Monday, April 14, 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

AI in Action: Transforming Critical Care Transport Today and Tomorrow

  • Room: Grand DEF
Discover how AI is revolutionizing critical care transport medicine now and in the future. We'll demystify key concepts like Large Language Models, Generative AI, and Agentic AI, highlighting their practical EMS applications. We'll address pressing challenges: clinician burnout from administrative tasks, time management in emergencies, and documentation accuracy. Learn about current... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Kolby Kolbet MSN, RN
Chief innovation Officer
Life Link III
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM

Recovering From Cases That Make You Cry

  • Room: Regency B
This presentation delves into the often-overlooked emotional and psychological impact of secondary trauma on healthcare providers. Drawing from a profoundly personal case study, I will explore the “Second Victim” phenomenon, where healthcare providers become secondary victims after adverse patient events. The session will offer an in-depth analysis of the emotional... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Fahd Ahmad MD, MSCI, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine; Department Well-being Liasion; Division Director of Research, Associate Fellowship Director, PEM Director of Wellness; WashU Medicine & St. Louis Children's Hospital
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis & St. Louis Children's Hospital
Track(s)

Under Pressure: Assessment and Management of the Critically Ill Patient with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

  • Room: Regency C
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is unique disease process that demonstrates very complex physiology. These patients are often on specialized medications that exert specific hemodynamic effects. Furthermore, when these patients become critically ill, the management strategy can be counterintuitive. Commonly accepted, evidence-based management for the general population, such... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Lauria MD
Assistant Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine Sections of Critical Care and EMS, Associate Medical Director and Flight PhysicianAirlift Northwest
University of Washington
Track(s)

Valvular Emergencies Part I – Aortic Sten-OH-NO-sis!

  • Room: Regency A
Have you ever tried to titrate vasopressors for or diurese a cardiogenic shock patient, only to have them crump on you? Did you consider a structural valve problem as an etiology of their shock? Valvular emergencies are an important consideration in the differential for cardiogenic shock, syncope, angina, and dyspnea.... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Kris Thompson MHA, RN, NRP, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, FP-C, TCRN
Consultant/Educator, Flight Nurse/Paramedic
Black Cloud Solutions, LLC; PHI Air Medical
Co-Speaker
Ms  Meghan Mathis MPAS, PA-C, BSN, RN, CFRN, NRP
Physician Assistant
Augusta Emergency Physicians
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Management of Thoracic Aortic Dissection and Aortic Aneurysms are Not the Same!

  • Room: Regency B
Thoracic aortic dissections are vascular emergencies with specific pre-operative therapeutic goals. Most aortic aneurysms can be managed medically without surgical intervention. Unfortunately, the two are often interchanged despite the two diagnoses unrelated physiology. This fast-paced presentation will take an in-depth review of the anatomy and physiology of aortic dissections and... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Kevin Collopy MHL, FP-C, NRP, CMTE, FAEMS
Clinical Outcomes & Compliance Manager
Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink
Track(s)

Patterns, Potions, and Patience: Cutting-Edge Approaches in Managing Poisoned Patients

  • Room: Regency C
The critically ill poisoning patient presents an uncommon, but significant, challenge for critical care transport providers. Whether the result of drug overdoses or environmental toxins, these patients demand a structured approach that prioritizes immediate stabilization, followed by careful investigation and the recognition of toxidromes to identify when specific antidotes will... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Frakes MS, APRN, FCCM, FAEN, FAASTN, FACHE
Vice President of Clinical Care
Boston MedFlight
Track(s)

Pre-Eclampsia with Fetal Demise: Is the Treatment Still the Same?

  • Room: Regency A
What does high blood pressure and seizures have to do with pregnancy anyway? How can a fetus the size of a mini football be life-threatening? In this presentation, we will review pre-eclampsia and why it affects the whole body not just the uterus and fetus. We'll also see what happens... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Laurel Whittemore BS, CFRN
Flight nurse/Educator
Life Flight Network
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 3:35 PM - 4:05 PM

Pediatric Head Trauma

  • Room: Regency A
Pediatrics are not just small adults” and are a specialty that not all clinicians are comfortable with. We believe sharing our experiences not only makes us better clinicians but also helps others learn from our wins or pitfalls in patient care. In this lecture we will share a unique case,... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Christina Brown BSN
RN, CEN
Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink
Co-Speaker
Morgan Burns FP-C, CCEMT-P
Paramedic
Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink
Track(s)

Push-Dose Epi for Pediatrics

  • Room: Regency B
Push-dose epi. has become an established practice within the critical care landscape. What about within pediatric critical care? This presentation will add to the audience’s current understanding of push-dose epi. by discussing the current evidence, dosing for pediatric patients, comparing two concentration options for pediatric patients, concluding with a review... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Casey McMillan BSN, CCRN, TCRN
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City
Track(s)

Simulation Beyond Education: Transforming Clinical Care through Simulation-based QI

  • Room: Regency C
Do you want to roll out a new process, optimize current practices, or improve clinical care within your organization? What if you could rely on the collective experience of your team to efficiently refine the process and battle test it in the field while simultaneously obtaining team buy-in and strengthening... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Brittney Bernardoni MD, FACEP
Assistant Medical Director Quality, Med Flight University of Wisconsin; Associate Fellowship Director, Critical Care Anesthesiology; Assistant Professor- Emergency Medicine & Anesthesiology University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin, Med Flight
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 4:10 PM - 4:40 PM

PHACTORS—Impacting the Platinum 10 in the Post-Intubation Phase

  • Room: Regency A
Step into the future of emergency care with PHACTORS. This novel approach is your gateway to mastering the critical first 10 minutes after intubation—known as the Platinum 10. Designed for elite pre-hospital and critical care professionals, PHACTORS equips you with advanced techniques and cutting-edge strategies to optimize patient outcomes during... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Eric Bauer Master's Degree
Eric Bauer, MBA, FP-C, CCP-C, WP-C, C-NPT, FAASTN(H)
FlightBridgeED
Track(s)

Putting the Critical Care in Critical Care Transport: Perspectives from a Critical Care Pharmacist and Intensivist

  • Room: Regency B
Critical care transport is a fast paced and demanding specialty that is becoming more complex each year. Transport teams are often resuscitating patients and delivering early critical care interventions with limited support. As more and more intensive care occurs outside the walls of a hospital, it is essential teams and... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Alyson Esteves PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor- Critical Care and Emergency Medicine
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Matthew Roginski MD, MPH
Associate Medical Director
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team
Track(s)

Suck It Up and Tell Me How You Feel: The Delicate Balance of Grit, Resilience, and Mindfulness

  • Room: Regency C
Critical care and transport providers operate in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment, constantly challenged to optimize clinical performance, ensure operational safety, and maintain team and individual well-being. Approaches to managing these stressors vary widely—from the 'suck-it-up' mindset to the 'tell us more about your feelings' approach. This presentation delves into the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Frakes MS, APRN, FCCM, FAEN, FAASTN, FACHE
Vice President of Clinical Care
Boston MedFlight
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Babies 101: Just the Tips- Elevating Your Baby Basics

  • Room: Regency A
New Mexico faces unique healthcare challenges as 30 of its 33 counties are considered a Health Professional Shortage Area. The University of New Mexico Hospital is constantly searching for ways to innovate and to improve the care we provide. One of the ways that we aim to improve the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Jeni Fuller BSN, RN
BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-NPT
Univeristy of New Mexico HospitalLifeguard Air Emergency Services
Co-Speaker
Lindsey Hall MSN
MSN, RNC-NIC, CES-A, C-NPT Flight Nurse
University of New Mexico HospitalLifeguard Air Emergency Services
Track(s)

Monday, April 14, 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Pharmacologic Showdown: Unpacking the hottest controversies in Rapid/Delayed Sequence Intubation

  • Room: Regency C
This lecture will discuss some of the most controversial debates in pre-hospital critical medicine surrounding rapid and delayed sequence intubation. This case based discussion will review the current literature surrounding the most important induction agents, RSI vs. DSI, and will also discuss the highly contested debate of succinylcholine vs. rocuronium.... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  William Heuser PharmD, MS, EMT-P, FP-C, BCEMP, BCCCP, BCNSP
Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist Critical Care Flight Paramedic Director of Clinical Pharmacology EducationClinical Toxicologist
Northwell Health
Track(s)

Reaching New Heights with Peer Support

  • Room: Regency A
We work in a challenging field where at times we see the worst of the worst. We are compassionate people who have to learn how to cope with the most difficult of circumstances. Peer Support offers individuals a connection with others who understand the stressors of our job and the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ms  Jennifer Habert MA, BHS
Jennifer Habert, MA, BHS, RRT-NPS, C-NPT
Children's Mercy Hospital - Children's Mercy Critical Care Transport
Track(s)

Surviving the Sugar Surge: Diabetic Emergencies and Medications

  • Room: Regency B
Diabetes is a common chronic condition encountered in critical care transport. For some patients, it is a comorbidity, while for others, it is the primary reason for their transport. Critically abnormal glucose levels can affect multiple systems and disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to complex emergencies. This presentation will review the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Michael D. Gooch DNP, APRN, CCP, FAASTN, FAANP, FAEN
Flight-Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Vanderbilt LifeFlight
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM

Traumatic Electrocution: Hanging From the Power Lines Post-Ejection

  • Room: Grand DEF
Ever wonder what might be going through your patent's mind during a major traumatic event? In this presentation, we see our perspective (EMS/Fire) as well as the patient's perspective (a 17-year-old girl who just wanted to watch the sunset with her friends). This happy-ending 2-part presentation highlights the challenges of... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Laurel Whittemore BS, CFRN
Flight nurse/Educator
Life Flight Network
Track(s)
Handout(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Belly Button Mysteries: Pediatric Intraabdominal Trauma

  • Room: Regency A
Pediatric trauma kills more children than all other etiologies of childhood death combined. Due to the anatomy of a child, detection of severe intraabdominal trauma is often difficult. This discussion will focus on early detection through the lens of pediatric anatomy and physiology. Through a case illustration, learners will understand... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Maria Mandt MD
Professor of PediatricsMedical Director of EMS and Critical Care Transport
University of Colorado School of MedicineChildren's Hospital Colorado
Track(s)

Does resuscitation before intubation really matter? A review of our education and quality improvement project.

  • Room: Regency B
Intubation in trauma patients can have deleterious hemodynamic effects both due to the use of induction agents as well as the conversion from negative to positive pressure ventilation. Pre-hospital patients are particularly prone to these consequences due to the lack of significant resuscitation prior to patient contact. To mitigate the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Justin Miles BSN, RN
Clinical Quality & Accreditation Manager
Med-Trans Corporation
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Peter Fischer MD, MS, NRP
Medical Director - Hospital Wing Air Ambulance, Trauma Medical Director - Washington Regional Medical Center
Med-Trans CorporationRegional One Health
Track(s)

That Others May Live: Lessons Learned from Rural, Austere, and Non-Permissive Environments that Changed my Practice in Critical Care Transport

  • Room: Regency C
Projecting rescue and critical care capabilities into rural, austere, and non-permissive environments is challenging: resources are scarce, personnel are limited, and the environment can be inhospitable. It requires unique technical and medical knowledge as well as a robust understanding of logistics and a unique mindset - things also necessary... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Lauria MD
Assistant Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine Sections of Critical Care and EMS, Associate Medical Director and Flight PhysicianAirlift Northwest
University of Washington
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM

Bridging the Clinical Gap: From Novice to Expert through Competency-Based Simulation

  • Room: Regency A
This presentation explores the transformative journey from novice to expert in the transport environment, facilitated by competency-based simulation. Highlighting how structured simulation can bridge gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical application. As a novice, clinicians are introduced to the basics of clinical practice. Simulation scenarios are designed to be simple... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Amanda Hansen BSN, RN, CFRN, CEN, EMT
Flight Nurse, Clinical Education Facilitator
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Co-Speaker
Maureen Maxa MSN Ed.
Director, Clinical Education & Professional Development - LifeFlight
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Track(s)

Is Flying Stroke Patients from the Scene to a Comprehensive Stroke Center Effective?

  • Room: Regency C
Does it make sense for some EMS systems to request a helicopter to fly a potential stroke patient to a comprehensive stroke center? Does it matter if a local community hospital is a stroke-ready or primary stroke center? Strokes are a true time-sensitive emergency, unfortunately not all stroke patients are... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Kevin Collopy MHL, FP-C, NRP, CMTE, FAEMS
Clinical Outcomes & Compliance Manager
Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink
Track(s)

They made me the boss?! Lessons on the transition to leadership.

  • Room: Regency B
This presentation will be a discussion of the transition from crew member, to junior leader/middle manager, to senior leader of a large organization. I will share where things went well, the things that did not go so well, and I will help attendees develop a road map to success... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Amanda Humphries MD
Medical Director
HealthNet Aeromedical Services
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 11:05 AM - 11:35 AM

Calm Before the Storm: A Tale of Surviving the Twister

  • Room: Regency A
The focus of this case presentation is to develop clinical decision making in the treatment of electrical storm. Utilizing a Choose Your Own Adventure case review, the audience provides feedback and leads the discussion surrounding transport considerations and treatment of recurrent ventricular arrythmias and electrical storm. Using poll questions,... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ms  Danielle Goodrich BA, FP-C, CCP-C
Clinical Coordinator
University of Vermont Health Network
Co-Speaker
Douglas George MD, FAEMS
Medical Director
U of Vermont HealthNet Critical Care Transport
Track(s)

Getting Square With Resuscitation Geometry

  • Room: Regency C
Virtually everyone knows the Triangle of Death associated with shock, and now we are thinking about the Lethal Diamond. Before we end up with a Deadly Decahedron, we should stop and look critically at the science associated with hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypocalcemia in critical illness. This fast-paced... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Frakes MS, APRN, FCCM, FAEN, FAASTN, FACHE
Vice President of Clinical Care
Boston MedFlight
Track(s)

Tourniquet Takedown Taboo, Right or Wrong? The Experience of a Statewide Guideline.

  • Room: Regency B
The presentation describes how a statewide system experienced in appropriately placed tourniquets, often prior to EMS arrival. Many patients would have to undergo prolonged transports because no one would try to take the tourniquet down, some even transported from smaller critical access hospitals. These prolonged transports and delayed... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  P.S. Martin MD
Associate Professor WVU School of Medicine, Director WVU Division of Prehospital Medicine, WVOEMS State Medical Director.
West Virginia University School of Medicine/West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services, WV Department of Health
Track(s)
Handout(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 11:40 AM - 12:10 PM

Cause & Effect: Using Bubble nCPAP in prehospital CCT

  • Room: Regency C
Critical Care transport providers are limited in rural areas with the care and transport of pediatrics. Cause & Effect: Using Bubble nCPAP in prehospital CCT, is a designed presentation to show how one area in Southwest GA was able to meet the demands of the challenges associated with treating respiratory... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Caleb Curtis MSN, RN, CFRN, NRP
Cause & Effect: Using Bubble nCPAP in CCT
Global Medical Response
Track(s)

How much is too much? A review and discussion of alcohol withdrawal assessment, tools, and interventions.

  • Room: Regency A
Chronic alcohol use profoundly impacts the body, leading to a cascade of health issues. Prolonged consumption can damage the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system. Clinical assessments for patients with chronic alcohol use are crucial. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scale is one tool used to... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Steven Jacobson MS, MSN, CFRN, EMT-P
Flight Nurse
CALSTAR Air Medical Services
Track(s)

Toxicology of Lithium Fire Exposures

  • Room: Regency B
As the number of lithium fires increases, the potential for a person to become exposed to the byproducts of lithium combustion increases. These byproducts can cause a myriad of toxic reactions that mimic other medical conditions that can cause metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac issues. The amount of poisonous gases a... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ms  Rebecca Craig Chemistry and Fire Science (AS)
Critical Care Toxicologic Paramedic
Prisma Health / Survival Flight
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

In the Air, on Land, and Sea: Transporting the Neurocritical Patient

  • Room: Regency A
This presentation provides an in-depth exploration of the challenges and considerations involved in transporting neurocritical patients via land, sea, and air. Presented by an experienced flight physician and neurointensivist, the talk covers the critical aspects of neurocritical care transport, including specialized care requirements, altitude effects, and equipment limitations. Historical insights... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Vasisht Srinivasan MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery
University of Washington School of Medicine
Track(s)

Kama Sutra of the Airway - Optimal Positioning for Enjoyable Airway Management

  • Room: Regency C
There is more to positioning a patient for airway management than most providers realize. It also turns out optimal positioning is more controversial than most would imagine. This is an opportunity to review the many options for patient positioning during each phase of airway management and the evidence... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Darren Braude MD, EMT-P
Kama Sutra of the Airway - Optimal Positioning for Enjoyable Airway Management
DEPT. OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Track(s)

Transporting Critically Ill Patients on Mechanical Circulatory Support Without Complications.

  • Room: Regency B
The presentation will highlight our process for critical care transport of our MCS patients which includes a safety assessment, team coordination, and experience that leads us to preventing device related complications while transporting ground or air. As the only nurse led critical care transport team in the region we pride... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Edward Tubiolo Bachelors Degree in Nursing and Paramedic
Critical Care Transport Nurse/ Paramedic
Strong Memorial Hospitals Adult Critical Care Transport Team/ Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 2:05 PM - 2:35 PM

Into the Unknown - Care of the Neonate with no Prenatal Care

  • Room: Regency A
Based on a real transport, exploring methods to determine gestation age, determine appropriate care of neonate based on gestation age, review of NRP standards and changes with recent edition, highlight pre-transport stabilization of neonates...
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ms  Annemarie Pimentel BSN
Critical Care Transport Nurse
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Track(s)

Lessons Learned: What Can CCT Programs Learn from Teaching Trauma Care Taught in a War Zone?

  • Room: Regency B
The Ukrainian-Russian War has, understandably, stressed the Ukrainian healthcare system. As of summer 2024, >36,000 civilian casualties have been reported along with 1,000 attacks on healthcare operations. The International Medical Corps and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative partnered in early 2022 to develop sustainable trauma education programs for the Ukrainian healthcare system.... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Kevin Collopy MHL, FP-C, NRP, CMTE, FAEMS
Clinical Outcomes & Compliance Manager
Novant Health AirLink/VitaLink
Track(s)

The Role of Critical Care Transport in Improving "Door to Support" Time - The Current Paradigm Shift in the Management of Cardiogenic Shock

  • Room: Regency C
Despite advances in clinical and systems management of patients with ACS over the years, mortality for patients with ACS and cardiogenic shock, as well as non-ACS presentations of cardiogenic shock, has not changed significantly. Recently, efforts have been initiated around the world to improve the care of this patient... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Michael Lauria MD
Assistant Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine Sections of Critical Care and EMS, Associate Medical Director and Flight PhysicianAirlift Northwest
University of Washington
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 2:40 PM - 3:10 PM

Leveraging VR, AR, and MR in Critical Care Transport Training

  • Room: Regency B
Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are advancing rapidly, becoming more accessible and integrated into medical education. For critical care transport, both air and ground, these technologies offer safe, immersive platforms that enhance decision-making, critical thinking, and team coordination in high-pressure scenarios. VR, AR, and MR... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Julius McAdams BME, FP-C, CCP-C, NRP
Manager/ Administrative Chief
Novant Health New Hanover Mobile Health
Track(s)

Troubleshooting Five Common Difficulties Encountered During Endotracheal Intubation

  • Room: Regency C
Visualize, recognize, adapt. Endotracheal intubation is a crucial skill required of the prehospital critical care clinician. While most prehospital intubations are successful, when difficulties are encountered clinicians must have expertise in troubleshooting them. Utilizing video-laryngoscopy recordings from our intubation education database we will provide real examples on real patients of ... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Aaron Lacy MD, MHPE
Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director Department of Emergency Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis and Barnes Jewish Hospital
Co-Speaker
Christian Gerhart MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Co-Speaker
Jeffrey Siegler MD, NRP, FAEMS
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Track(s)

Valvular Emergencies Part II – Wrong-way drivers: Critical regurgitation

  • Room: Regency A
Have you ever tried to titrate vasopressors for or diurese a cardiogenic shock patient, only to have them crump on you? Did you consider a structural valve problem as an etiology of their shock? Valvular emergencies are an important consideration in the differential for cardiogenic shock, syncope, angina, and dyspnea.... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Kris Thompson MHA, RN, NRP, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, FP-C, TCRN
Consultant/Educator, Flight Nurse/Paramedic
Black Cloud Solutions, LLC; PHI Air Medical
Co-Speaker
Ms  Meghan Mathis MPAS, PA-C, BSN, RN, CFRN, NRP
Physician Assistant
Augusta Emergency Physicians
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

A 40 year look back – Who we used to be, Who we are, What we have learned and what we have still to learn

  • Room: Regency C
Unfortunately, many of the changes in this industry have been prompted by tragedies.Flight nurses used to be the only medical provider in an aircraft.Pilots had to take over CPR while nurses buckled their seatbelts. Alouhettes used to fly in the sky and watch cars on the freeway speeding by. Pilots... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Janie Ford RN, CFRN, BSN, MSM, MSN,AGACNP-BC
Flight Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
University of Utah AirMed
Track(s)

It's Easier Than You Think: Infant and Neonatal Resuscitation in the Transport Environment

  • Room: Regency A
Coming from an adult emergency/trauma background in both emergency department and prehospital as well as critical care transport settings, Geoffrey Kerns, knows the stress and feelings of helplessness when faced with a critically ill infant or neonate without the proper training or preparation. Geoffrey utilizes his ED and transport background... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Geoffrey Kerns
RN, CFRN
BOPN Medical Education; REACH Air Medical
Track(s)

SCUBA Masks, Not Just Diving!! - NIPPV for Neonates during Transport.

  • Room: Regency B
This presentation will walk the attendee through the difficult challenges of providing non-invasive positive pressure ventilation to our smallest and most vulnerable patient population. We will start with a review of neonatal anatomy. The presentation will then provide an overview of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation along with discussion of different... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Garrett Cavaliere DO
Medical Director, Life Lion Critical Care Transport
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Speaker
Mr.  Marc Baron Doctor of Nursing Practice
Deputy Chief of Operations
Boothwyn EMS
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Updates and Decision Points for Critical Care Transport

  • Room: Regency B
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by acute diffuse lung injury resulting in bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and hypoxemia. This pathophysiology requires tailored management including treatment of the underlying cause, lung protective mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, selective use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and adjunctive therapies. The objective of this session... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Brittney Bernardoni MD, FACEP
Assistant Medical Director Quality, Med Flight University of Wisconsin; Associate Fellowship Director, Critical Care Anesthesiology; Assistant Professor- Emergency Medicine & Anesthesiology University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin, Med Flight
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Matthew Roginski MD, MPH
Associate Medical Director
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team
Track(s)

The Agitated Patient.

  • Room: Regency C
This presentation will discuss the current state of evaluation and management of the agitated patient. Over the last few years, we have seen a significant uptick in the number of agitated and violent patients. The number of crewmember assaults has risen dramatically as has the number of interrupted... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Michael Jasumback MD
Medical Director
Clinical Standards
PHI Air Medical
Benefis Health System
Track(s)

Tuesday, April 15, 4:50 PM - 5:20 PM

Advanced Ventilatory Physiology Review for Critical Care Transport.

  • Room: Regency B
Unlock the secrets of the breath and master advanced ventilatory physiology Are you ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of breathing? Prepare to have your mind blown as we unlock the hidden complexities of ventilatory physiology! This isn't your average physiology lecture – this is an exhilarating journey into... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Amjad Musleh MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, EMS & Critical Care Medicine
Washington University
Track(s)

Because I Was Inverted: Prone Transport

  • Room: Regency C
In this presentation we will discuss the concept of prone ventilation including physiologic benefits, indications, and contraindications. We will apply this knowledge and discuss how to safely transport a patient in the prone position, discuss transport logistics, as well as emergency interventions. Will include case presentation of patient transported prone... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Chase Niewoehner BSN, RN, CFRN, CCRN-CMC, CES-A
Flight Nurse
ARCH Air Medical - Air Methods
Track(s)

The nuts and bolts of intracranial pressure monitoring

  • Room: Regency A
Some of the most invasive monitoring devices we see in critical care transport are intracranial pressure monitoring devices and drains. Transport of these devices is a low-frequency encounter for most teams, can be challenging in a helicopter or ambulance, and poses significant risk to the patient. This presentation will cover... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Kris Thompson MHA, RN, NRP, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, FP-C, TCRN
Consultant/Educator, Flight Nurse/Paramedic
Black Cloud Solutions, LLC; PHI Air Medical
Track(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Critical Care Literature Review 2025

  • Room: Regency C
This will be the yearly dive into the critical care literature as it applies to the transport environment. The critical care literature continues to increase in volume at an unprecedented rate. This lecture will present the most relevant and current critical care literature as it applies to the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Michael Jasumback MD
Medical Director
Clinical Standards
PHI Air Medical
Benefis Health System
Track(s)

Don't Be Lactate Intolerant: A Critical Appraisal of POC Lactate and Whether it's Right for Your Program.

  • Room: Regency B
Point-of-care testing can be a life-saving tool for critical care transport services, allowing providers to check and trend essential patient data and react appropriately. However, lactate levels are not ubiquitous in POC results, and their interpretation and subsequent treatment response vary across specialties and regions. UNMH Lifeguard adopted POC Lactate... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Sean Buehler MD
Flight Physician
University of New Mexico Lifeguard Air Emergency Services
Track(s)

When the Helicopter doesn't Come

  • Room: Regency A
Through case studies and gap analysis performed at our local air medical base, this presentation will elicit discussion and outside the box thinking to promote targeted outreach education to enhance patient care outcomes. But what happens when the helicopter doesn’t come? Maybe it’s due to severe weather, maintenance issues, or... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Matthew Spicer
Matthew Spicer, AAS, NRP, FP-C
PHI Air Medical
Track(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 9:05 AM - 9:35 AM

Another Way to Blow Your Nose: Using HFNC in Critical Care Transport

  • Room: Regency A
High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy is a major advancement in respiratory support for critical care transport. It enhances oxygenation, reduces the need for intubation, and improves patient comfort. Proper implementation requires understanding the physiological principles, necessary equipment, and adequate training. This presentation will cover how HFNC works, the equipment involved,... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Mr.  Julius McAdams BME, FP-C, CCP-C, NRP
Manager/ Administrative Chief
Novant Health New Hanover Mobile Health
Track(s)

Critical Care OB Case Studies

  • Room: Regency B
This presentation will look at three case studies and care in the ICU and transport environment of these patients. Case scenarios will focus on postpartum cardiomyopathy management with hemodynamic monitoring trauma ejected HROB with airway/vent management, EFM tracings, and subsequent PEA with management HROB stroke patient at 38 weeks, with treatment goals,... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ami Bess BSN, MBA, RNC-OB, RNC-EFM, CEN, CCRN, CFRN, FAASTN
Chief Flight Nurse
UCHealth LifeLine Denver, Colorado
Track(s)
Handout(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 9:40 AM - 10:10 AM

Articles That Will Change Your Practice Today - Summarizing the Most Important EMS Articles of the Last Year

  • Room: Regency C
Want to provide the most up to date, evidence-based care? In this presentation we will go through the most important literature published in the last year that might change a clinicians practice immediately going forward. The articles will be hand picked by the presentation group to ensure maximal relevance to... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Aaron Lacy MD, MHPE
Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director Department of Emergency Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis and Barnes Jewish Hospital
Co-Speaker
Bridgette Svancarek MD
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, EMS Division Director, EMS Fellowship Director
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Co-Speaker
Dr.  Erin Kane MD, MHPE
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Track(s)

Critical Care Obstetrics Transport Refresher and Updates

  • Room: Regency A
A three Part presentation series on Hypertensive Emergencies of Pregnancy, Preterm Labor and Post Partum Hemorrhage. We will go over the definitions, management and pitfalls of each with a focus on emerging literature and changes in practice....
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Elizabeth Garchar MD
Maternal Fetal Medicine PhysicianAssistant Professor
Pinon Perinatal, Private Practice University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Track(s)

Fit to fly or to unfit to stay: Decision-making is a crucial process in the aeromedical transport of critically ill patients

  • Room: Regency B
Fit to Fly" or "Unfit to Stay" Decision-Making in Aeromedical Transport The decision-making process for determining whether a critically ill patient is "fit to fly" or "unfit to stay" is pivotal in aeromedical transport. This process requires a thorough evaluation of whether a patient is stable enough to withstand the unique... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ina Schmidt Physician/MD
Anesthetist,Intensivist,Emergency & Flight Physician, President ICARUS e.V.
GKM,,germany dep. of anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine & President ICARUS e.V. professional association for aeromedical transport
Track(s)
Handout(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 10:25 AM - 10:55 AM

Achy Breaky Heart. Breaking down care of pediatrics with congenital heart defects.

  • Room: Regency B
Many clinicians in the flight industry come from adult environments and do not have experience in management of pediatric patients with congenital heart defects. If a pediatric specialty team is unavailable to transport or there is a scene request for this patient population, a "non-specialty" team may be responding. Often... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Ms  Mandy Gainey BSN
Flight Nurse
Med-Trans, GMR
Track(s)

Annie, Annie are you ok? Wait that's not Annie!!!

  • Room: Regency A
This presentation will discuss the history of simulation- where it started to where it is today and where we can go from here. If you have been in healthcare for any length of time, you remember the static manikins, to the task trainers to now the simulators that will talk... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Susan Hollowell BSN
Annie, Annie, are you ok?? Wait, that's not Annie!!
Air Methods Corp.
Track(s)

Babies 201: Just the tips, transporting like the pros

  • Room: Regency C
New Mexico faces unique healthcare challenges as 30 of its 33 counties are considered a Health Professional Shortage Area. The University of New Mexico Hospital is constantly searching for ways to innovate and to improve the care we provide. One of the ways that we aim to improve the... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Jeni Fuller BSN, RN
BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-NPT
Univeristy of New Mexico HospitalLifeguard Air Emergency Services
Co-Speaker
Lindsey Hall MSN
MSN, RNC-NIC, CES-A, C-NPT Flight Nurse
University of New Mexico HospitalLifeguard Air Emergency Services
Track(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Creating Quality in Education - A Metric Validated Approach to Flight Crew Education

  • Room: Regency A
We've aligned our education strategy to focus on four Competency Days: Pediatric, Adult, Neonatal & OB, and Cardiac Device. These days equip Flight Crews for an Evaluative Simulation-Based Competency Day, although they are not delivered in a linear order. Each day meets specific learning objectives for patient populations and includes high-risk,... Read More
Speaker(s)
Co-Speaker
Mr  Dave Gallagher BSN in Nursing, MBA/MHA in Healthcare Management
Healthcare Quality & Analytics
Airlift Northwest
Co-Speaker
Lori Avaiusini MN
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Airlift Northwest
Co-Speaker
Mr.  Matthew Plourde BSN, MS
Education Manager
Airlift Northwest
Track(s)

Doing it for Dale: How lessons from NASCAR can drive us toward safer intubations

  • Room: Regency B
In the wake of multiple devastating crashes, NASCAR launched an investigation into how and why their drivers were dying. This presentation will review what they learned and how that knowledge inspired a new culture of safety within NASCAR. We will discuss what the current body of critical care literature tells... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Alissa Bates MD
Resident Physician
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Track(s)

Positioning in Transport: Should the Head Be Up or Down?

  • Room: Regency C
For years, the common teaching has been to elevate the head of the bed for most patients. This position helps reduce intracranial pressure, improves oxygenation and ventilation, and potentially minimizes other complications. However, this may not be the best approach for all patients. Recent evidence suggests that patients with ischemic... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Dr.  Michael D. Gooch DNP, APRN, CCP, FAASTN, FAANP, FAEN
Flight-Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Vanderbilt LifeFlight
Track(s)

Wednesday, April 16, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Finding Your Inner Superhero

  • Room: Grand DEF
This presentation is a journey in resilience. Josh is the sole survivor of a medical helicopter crash. His journey forward was formed by prior events in his life teaching him the importance of attitude and resilience. After the crash, Josh spent two months in the hospital recovering from his injuries.... Read More
Speaker(s)
Speaker
Josh Duda NRP, FP-C
Flight Paramedic, Educator
North Memorial Air Care
Track(s)