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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
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