Faith Hospital staff trained in medical evacuation
(CNS Local Life): Last month, six members of Faith Hospital’s medical team completed Cayman Brac’s first air medical training course that enhances the safety of critically ill or injured patients needing airlift services for higher-level treatment. The staff concluded the 40-hour Air Medical Crew Course over five days.
The training gave the staff “invaluable and advanced level experience in patient care continuity”, a Health Services Authority (HSA) press release stated, adding the practical course exceeds the Florida state requirements for air medical education. The course is based on the US Department of Transportation’s National Standard Curriculum and Guidelines for Air Medical Crew Course Education. It is also approved by the Florida Bureau of EMS for Continuing Education credits.
Paramedic Ralston Dilbert, who completed the course, said of the training: “The air medical industry is complex and caring for critical patients at altitude differs from doing so in other modes of medical transport. This programme was developed to provide students with multiple exercises that will challenge even the most experienced caregiver.”
The course is geared towards licensed physicians, registered nurses (RNs) and paramedics who strive to achieve a higher level of education and expertise to enhance their ability to function safely and effectively during emergency air evacuations, the HSA said in the press release.
The topics covered included aircraft and landing zone safety, preventing pilot and crew error, flight physiology, crew requirements, communications, survival, patient assessment and management of medical emergencies.
Dr Srirangan Velusamy, Director of Sister Islands Health Services, said, “Air medivac crew medical training for Faith Hospital staff enhances the safety of our critically ill and injured patients who need the transport to the tertiary care centre. This is one more step to reassure the community that we are taking all the necessary actions to give the appropriate care, adhering the international standard for their loved ones when they are airlifted.”
In addition to Dilbert, the other Faith Hospital staff completing the course were Noralee McIntosh (RN), Jose Salazar (RN), Michael Nichol (RN), Raju Manu (RN) and Damion Ferron (EMT).
Category: Medical and Health
