The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems is dedicated to improving the quality of patient care and safety of the transport environment. Marion Jones, Flight Nurse, oversees the voluntary practices of maintaining the CAMTS standards. She explains why STAT MedEvac is dedicated to keeping this high standard.
Every year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) kicks off Fire Prevention Week by raising awareness for fire safety, promoting key safety messages, providing resources for kids of all ages as well as general, showcasing helpful information for best practices in fire safety. It’s the longest-running public health observance in the U.S.
Since 1922, The NFPA sponsors the observance of this week starting on October 9 in commemoration of The Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. According to historical findings provided by the NFPA, the most famous fire in America killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. To learn more, you can watch Lessons from History: The Chicago Fire of 1871 here.
According to National Geographic on The Great Chicago Fire and its rebuilding, a fire broke out in a barn on […]
by Sheila G. Roth, PhD, LCSW, EMT
Individuals working in EMS such as (EMT’s, paramedics, flight crews and others) put their lives on the line to serve people every day. These roles present unique challenges and stressors to health care providers and to their families. Yet, they are dedicated and give their all to do this work. In times of increased work stress such as mass casualty incidents, community violence, critical incidents, or a pandemic, the risk to these individuals is even greater. Interestingly, providers don’t always receive appreciation from the people that receive their help, in fact, many people don’t realize the emotional toll of this work on providers and their families. So how much of a toll can this take? One survey published in The Journal of Emergency Medical Services (2016) asked EMT’s and paramedics if they had contemplated or attempted suicide. […]
A little more than 3 years ago, Gabe Diamond was working as a ground paramedic for the City of Pittsburgh EMS. He worked in an ER, as well as a few suburban EMS agencies, trying to learn more and build his experience at each place.
Fueled by the passion for a challenge, he applied to work for STAT MedEvac and was hired as a full-time flight paramedic. More pharmacology, interfacility patients, and helicopter operations were all part of the training with his mentor and preceptor, Joyce Fee.
He anticipated that making the change from ground medicine to air medicine would be difficult. The transition of working inside the confined space of an aircraft, vs. inside a more spacious ground ambulance, turned out to be more challenging than the clinical side.
As he got more comfortable, he realized how he might be able to streamline part of the job. From pharmacology calculations to burn […]
On this episode, Greg Winkle, Fixed Base Manager, talks about the strict maintenance regimen of the fleet, why they have a mixed fleet of aircraft and the relationship between the flight crews, pilots and mechanical staff.
“Living in Pittsburgh, I am a huge Mr. Rogers fan and that’s the thing. He said,” When there are bad things happening, look for the helpers.” I always want to be a helper.”
Meet Dr. Frank Guyette , MD MPH, STAT MedEvac’s Medical Director. He has been with STAT MedEvac for 19 years and counting. Guyette’s first four years was as a flight physician during residency and fellowship. After that, he climbed the ranks to become the associate medical director for 6 years. For the last ten years, Dr. Guyette has been the STAT MedEvac Medical Director. Get to know more of Dr. Frank Guyette with the following Q&A:
How has your background on public safety shaped over the years?
I come from a family of first responders. My grandfather was a firefighter, and my father is a police officer. When I was 15 years old, I joined our local rescue squad and became an EMT. I continued to pursue that interest through college, and I realized I wanted to […]
Bill Horner, STAT MedEvac Pilot and Regional Manager, discusses the importance of predesignated landing zones as well as some tips for landing zone marking and operations. Should flares be used? Why does there need to be a ground contact before landing? How does the pilot and flight crew recon a landing zone before landing?
Currently, STAT MedEvac has eighteen helicopter base sites in operation daily. These locations include Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, western New York, Washington, DC, and Baltimore. We transport about 10,000 patients annually, and to operate effectively, we utilize twenty-five helicopters. Our fleet includes all Airbus helicopters: EC-135T2+ and EC135T3 (commonly known as the H135) and the BK117C-2 (commonly known as EC-145.
These aircraft are all twin engine models and feature a computer system that can help reduce the workload on the pilot. From startup to shutdown, this system provides optimized performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Our helicopters have a maximum cruise speed of 120 knots, which is approximately 138 miles per hour. This varies depending on altitude, temperature, humidity, load, and the winds aloft. Most flights are conducted at an altitude of 2000 feet above ground level (AGL), but the helicopters have the ability to fly […]
Tami Carver, Manager, Operations Control Center at STAT MedEvac, walks us through what an Operations Control Center does and why does STAT MedEvac have this component in their operation.
Meet Mike Schreyer, RN CFRN HP, who is one of STAT MedEvac’s longest-tenured flight crew members. He is a Senior Professional Flight Nurse II based out of Greensburg, PA. Get to know Schreyer through the following Q&A STAT MedEvac spotlight:
How long have you been with STAT MedEvac?
I started work as an ICU and ER nurse and flew for a competing program out of Johnstown, PA. I transferred to Altoona Regional, at the time, to help start their trauma program as the director of pre-hospital care working through the ER. I was also instrumental in bringing STAT MedEvac to Altoona, starting the aircraft base there in 2001. “It’s been a long time.”
How did you get to a senior level?
Time, ongoing education, and experience, but completing projects and following through with […]
