into a method to quantify a program's adherence to standards in an objective format. Throughout 2009, this standards compliance tool was trialed by site surveyors and board reviewers. In 2010, the board of directors will continue to fine-tune the categories and scoring mechanism, educate site surveyors, and begin to use the results as a quantitative analysis to reach an accreditation decision or action.Compliance with Accreditation StandardsEileen Frazer10.1016/j.amj.2009.10.003Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Ask the CAMTS1112http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003125/abstract?rss=yesJabre P, Combes X, Lapostolle F, Dhaouadi M, Ricard-Hibon A, Vivien B, et al. Etomidate versus ketamine for rapid sequence intubation in acutely ill patients: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2009;374:293–300.Etomidate Versus Ketamine, Disaster TriageDaniel Hankins10.1016/j.amj.2009.10.004Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Literature Review1415http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003356/abstract?rss=yesMedEvac Foundation International recently awarded three grants for research projects. The abstracts for those projects are included here. For more information, please contact Managing Director Amber Bullington at (703) 836-8732 or ABullington@aams.org.Grant Recipients10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.004Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6MedEvac Foundation International News1616http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003101/abstract?rss=yesAlmost 39 years ago, after approximately 9 months of intense helicopter pilot training that included some serious and comprehensive weather interpretation, forecasting, and planning, I ended up as a pilot testing those skills, among many others, in a hostile environment called Vietnam. Within a few months it became crystal clear to me that weather was every bit as hazardous to our survival as the enemy. Almost all of the real hazardous elements were there, from monsoon torrents, scathing winds, and pea-soup fog. On one occasion I even saw snow on some tropical peaks.Weather Cynicism 101Ed MacDonald10.1016/j.amj.2009.10.002Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Safety Matters1819http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003368/abstract?rss=yesThe Concern Network shares verified information to alert medical transport programs when an accident/incident has occurred. Both air and ground programs are encouraged to participate. If you have questions, contact CONCERN Coordinator David Kearns at (800) 525 3712 or www.concern-network.org.Concern Network10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.005Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Concern Network2022http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X0900337X/abstract?rss=yesHaving returned home from our most recent Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC), I have had some time to reflect on a variety of my experiences and interactions. With this reflection I find myself consistently returning to a few key topics—reinvigoration, camaraderie, and involvement.Forum10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.006Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Forum2327http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09001047/abstract?rss=yes On a dreary November morning in 2008, Todd Van de Bussche awoke with a long list of things to do. He called a few coworkers, made note of errands he needed to complete, and decided he would work from home that day. As he prepared himself for the busy day ahead, Van de Bussche did not anticipate the life-changing event that would face him in the upcoming hours.The Big ChillDevon Clary, Todd Van de Bussche, Malorie Janis, Michelle Gossip10.1016/j.amj.2009.03.008Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Features2831http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X0900248X/abstract?rss=yesThe North East Air Alliance (NEAA), originally the New England Air Alliance, was formed in 1989 in collaboration between Hartford Hospital's LIFE STAR, Boston Med-Flight, and the University of Massachusetts LifeFlight air-medical transport programs as a joint venture to facilitate information exchange. Members include Hartford Hospital LIFE STAR, Boston Med-Flight, UMASS LifeFlight, LifeFlight of Maine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team, and LifeNet of New York.Collaborating for SafetyMichael Sahjian, John R Spencer, Matt Branconnier10.1016/j.amj.2009.08.006Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Features3233http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09002132/abstract?rss=yesAlthough medical research has a long history, emergency medical services (EMS) research is still in its infancy, with very few EMS systems having been scientifically scrutinized. Modern EMS practices have been founded on reasonable assumptions governing care. Designing EMS research can be complicated by time constraints, care priorities, limited provider research experience, and challenges of obtaining informed consent. Despite these drawbacks, consumers and healthcare providers are demanding greater use of “evidence-based” protocols and procedures.Post–Clinical Trial Survey of Emergency Medical Services Providers: Research Experience and AttitudesJolene Fox, Suzanne Day, Lisa Reynolds, Frank Thomas10.1016/j.amj.2009.07.003Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Original Research3439http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09002491/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: An increased percentage of miscarriages among coworkers at one air medical transport company in 2008 prompted a literature review of selected hazards relevant to the profession of rotor wing air medical flight crew. Because of a lack of known research specific to this population, relevant studies from 1990 to 2008 were chosen to investigate pregnancy risks associated with exposure to vibration, jet fuel, noise, altitude, and fatigue in other occupations. Findings were summarized and recommendations made for future research. A Literature Review of Air Medical Work Hazards and PregnancyPatricia Van Dyke10.1016/j.amj.2009.08.007Air Medical Journal 29, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Air Medical Journal2010-01-01291S1067-991X(09)X0007-6Original Research4047