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 Journal1067-991X292March 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000106/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S1067-991X(10)00010-6Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-54949http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X1000009X/abstract?rss=yesJacqueline C. Stocking, RN, MSN, MBA, CMTE, CEN, CFRN, FP-C, CCP-C, NREMT-P, Corresponding Editor Air Methods CorporationEditorial Board10.1016/S1067-991X(10)00009-XAir Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-55050http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000118/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(10)00011-8Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-55252http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003708/abstract?rss=yesDear Editors: I read the recent work reported by Frakes et al (“Transport nurse safety practices, perceptions, and experiences: the air and surface transport nurses association survey,” September–October 2009) with great interest. Frakes et al reported on the importance of safety practices of air transport nurses. This issue is very interesting for developing countries. Indeed, the classic “severe shortages of physicians, graduate nurses, and other trained health personnel” can be seen in rural areas of developing countries. In my setting, Thailand, there are only a few air transport nurses because of limitations of specific medical air transport facilities. Training for transport safety and other aspects for air transport nurses in developing countries that are similar to those for critical care air transport programs in the United States are urgently needed.Transport Nurse Safety Practice: Requirement in Developing CountriesViroj Wiwanitkit10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.001Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue5555http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003757/abstract?rss=yesOccasionally, the Commission on Accreditation for Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) office receives a phone call or an email about a patient care issue that we thought was a thing of the past. For example, a recent incident involved an accredited air medical rotor-wing program that was requested by a hospital to transport a patient to the airport for continuing transport by a fixed-wing service. The receiving facility was outside of the helicopter coverage area. The rotor-wing program did not make the contacts or arrangements for the fixed-wing transport; that was all prearranged by the requesting hospital's social service department.Transfer of CareEileen Frazer10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.006Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue5656http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003721/abstract?rss=yes In late October, a hospital-based flight team was activated at 9:30 pm for an approximately 30-year-old man involved in a high-speed motor vehicle crash into a tree. Per emergency medical services (EMS) documentation, flight service was requested for advanced airway management and rapid transport of the patient to a Level 1 trauma center. Ground transport was estimated at 60+ minutes, whereas actual flight time was less than 15 minutes. On the crew's arrival at the designated landing zone, they were escorted to an ambulance where a 100-kg man was immobilized on a stretcher. Because the landing area was at a remote location, the flight team did not witness the scene; however, the ground paramedic reported that the patient was the single-occupant driver of a small sedan. Given the extent of damage to the front and passenger side of the vehicle, it was determined that the patient was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck the tree. He required approximately 20 to 25 minutes of extrication. An empty bottle of zolpidem (Ambien) was found on the floor of the vehicle; the 30-day prescription had been filled approximately a week before the accident occurred. Thoracic Spine Injury after a High-Speed Motor Vehicle CrashPeter Tilney10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.003Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue5861http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003745/abstract?rss=yesThe Australia and New Zealand Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ANZ ECMO) Influenza Investigators. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 2009 influenza A(H1N1) acute respiratory distress syndrome. JAMA 2009;302:1888-95White DB, Angus DC. Preparing for the sickest patients with 2009 influenza A (H1N1). JAMA 2009;302:1905-6Influenza-Related StudiesDan Hankins10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.005Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue6263http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000027/abstract?rss=yesIn October 2001, 13-year-old Jeremy Weyant died after falling headfirst into a window and lacerating his carotid artery. He and his fellow students were celebrating their school's undefeated football season by hurdling traffic cones when he lost his balance and fell. Local emergency medical services (EMS) requested a helicopter. Weyant was flown to a pediatric Level 1 trauma center 75 miles away instead of the closer adult Level 2 trauma center approximately 20 miles away. The state's Department of Health investigated to determine if the helicopter program, operated by a consortium of five area hospitals, violated state law by not transporting Weyant to the nearest trauma center, but instead to a sponsoring hospital. Flight time to the adult Level 2 center would have been 10 minutes; the trip the pediatric center took 38 minutes.“Comes To”: Considerations Influencing Air Ambulance Destination DecisionsJohn Clark10.1016/j.amj.2010.01.001Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue6464http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003733/abstract?rss=yes“Little Things Mean a Lot” was the title of an old song years ago, and we can perhaps apply that lyric to how we look at safety today. Some little things can help us prevent the big things if we are paying close attention. The key is being able to sort it all out in a meaningful manner with a coherent safety management system. “Little” things can often be important clues to a program's culture of safety if they are collected, collated, and analyzed intelligently. A conservative safety manager must be savvy enough to discern which clues are meaningful and which are not.The “Little” ThingsEd MacDonald10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.004Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue6869http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X0900371X/abstract?rss=yesRapid sequence intubation (RSI) carries a mystique and an aura that providers working in the prehospital and critical care arenas constantly confront. Whether one is a newly credentialed paramedic or seasoned physician, RSI is a skill that we, as healthcare providers, continually strive to refine. Rapid Sequence Intubation, RSI, written by Dr. Darren Braude, provides a straightforward approach to managing this type of critical event.Rapid Sequence Intubation, RSIPeter Tilney, Darren Braude10.1016/j.amj.2009.12.002Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue7070http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003769/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.2009.12.007Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue7171http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000052/abstract?rss=yesOver the past few months we have witnessed the tragic loss of life and property in Haiti after the initial earthquake and the effects of the subsequent aftershocks. The initial outpouring of support and the willingness to help were worldwide, from the individual responder to the USAR teams who flew into the Dominican Republic to the Red Cross and government-sponsored airlifts that made it directly to Haiti. During the initial response, the IAFP received calls from individuals who wanted to go and help. They were directed to the Red Cross and encouraged to contact their local DMAT or USAR group.Forum10.1016/j.amj.2010.01.004Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5In This Issue7377http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000039/abstract?rss=yes Suffering from an acute case of the winter blahs? Leave the snowbanks behind and head south to beautiful San Antonio for a shot of sunshine and fun! The Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference (CCTMC) offers a clinically driven educational opportunity second to none. Join us April 12-14, 2010, at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, one block from the world-famous River Walk. CCTMC is presented by the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), the Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA), and the International Association of Flight Paramedics (IAFP).18th Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference April 12-14, 2010Monica Newman, Pat Petersen, Karen Wojdyla10.1016/j.amj.2010.01.002Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5Features7880http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X10000040/abstract?rss=yes Ten years ago, Survival Flight, the University of Michigan Health Systems' medical transport team, was featured in Air Medical Journal. At that time, the entire system, including our own program, was undergoing profound changes that were dictated by economic and financial pressures. Words and phrases such as work-redesign, cost efficiency, re-engineering, transformation, downsizing, cross-training, and embracing new paradigms were used in virtually every conversation in an attempt to energize change and develop a new approach to the ills that plagued healthcare delivery. From the simple suturing of a laceration in the emergency department to the costly helicopter transport of a critically ill heart transplant patient, no level of healthcare delivery went untouched by the tsunami of rules, regulations, and initiatives that were contemplated and implemented during that period.Survival Flight, The Next GenerationPaul Mazurek, Kris Nelson10.1016/j.amj.2010.01.003Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5Features8183http://www.airmedicaljournal.com/article/PIIS1067991X09003320/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Introduction: Rapid treatment after the initial diagnosis of an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is critical to ensure positive outcomes. The objective of the study was to evaluate time-sensitive indicators adversely affecting performance during helicopter transport of STEMI patients from remote areas to a percutaenous coronary intervention (PCI) facility. A particular focus was to examine confounding factors that affected the time from arrival at bedside/event to the time of departure to a PCI facility. Methods: A 24-month retrospective chart audit of STEMI cases was undertaken. Data from initial liftoff to return of the patient from a referring facility were tracked for time-sequencing and patterns of events that lead to delayed transport. The standard deviation was used to assess abnormal variances. Results: No deaths were recorded from any of the 32 cases identified for inclusion in the study, and survival analysis was unobtainable. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.613, P = .0001) between time spent on the ground stabilizing the patient and total mission time. The need for the transport team to initiate vasopressor therapy was the most cited reason for delay in liftoff to the receiving facility. Conclusion: Time from arrival at remote bedside and subsequent transfer to a PCI facility had the most variability. Enhancing communication times between referring agency and air medical personnel and stabilizing the patient before transport may be the most significant components in reducing transfer times and ensuring optimal outcomes. Improving Bedside to Departure Care in Air Transport of ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients: A 2-Year Retrospective Study of PerformanceChristopher P. McGrath, Glen S. Rosen, Gregory A. Bechtel10.1016/j.amj.2009.11.001Air Medical Journal 29, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Air Medical Journal2010-03-01292S1067-991X(10)X0002-5Peer Reviewed8487