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NEW AMTC Pre-Con

Ambulatory Ventricular Assist Device Workshop

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New Program/Group Membership

ASTNA now offers a discounted Program/Group membership!
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can be obtained by Clicking Here

 

New Book Release-ASTNA Standards for Critical Care & Specialty Ground Transport Second Edition

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Critical Care Standards

 

AMTC
October 11-13,2010

For more information please visit www.aams.org

 

Updated -8/23/10
New TNATC Courses
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Updated- 8/23/10
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Click Here (or "Current Job Openings" from the Resources dropdown menu at the Job Openings" from the Resources dropdown menu at the top of this page).

New Edition

 

Summer 2010

ASTNA Members,

Have you ever had one of those days in which you really felt like you truly made a difference in the patients lives you encountered during your shift?

Today was one of those days for me.  It started out early with a call for an injured hiker in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, near where I work.  Not surprisingly, the information we had was limited, injured hiker on such and such trail, no one on scene yet.  Once airborne and enroute to the coordinates provided by the Fish and Game Department, we discussed our plan of action, safety concepts, and communication essentials.  Upon arriving in the vicinity of the coordinates we performed a brief aerial reconnaissance of the area in hopes of finding the injured party.  As luck would have it, we were unable to locate the injured party from the air.  Our only suitable landing spot would be the bald summit of the mountain.  Once safely on the ground we established our plan of action along with the help of a few passing hikers who offered their assistance.  The patient was located approximately a mile down a steep, rocky, muddy and slippery trail  which was realistically only about 5 feet wide.  With the crew we had, we understood the daunting task ahead of us if we were to have to carry this individual back to the summit.  We approached a group of hikers who had just sat down after reaching the summit, and asked for their help in carrying an injured hiker back to our helicopter.  Without hesitation, they quickly agreed.

As my partner and I made our way down the trail with our equipment, the line of volunteers following behind continued to grow.  Word of our request had made its way around the summit and what had initially been a handful of folks quickly equaled 25.  We found our patient in the company of some additional hikers who had made the initial 911 call and then stayed with him, providing care until we arrived.  We were able to quickly package our patient and with incredible coordination, the group of volunteers quickly had us enroute back to the summit.  Over the next hour and a half these individuals worked together as a team, sharing the weight, taking their turn, and always wanting to do more. In the end we transported the patient to the local hospital where he made a quick recovery and was discharged in a few short days.

Why you ask do I tell you a story about “one of my calls” when each and everyone of you have experienced many interesting and difficult situations in which you made the difficult decisions to provide high level care?  In walking back to the summit along side our patient I was quickly reminded of the dedication and work that a group of volunteers are able to produce when faced with a task.  The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association relies on volunteers to help us in forwarding our mission.  Through the dedication and involvement of the many volunteers we are able to produce many outstanding products, services, and publications.  There is always room for additional help, and it is a great way to get involved.  I encourage you to contact any one of the Board of Directors or myself and we can point you in the direction to where your efforts can be utilized.

I would be remiss tonight if I did not mention the sadness I feel at learning of the loss of another flight crew this morning.  I ask that each of you join me in offering your thoughts, and condolences to the families, friends, coworkers of the Air Evac Lifeteam crew who lost their lives this morning while responding to a call. 

ASTNA has and will continue to offer a strong voice and platform regarding SAFTEY in the Air Medical industry.  Please, take a moment each day to reflect on your personal SAFETY practices, and vigilant in your approach to safety on each and every transport.

Sincerely,

Kyle Madigan 

ASTNA President

Current Calls

ASTNA's 2010 AMTC Pre-Conference event: Ambulatory Ventricular Assist Device Workshop

You will not want to miss ASTNA's 2010 AMTC Pre-Conference event: Ambulatory Ventricular Assist Device Workshop! This pre-con will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 0800-1200 at AMTC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Register today for this invaluable hands-on workshop. Sign up today as this one will fill up fast!

You can register in the Online Store above!

Every year approximately 20 million people worldwide suffer from heart failure, 5 million in the U.S. alone. In many cases a heart transplant is the best chance for survival. But unfortunately only 2500 donor hearts are available each year. This leaves many patients with little hope for survival. Major advancements have occurred over the past several years. Ventricular assist device (VAD) is now able to prolong life until a transplant is available or possibly indefinitely.  These devices increase blood circulation to the entire body after being attached to the left ventricle of the failing heart. There are thousands of these patients in communities all around the US driving, working and traveling.  There are several different types of pumps on the market and these pumps vary in design and function.  This workshop will give you the practical knowledge and hands-on experience in transporting a VAD patient.


New-Call for Transport Nurse Advanced Trauma Course Instructors

If you have received Instructor Potential in a TNATC course within the past 4 years, you are eligible to apply for one of the two TNATC Instructor Courses we have coming up in Kansas City, MOand Reno, NV. You can request an application packet by sending an email to astna@gwami.com or calling 1-800-897-6362. Your ASTNA membership must be current. All applications are due by September 15, 2010.


Call for CCTMC 2011 Speakers

Speaker Submission Form


Unusual Action Photographs Needed:

ASTNA is looking for photos of our members in action in an unusual mode of transport such as a boat, sled or other different type of transport! Click Here for more information.


Call for Authors and Reviewers

Flight and Ground Transport Nursing Core Curriculum Companion Workbook

The intent of this publication is to be designed specifically to follow the Flight and Ground Transport Nursing Core Curriculum, this workbook includes multiple choice questions, puzzles, case studies and other exercises to address multiple learning styles and help with retention of information included in the Core.

If you are interested in becoming an Author/Reviewer, please Click Here to read the full description, requirements, and timeline.


Call for Authors and Reviewers

ASTNA Standards for Critical Care and Specialty Commercial Carrier Medical Transport

The intent of this publication is to establish minimum standards for patient care and operational management of critical care commercial escort transport programs. 

If you are interested in becoming an Author/Reviewer, please click here to read the full description, requirements, and timeline.

Deadline: Extended

Questions? Contact us at 800-897-6362 or send us an e-mail.


Thank you to our 2010 AMTC Sponsors:

 
 
 
 

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Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association
7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 100, Greenwood Village CO 80111
800-897-NFNA (6362), Fax: 303-770-1614 Email: Click Here

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