Crew diversity in

a new culture

June 2012, vol. 3 no. 6

an air evac lifeteam employee publication

Perryville, Mo. flight nurse

Tara Kinkade rides her moped

in the annual Perryville

Mayfest Parade.

Just Moping

Around

Features Salem, Mo. Flight Nurse to Participate in ―Death‖ Race . . . . . . . . . . .1

Corinth Family Grateful for AEL After Accident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2

AEL Crews Assist With Miss. Prison Riot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

AEL Transports EMS Director/Fire Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Sections Customer Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

BRAVOS! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Employee News and Achievements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12

Crews in the Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-24

Letters to Our Crews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-26

Policy Updates and Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27

Membership Monthly Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

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As the Rotor Turns is published monthly by the Public Relations Department of Air Evac Lifeteam. Send submissions and comments to:

heavrinjulie@air-evac.com or call 417-255-1391

Public Relations Manager —

Julie Heavrin

Public Relations Specialist — Todd Shanks

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Salem, Mo. flight nurse Angela Emily will participate in an upcoming extreme endurance challenge called the 2012 Spartan Death Race to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Thus far, Angela has raised over $1,100 for the Wounded Warriors, and her team—which includes husband Jason—has raised $5,500. The Spartan Death Race is designed to ―break the weak of body and mind‖ and is comprised of mud runs, obstacle racing, trail racing, physical challenges and mental challenges as part of a 48-plus hour adventure. The Wounded Warrior project is an organization designed to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation‘s history by raising awareness and enlisting the public‘s aid for the needs of injured service members, help injured serve members, and provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. To go to Angela‘s fundraising page, click on: http://wwpproudsupporter.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp ievent=308932&lis=1&kntae308932=1AC66BCFA0D74320AED7C22F6CDEE674&supId=335976857 To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project, go to http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

As the Rotor Turns 1 2

An 11-year-old Corinth, Miss. child is almost completely recovered from inju-ries suffered after being struck by a vehicle March 20, and his family is ex-pressing their thanks to the EMS and healthcare professionals who helped save his life. Gabriel Williamson, who was struck while riding his bicycle near his home, suffered a concussion, bruised lungs, and a broken leg so severe that a rod was inserted to stabilize the bone. However, thanks to the quick and lifesav-ing actions of the Air Evac Lifeteam crew in Corinth, along with Magnolia EMS, and the medical staff at LeBonheur Children‘s Hospital in Memphis, Gabriel will celebrate his 12

th birthday next month with friends and family as

a healthy and happy little boy.

―I thank God first for the giving the EMS, the hospital staff and the Air Evac crew the knowledge to take care of my son,‖ said Gabriel‘s mother, Cherri. ―Today he is a healthy 11-year-old because of the care he was given. Miracles do happen, even though we are faced with tragedy day in and day out.‖ Gabriel‘s accident occurred on Bunch Street. Magnolia EMS responded quickly to the scene, and it was determined that LeBonheur Children‘s Hospital could provide the medical care needed for Gabriel‘s injuries. The Air Evac Lifeteam heli-copter was summoned, and the crew of pilot Mark Weiler, flight nurse Ricki Barnett and flight paramedic Shelly Garrett transported the injured boy to LeBonheur. Garrett had tremendous praise for the job performed by Magnolia EMS paramedics. ―I can‘t say enough about the job they did with Gabriel,‖ said Garrett. ―They were all very professional and worked very smoothly, because he was in very critical condition.‖ Cherri said her son does not remember the flight because of the head in-jury suffered, but described the crew as being very kind and generous. ―They all introduced themselves, and told me when they landed that they would take care of all of the paperwork so we could just focus on Gabriel.‖ ―Gabriel had some really severe injuries, and getting him to the care he needed quickly was imperative,‖ said Garrett. ―He did very well on the flight, and thanks to the work of the Magnolia EMS paramedics, it all worked like it‘s supposed to. It‘s so great to know he has recovered and is back to being an active and healthy little boy.‖ Gabriel‘s hospital stay lasted one week, and Cherri admits the accident and its outcome ―could have been a lot worse. We could have lost him.‖ ―I cannot thank Air Evac, Magnolia EMS, and the hospital enough for all the work they did to keep my son alive and given back to my family,‖ she said. In fact, the Williamson family paid a visit to the Air Evac Lifeteam base in Corinth recently to say ―thanks.‖ Gabriel was given a first-hand look at the aircraft, and the family visited with the crew members who helped save their loved one. ―Gabriel was so excited to meet them,‖ said Cherri. ―He really enjoyed sitting in the helicopter and seeing everybody. We couldn‘t thank them enough.‖

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―This was our staging location within the compound. We were staged in this area then secured patients as they were brought out!‖

―FBI labeled tank brought in due to Mexican Mofia involve-ment. Reportedly a disagreement between Hispanics and Jamacian offenders? ―

―This one was awaiting the first three injuries offenders to be brought out. Three stretchers for the orbital injuries, stabbed, unknown last one.‖

Air Evac Lifeteam crews in the Delta came to the aide of Missis-sippi prison officials May 20 during a prison riot at the Adams County Correctional Facility in Natchez. The Natchez crew went with one patient by ground to Natchez regional, and flew an-other to the Univ. MS Jackson. The Rayville, La. crew also went to the scene. Below are some of the photos from the incident, as described by Natchez PD Sandy Roberts.

As the Rotor Turns 4

―This was a Democrat pic they took of the fire, and hundreds of offenders burning stuff and roasting food! ―

―Our aircraft on scene early in day awaiting retrieval of the officer.‖

―Tear gas coming from inside as flash bangs and other tactics were used to gain control. ―

―FBI labeled tank brought in due to Mexican Mofia involve-ment. Reportedly a disagreement between Hispanics and Jamacian offenders? ―

―This one was awaiting the first three injuries offenders to be brought out. Three stretchers for the orbital injuries, stabbed, unknown last one.‖

What our customers are saying!

AE7—Jackson, Tenn.

As always, this crew went above and beyond for our patient. AE8—Farmington, Mo.

Always great to see the Farmington crew. AE18—Salem, Mo.

Berta and Glen were great. AE31—Martin, Tenn.

None!!! AE33—Middlesboro, Ky.

Always pleased to see your crews step into the back of my ambulance. Awesome job. We usually use another service, your crew (Stephen and Sara) were very polite and professional. We will defi-

nitely use you in the future. Always great to see Air Evac. Nice job. Thanks Mark Bodine and Sheila Turner for your help. You both did a great job . AE54—Big Spring, Texas

I feel that the sevice has little to improve, its hard to improve on excellence. The only thing that could be improved

is communication from the scene to the chopper but that is our fault. For us to give pt info we have to have some-

one cut loose from pt care to get in the ambulance or fire truck because our portable radios are insufficient for

communication. As stated before the Air Evac crews are always an asset that the fire dept and the citizens relies

on. AE58—Corinth, Miss.

I am extremely grateful that we had an air-evac team. I don't believe my son would have recovered as quickly as

he has if it weren't for the EMS, air-evac team and the children's hospital . AE94—Savannah, Tenn.

Thanks!

Air Evac Lifeteam crews are encouraged to leave service surveys with the EMS, hospitals and health systems they work with. The survey asks about the recent interaction with our crews and professionals and for ways we could improve. Here’s what they are saying:

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AE7—Jackson, Tenn.

As always, this crew went above and beyond for our patient. AE8—Farmington, Mo.

Always great to see the Farmington crew. AE18—Salem, Mo.

Berta and Glen were great. AE31—Martin, Tenn.

None!!! AE33—Middlesboro, Ky.

Always pleased to see your crews step into the back of my ambulance. Awesome job. We usually use another service, your crew (Stephen and Sara) were very polite and professional. We will defi-

nitely use you in the future. Always great to see Air Evac. Nice job. Thanks Mark Bodine and Sheila Turner for your help. You both did a great job . AE54—Big Spring, Texas

I feel that the sevice has little to improve, its hard to improve on excellence. The only thing that could be improved

is communication from the scene to the chopper but that is our fault. For us to give pt info we have to have some-

one cut loose from pt care to get in the ambulance or fire truck because our portable radios are insufficient for

communication. As stated before the Air Evac crews are always an asset that the fire dept and the citizens relies

on. AE58—Corinth, Miss.

I am extremely grateful that we had an air-evac team. I don't believe my son would have recovered as quickly as

he has if it weren't for the EMS, air-evac team and the children's hospital . AE94—Savannah, Tenn.

Thanks!

The Employee Aid Fund Committee would like to remind everyone that the Employee Aid Fund is here to help Air Evac EMS, Inc. employees who have experienced unforeseen events, emergencies or other per-sonal crises that have temporarily placed an excessive and unexpected financial burden on them. The Employee Aid Fund is supported by employee contributions and matching funds from the Com-pany. Seven committee members oversee and administer the Aid Fund. You do not have to contribute to the fund in order to receive a loan, however it does impact the interest rate for the loan (3% for contributors and 6% for non-contributors). To receive an application please send an email to aidfundrequest@air-evac.com. All applications/requests for assistance will be forwarded to the Committee for consideration. Any employee may make the Committee aware of another employee‘s circumstances (such as damage due to house fire or a natural disaster) that may merit a grant from the Aid Fund without the recipient employee turning in an application. All applications and the awarding of a loan or grant assistance shall be maintained in a confidential manner to the extent practical and appropriate. Sincerely, The Employee Aid Fund Committee

Employee Aid Fund Update

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A heart attack November 22 nearly claimed the life of the former Interim Alma-Bacon County Fire Chief/EMS director, but Dean Strickland is alive today and expressing his appreciation to the medical professionals that saved his life. Strickland, who resides in Alma, suffered an Acute Myocardial Infarction after waking that morning with acute chest pains. Subsequent tests showed he had a 98 percent blockage to his Circumflex Coronary artery, and he was flown by the Air Evac Lifeteam based in Ware County, Ga. to Jackson-ville, Fla., to receive the life-saving medical care he needed. Although heavily medicated, Strickland recalled the care provided by pilot Dave Millard, flight nurse William Inman and flight paramedic Dawn Craven. ―The flight crew was very compassionate and cor-dial,‖ said Strickland. ―I am very appreciative that Air Evac was close by!‖ ―With Dean knowing the symptoms of an MI and seeking medical treatment so quickly, it enabled him to have a good outcome,‖ explained Inman. ―Dean and his wife Kristi are great people and I am glad that we were able to help them that day.‖ Craven, the flight paramedic on Strickland‘s flight, agreed. ―We take pride in our jobs and skills with any patient, but when it is one of our own (a fellow EMS pro-vider) we definitely want to make sure we stay focused on the task at hand. To know we had a part in his well being and recovery is thanks enough for me.‖

Strickland, who has since stepped down from the Interim Director position, is now back to work in a re-duced capacity. ―I am feel-ing well now,‖ he said. ―Let me say that I could not express enough thanks

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As the Rotor Turns 8

Bravo! v. bravo To express approval of by shouting ―bravo‖

*BRAVO! to the Mountain Home, Ark. crew from Patient Accounts Verification Rep Crystal Ivester. Said Crystal: ―I wanted to tell you that I took my younger sister to the Dogwood Days this weekend in Horseshoe Bend, Ark. and I was so proud to be a member of the Air Evac family. Everyone was so excited that the crew made it to the pr event and many of the people there had never seen a helicopter up close. . . people of all ages loved it and the crew that work that day was amazing. Way to go crew!

*BRAVO! to Lewisburg, Tenn. flight nurse Chris Wallace, from PD Jon Guthrie, for passing his CEN exam!!!

Wings for Phillip Cooper First Baseball Game!

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Tyler Schauber Gets His Wings

New Pilot for AEL

Campbellsville, Ky. flight paramedic Phillip Cooper (center) gets his wings after his first flight. From left is BPS Tom Le-Compte, Phillip Cooper, and flight nurse Shelly Townsend.

Pictured is Jonesboro Membership Sales Manager Chris Mackey, with his 11-month-old son Maddox and wife An-drea at a Memphis Redbirds Baseball game. This photo was taken by the Redbirds Staff because it was Maddox's first baseball game. Memphis Redbirds are the AAA minor league team of the St Louis Cardinals.

Elmore Co., Ala. flight paramedic Tyler Schauber with flight partner Shari Blair while receiving his flight wings.

Salem, Mo. pilot Caleb Gidcumb and his wife MaRisha wel-comed baby boy Hayden on May 3rd. Congratulations Caleb and MaRisha!

Deirdre Cox Completes

50 Flights

Johnson, Kopriva on NEMSPA Board

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First Flight for S. Whalen

Brown Co., Ohio BPS Matt Johnson (left) and Troup Co., Ga. BPS Paul Kopriva were identified by the NEMSPA Board of Directors as current association members who had a strong desire to get involved with today's is-sues confronting all EMS pilots, and decided to take an active role to help solve some of those industry issues by becoming a voice for the EMS pilot thru a NEMPSA board position. Said NEMSPA President Stu Buckingham: ―It is a two year elected term and during this time they will be tasked with a variety of projects identified by the NEMSPA Board as those that need an aviation voice to assist in the project development and implementation proc-ess. Through this process and working closely with indus-try associations and government agencies, NEMPSA mis-sion is to provide the safest operating environment as pos-sible for the EMS pilots working today. NEMSPA looks for strong candidates who will go the extra mile to assist in meeting that goal. We know that both Matt and Paul will contribute to the best of their ability and we look for-ward to their new ideas and contributions to the association.‖ Said Kopriva: ―It is an honor to join the dedicated individuals on the board of a forward-looking organization such as this. NEMSPA is the only organiza-tion that focuses on EMS pilots and their safety. We repre-sent all EMS pilots in the industry; not just one company.‖ Koprival said pilots are invited to look at the website at: http://www.nemspa.org/ if they want to join the effort.

Shown above is Mountain Home, Ark. flight nurse Deirdre Cox receiving her wings for completing 50 flights. The wings are being presented by PD Kenneth Ray.

Brown Co., Ohio pilot Shenandoah Whalen (left) was given his flight wings by flight paramedic James Coyle after completing his first flight. Shad Ruby was the flight nurse taking the photo, which was taken on the Good Sa-maritan hospital rooftop helipad in Cincinnati Ohio.

Fishing for a Good Cause Dr. Timothy Calicott Inducted

Into Ark. EMS Hall of Fame

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New PDs Brian Smith, John Mabry

McMinn Co., Tenn. BCL Howard Alexander and pilot Jerry Perry came in 7th out of 30+ boats in a recent spon-sored fishing tournament. Said PD Whitney Miller: ―These guys represented Air Evac so well in support of the EMS fishing tournament for ‗the forgotten child charity‘ at Ches-ter Frost Park, Hixon, Tenn. Way to go guys and thank you!!‖

Said Camden, Ark. PD Donald Reed: ―Recently, at the Ar-kansas State Capital, Dr. Timothy Calicott was one of five gentlemen who received the prestigious honor of being in-ducted into the first annual Arkansas EMS Hall of Fame. Every year from now, there will only be two people inducted into the Arkansas EMS Hall of Fame. Dr. Calicott has served as our medical Director for the past 8 years. He has been instrumental in many aspects of Arkansas Emergency Medi-cine, he also works a full time emergency room physician, serves as an EMS consultant to the State of Arkansas, serves on the Governors Advisory Counsel and he has played a huge role in building the groundwork for our Na-tion‘s newest Trauma system, right here in Arkansas. He does a lot more behind the scenes for our great state and does much more for Arkansas residents. Most folks don‘t know that Dr. Calicott worked as an orderly then as a nurse and Paramedic. We are very proud of his accomplishments to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents of Arkan-sas!‖

From left, new Program Directors Brian Smith (Savannah) and John Mabry (Vidalia) were in West Plains re-cently for their training. Congratu-lations and best of luck to both!

Officials Tour AEL Headquarters

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Shown above, EMS officials from the Breckenridge Co., Ky. area visited AEL headquarters for a first-hand look at the company‘s operations. PD Jennifer King (far left) and Operations Admin. Assistant Jackie Sharpe (far right) were the hosts. On hand were Christopher Skaggs, Billy Dallas and Scott Kane of Grayson County EMS, Keither Sanders of Edmonson County EMS, and Marcus Barnett of Com-Care/Ohio County EMS.

Officials from the Mayfield, Ky. area visited AEL head-quarters recently to tour the company‘s facilities. Opera-tions Admin Assistant Jackie Sharpe (left) and PD Mark Harrison (far right) served as the hosts. On hand were Terry Stearnes of Marshall County Hospital, Bryan Cutsinger of Marshall County EMS, Tracy Watwood of the Benton Police Department, and Jeremy Klope, Conna Croft and Becky Inman of Lourdes Hospital,

AEL received a second visit from the Mayfield, Ky. area, with officials touring the company‘s headquarters and facilities. Operations Admin Assistant Jackie Sharpe (left) and PD Mark Harrison (far right) served as the hosts. On hand were Robin Leidecker and Jessica Harris of Livingston Hospital, Rickie Driskill of Livingston EMS, Zoe Ann Burnett and Michael Beck of Jackson Purchase Medical Center, and Kenneth Colson of Western Baptist Hospital.

IIMC Procedure Training Granbury Crew Provides LZ Training

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Dyersburg, Tenn. pilot David Powell gives med crew mem-bers a hands on, first-hand experience with IIMC proce-dures at the base safety meeting in May.

The Granbury, Texas crew provided an LZ class for the DCBE/Acton Volunteer Fire Department. Photo provided by flight paramedic John Garner.

Chainsaw Safety Workshop

A chainsaw safety workshop was held recently at the Boy Scouts Camp in Damascus, Ark. Pictured is: Dana Hinkley (Orange Safety Gear) of Berlin, New Hamshire. Dana is President of the nationally recognized Logger Rescue Inc. Also pictured are Boy Scout leaders, county road crews, emergency responders, and firefighters from Central Arkansas. Vilonia, Ark. MSM Nikki Murdock presented Air Evac memberships and had her ―Baby Bell‖ present for all to see.

Muskogee, Okla. flight nurse Brian Hurtst was featured in a an event at Indian Capital Technology Center. Photos were taken by the Muskogee Phoenix staff photographer.

Muskogee Crew Featured at Event

Terry Fritz Visits With Junior

Flight Wing Recipient

Bill French, AE7 Crew

At Car Show

Cisneros Speaks With Students

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Terry Fritz, flight paramedic in Kerrville Tx, entertains questions from Noah who recently received his Junior Flight Wings at the Willow City Volunteer Fire Depart-ment's annual fundraising BBQ. The turn-out to support local emergency agencies was tremendous. Dyersburg, Tenn. MSM Bill French recently worked a small

car show that the Gadsen, Tenn. Fire Department held at its facilty. The crew from Jackson, Tenn. came to the event and assisted Bill. Shown above is the crew with some of the at-tendees of the event. The crew was flight paramedic Eric Leath, flight nurse Scott Summars and pilot Shane Rich-ards. Said Bill: ―Their assistance at the event was greatly appreciated by the attendees and myself.‖

Demonstration for Students

McAllen, Texas BCL Cris Cisneros talks to students at Donna ISD Middle School.

McAllen, Texas flight paramedics Carlos Cisneros and Hec-tor Mendoza flight medics demonstrating needle decom-pression during Career Day at Weslaco ISD.

Yearbooks Highlight AEL Visits Mock STEMI Drill

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Shown above is a page from the Liberty yearbook, which highlights the Lewisburg, Tenn. crew‘s visit to the school. The school is attended by Haleigh Copeland, daughter of MSM David Copeland. Below is a page from the Bethesda Elementary yearbook in Williamson County.

Lewisburg, Tenn. crew members Ryan Smith, Leann Harder, John Lovell, and PD Jon Guthrie work on a mock STEMI patient at Hillside Hospital during a St. Thomas heart drill.

Did you know?

About half of the deaths from disease during the Civil War were caused by in-testinal disorders, mainly typhoid fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The remainder died from pneumonia and tuberculosis. Camps populated by young soldiers who had never before been exposed to a large variety of common contagious dis-eases were plagued by outbreaks of measles, chickenpox, mumps, and

whooping cough.

The most common Civil War small arms ammunition was the dreadful minnie ball, which tore an enor-mous wound on impact: it was so heavy that an abdominal or head wound was almost always fatal, and a hit to an extremity usually shat-tered any bone encountered. In ad-dition, bullets carried dirt and germs into the wound that often

caused infection.

Wetzel Co. “Picnic on the Pad” Troy, Mo. Crew Visits

Eugene Field Elementary

Tammie Little Provides CPR Training

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The Wetzel Co., West Va. crew held their annual "Picnic on the Pad‖ for EMS Week, which drew about 75 people. Shown above, flight paramedic Anthony Trimmer with his young man "JT". At bottom, new pilot Chase Frederick and his son Max.

Children watch as water is dumped from one of the new fire trucks into a tank. Personnel from the Little Dixie Fire Protection District, Audrain Ambulance District and the Air Evac Lifeteam crew in Troy, Mo. were on hand at Eugene Field Elementary School Friday to explain their services.

Mineral Wells, Texas flight nurse Tammie Little provides CPR training at Santo.

DeQueen, Ark. Crew Meets

With Students

A Ride in a Gyro-Copter

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Ennis Crew With Special Visitor

The Ennis, Texas crew recently did a PR in Kaufman County. Said flight paramedic John Mason: ―Being a resi-dent of Kaufman county for 36 years as well as an educa-tor and EMS provider this is really a routine event. That is until the most heart-tugging event in my entire EMS career occurred. The young man in the photo between Kim Loflin and myself is named Austin Hamrick. Austin has an entire county that is "rooting for him." He has been deemed "Team Austin," in Kaufman County and all the local fire departments volunteer and paid provide fundraisers and assist his family around the house with major projects to make his life easier for what is about to come. Austin is in need of a heart transplant and is on the list. To hear him speak in such a matter-of-fact manner was very sadden-ing. Doing this PR was absolutely rewarding just because I was able to meet him. ―

DeQueen, Ark. Membership Sales Manager Anna Bivins, provided this photo of flight nurse Dusty Brantley and BPS Katrina Bolls with the elementary students of DeQueen Schools. The students toured the helicopter and South-West EMS ground ambulances located next to the base. Said Sr. PD Michael Perrin: ―Also wanted to thank flight paramedic Justin Kinkade and Anna for helping out as well!‖

The Poplar Bluff, Mo. crew attended a "Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Poplar Bluff Airport sponsored by the local Civil Air Patrol. Flight nurse Brandy Byrd flew in Dr. Paul Salmon's "gyro-copter."

Plaque for McMinn Co. Crew

Dyersburg Crew at Bark in the Park Lewisburg, Waynesboro

Crews Attend Helicopter Expo

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The Dyersburg, Tenn. crew attended the Bark in the Park event recently at the Dyersburg Park. Crew members at-tending were BPS Rodney Barnett, flight paramedic Kevin Brooks and flight nurse Scott Summars, shown above ex-plaining the helicopter to the group. Below are two Dyers-burg Regional Hospital nurses taking a look of the inside of the helicopter. The nurse to the front is Karen Wilson and the nurse to the rear in Patsy Brown. Karen is a sur-gery nurse and Patsy is an ER nurse. Photos courtesy of MSM Bill French.

Lewisburg and Waynesboro, Tenn. crews attended the Helicopter Expo 2012 in Columbia, Tenn. Various fire de-partments, EMS services and hospitals were also present.

During the EMS Week Cookout in Monroe County, Tenn., the McMinn Co., Tenn. crew was presented with a very nice plaque as an "appreciation award" by the EMS Direc-tor. Said PD Whitney Miller: ―This was a surprise to us and very humbling!‖ Shown above, from left , are flight nurse Jon Gentry, Whitney, EMS Director is Randy White, BPS Dennis Brown, and flight nurse Jeanie Diden.

Elmore Crew Provides LZ Training Demopolis Crew at Fish Fry

Ennis Crew Cookout

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Bill French at Business Expo

The Elmore Co., Ala. crew held an LZ class for Autauga County Rescue. Crew members Shari Blair, Trent Kemp, and Tyler Schauber are pictured with the attendees.

The Demopolis, Ala. crew recently visited Dixon Mills VFD for an EMS appreciation fish fry.

This picture was taken of Dyersburg, Tenn. MSM Bill French at the Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce Busi-ness Expo. The picture was taken by the Dyersburg State Gazette newspaper.

The AEL crew from Ennis, Texas recently held a 2-day cookout for EMS week thank all EMS/firefighters for the great job they are doing. Special thanks to Rickey Reed, Paul Andres and John Mason for cooking and all crew members who helped out.

Lafayette Crew Holds

EMS Week Celebration

DeQueen Crew Talks to

Preschoolers in Ashdown

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Demopolis Crew Holds Fish Fry

The Lafayette, Tenn. crew held a celebration for EMS week. The event drew a large turn out with sev-eral dignitaries stopping by. On hand were Representative Kelly Keisling, Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, PD Tim Booher, PD Shaun Hale, and representatives from Hender-sonville Medical Center, Macon County General Hospital, Macon county government, Lafayette city government, Lafayette Fire Department, and various other VIPs.

The DeQueen, Ark. crew flew down recently to the City of Ashdown, Ark. for a PR event with all the preschool kids of Ashdown. Said Sr. PD Michael Perrin: ―The kids had a great time and asked lots of great questions! I would like to thank my crew who did an outstanding job of talking and entertain-ing the kids that attended.‖ The crew from left are flight nurse/paramedic Sam Nix, pilot Leon Harwood, and flight paramedic/BCL Joseph Stephens. Shown above, Sam is holding up a seat belt and talking about the importance of being ―buckled up‖.

The Demopolis, Ala. crew, in conjunction with AMSTAR EMS, hosted an EMS Appreciation fish fry in Demopolis on May 23.

PHTLS Class Held Lewisburg Crew at

Giles EMS Week Cookout

Presents New Air Sock

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Crew at Awareness Program

Shown above is a picture from a PHTLS class held by the Bowling Green, Ky. base with assistance from Lafayette, Breckenridge Co., and the area float paramedic. The Lewisburg, Tenn. crew attended Giles EMS week

cookout. Photo courtesy of PD Jon Guthrie.

The Demopolis, Ala. crew was invited to be part of the City of Linden Alcohol Awareness program. It was put on by the City of Linden Police Department. The crew brought the aircraft out for the community to see.

The Portsmouth, Ohio crew was at Little Sandy FD in Greenup County, Ky., where they presented the fire chief with a new air sock for their helipad at LSFD station. In the photo are Chief Ron Gullett, BCL/flight nurse Rachel Carter, flight paramedic Chris Howell, and pilot Brian Dona-hue. The crew flew in to help out with a fundraiser for the FD during a Fireman's breakfast.

Portsmouth Crew Receives

Run of the Year Award

Crew Talks to 300

Elementary Students

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The Portsmouth, Ohio crew was awarding the ―betting the odds‖ award for run of the year in Scioto County by the Scioto County EMS Council. The crew did a flight with Washington Twp. FD, Washington Squad 9, and Nile Township Squad 1 on an MVC, in which the patient re-quired numerous procedures on scene to stabilize him and numerous surgeries, but has since recovered and is home. Shown above is Amanda Duncan, EMT for Nile, AE97 flight paramedic TJ Johnson, flight nurse April Kegley, Pam Bradshaw Scioto County EMS Council President, Jerry Wessel, Washington Twp. FD firefighter, and Jenni Hayslip, Squad Chief/EMT for Nile.

Strike Team nurse Gregg Whitt , AE97 flight paramedic TJ Johnson, pilot Brian Donahue were on hand when the Ports-mouth, Ohio crew flew into Burlington Elementary School in Lawrence Co., Ohio, to show off the aircraft to 300 students.

Chillicothe Crew at Ag Days

Kids Thank LaGrange,

Texas Crew

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The Chillicothe, Ohio flew into the Ag Days Event spon-sored by the Jackson County Farm Bureau. Slightly over 400 elementary school children from the county were in attendance. The crew on duty was pilot Dan Hovermale, flight paramedic Adam Patrick, flight nurse Melissa Flem-ming , and MSM Tom Johnson was present.

Group Shot in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

Shown above is a group shot of AEL employees at an event at Crockett Cinemas in Lawrenceburg , Tenn. The event was held by Lewisburg and Waynesboro crews, along Saint Thomas Crockett Hospital and School consolidated health, for HOSA students around the region.

The LaGrange, Texas crew was at a drug and ETOH awareness event in Eagle Lake, Texas. Pilot Butch Cohen, flight paramedic Todd Stephens, and flight nurse Smadar Tamir were on the AC. Flight nurse Les-ley Karonika and flight paramedic Mark Karonika stayed be-hind to listen to the presentations and answer questions from the adults and the kids. A few days later the kids pre-sented a gift to our base, which is shown above.

Brunswick Crew in Disaster Drill

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AE 96 in Brunswick, Ga., participated in a disaster drill at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) on March 14. Also par-ticipating were Glynn County Fire/EMS, Glynn County Police Department, Glynn County Airport Commission, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and the U.S. Coast Guard, among other agencies. Fellow air ambulance service Life Star also participated. The scenario involved a commercial aircraft crash with some victims requiring water rescue as well as a terrorist inci-dent. Thirty-eight victims were involved, with additional volunteers playing roles as friends, family, and the public. Vic-tims were transported to Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick; two victims were transported by air. The sce-nario was played out after nightfall to increase the challenge. The drill provided insights into the area‘s readiness to handle large incidents, with both strengths and weaknesses evi-dent. The air ambulance services received good reviews. All aspects of the drill were recorded and a video released by FLETC.

Letters to our crews

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Editor’s Note: This letter was written regarding a STEMI transfer that the Waynesboro, Tenn. crew was involved in: I sit back and think of my team, all the hard work they have done. All the time trials, the meetings, the hall discussions, the post-ers, the reminders and those annoying emails I send them. I wonder how they put up with me. But then I share their latest time with them. Door to Door to Balloon….69 minutes!!! Smiles come upon their faces, high fives and congratulations all around. But more than beating a time goal, we saved a life, and we did it together. Lets step back and see what everyone did to make this happen. On this particular day, Lawrence County EMS responds to a scene where an elderly patient has fallen. Upon their arrival they find the patient is complaining of chest pain. They work their pro-tocols and do a 12 lead EKG. It reveals a ―STEMI‖, otherwise known as a heart attack. LCEMS ativates their protocols, the patient recieves an IV and an Aspirin, and some IV fluid due to the patient‘s blood pressure being low. They also launch Air Evac 72 out of Waynesboro, TN to meet them at Crockett Hospital, and notify Crockett‘s Emer-gency Department of their impending arrival. Early notification is the key. Crockett‘s staff prepare themselves, we had just talked about the new STEMI protocols from the Mis-sion Lifeline TN STEMI conference and were ready to put them in action. The patient arrives at Crockett at 0955, is triaged, EKG done, STEMI confirmed. They recieve the new STEMI protocol, an Aspirin (already done by LCEMS), Heparin 5000 Units IV push, and Plavix 600mg PO. Maury Regional Medical Center‘s STEMI team is activated and has accepted the patient. By this time, Air Evac is at the bedside. A quick report is given and the patient is placed on the helicopter. Air Evac leaves Crockett Hospital at 1009, a mere 14 mins after the patient arrived. Air Evac goes into action. Stabilizing the patient‘s blood pressure and monitoring their heart rate, which is dangerously low at 39 beats per minute. They land at MRMC and the patient is taken straight to the cardiac catherization lab. The circumflex artery, of the heart, shows 100% occulsion, the cause of the heart attack. A balloon is place and the circumflex artery is opened at 1104…an amazing 69 minutes after this patient presented at Crockett Hospital. Our patient is doing well, still in the ICU but expected to make a full recovery. That is why we do what we do. Our team is amaz-ing! We have worked together, not just to beat a goal, but to save a life!! See…We CAN do it!! Shannon T. Nash RN, CCRN, CEN, EMIT-IV ED Director/Chest Pain Coordinator – Crockett Hospital

We’ve goT mail

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Editor’s Note: This letter was received by Troy, Mo. PD Troy Yates from Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Mo.:

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AEL News and Notes AEL News and Notes

AEL Policy Updates and Revisions

The following policies have been revised:

CM-0001 – PAIP (Post Accident / Incident Plan) (changes in italics) PS-TC0009 – AHA & PHTLS Course Completion Cards (changes in italics) PS-TC0012 – Course Fees (Education) (changes in italics) PS-TC0016 – Awarding Continuing Education for Presentations (changes in italics) AE-0013 – Company Credit Cards-Requesting and Usage (changes in italics) AE-0014 – Employee Expense Reimbursement (changes in italics) AE-0027 – Business Code of Conduct (changes in italics) (policy only) RS-0001 – Parts Cannibalization from Completion Center (changes in italics)

New policies: AE-0045 – Flammable Liquid Storage – formerly RS-0015

April Employee of the Month — Michael LaMattina

Top Processing Specialists

Most Revenue — Diana Cattell

Most Memberships Input — Ann Collins

Top Service Reps

Most Revenue — Daniel Rhoades

Most Calls — Andrea Coy

Top Retention Specialists

Most Revenue — Kristen Hovey

Most Calls — Kristen Hovey

Top Outbound Call Rep

Most Revenue — Thomas Williams

Top Sales Manager

Doug Little - Woodward, Okla.

April Membership Leaders

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AEL News and Notes AEL News and Notes