Introducing START®

“Systems Training for Aeromedical Retrieval Teams”

Ireland’s 1st locally hosted formal Aeromedical Retrieval Training Programme


INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of START® is to prepare health care professionals in the clinical and logistic skills and procedures essential to safely and effectively transfer patients by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft.


START® is open to all qualified EMT’s, paramedics, advanced paramedics, nurses and doctors. The rationale behind development of the START® programme is to establish a level of professionalism necessary for the safe and efficient transfer of patients from one hospital setting to another via aeromedical transportation, whether fixed wing or rotary, by dedicated air ambulance, as a medical
escort of a patient in a jet airliner, or by helicopter.

COURSE DATES:

20th and 21st October 2012 at Weston airport, Leixlip, Co.Kildare. The course is hosted by AeroMedevac Ireland and this will be the third course arranged by AeroMedevac. 

Learning Outcomes: designed to encourage interdisciplinary learning, which extends theoretical study and conceptual learning, into highly relevant aeromedical practice.



The competencies provided by the START® programme will enable participants to gain additional practical and clinical competencies in aeromedical retrieval and transport issues. 

Participants will:

  • Literature Skill Extend theirknowledge in regard to their specific field within aeromedical retrieval and transport. 
  • Developenhanced clinicalskillsin their specific field within aeromedical retrieval and transport. 
  • Be able to interpret and use knowledge relevant to their work from a wide range of sources.
  • Be equippedwith the necessary critical skills to better evaluate their own performance, and the suitability of service development. 
  • Continue life long learning in aeromedical retrieval and transport.
  • Be able to apply theprinciples of best practice to their aeromedical practice.
  • To understand the relevance and necessity of clinical systems, processes, protocols and procedures which support aeromedical transfers.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

START® is recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland for CME points and by An Bord Altranais. On completion of START®, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance signed by the Course Director.
 
The Course Director is Dr Fergal Cummins, Medical Director of AeroMedevac Ireland, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and a Retrieval specialist having worked as a consultant retrieval specialist with Australia’s retrieval agencyies Careflight NSW and Sydney HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medicine Service). Dr Cummins has also worked as consultant in emergency medicine at Sydney’s level one trauma centre at the Royal North Shore Hospital and held academic title at Sydney University.

The transport of patients by air presents medical escorts with many problems unique to this mode of travel. Staff involved in aeromedical transport must have both a high level of expertise, specialist knowledge and practical training. Staff without appropriate training should not undertake aeromedical transfers. Patient safety is at the forefront of a formal retrieval model. 
   WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM START®:

 The 2-day START® programme is designed for medical, paramedical, and nursing staff and also for those working in organisations whose duties include the transport of sick and injured by air, for aircrew flying aeromedical missions and air ambulance medical crew.

START® is evolving to be a network source and not just an introductory training course for beginners. Many experienced doctors, nurses and paramedics who register for the course, have the opportunity to share their own experience, expertise, and knowledge with others in the class.

START® will address the special physical, physiological and psychological stresses that are important when flying as well as provide a detailed knowledge of how medical conditions can be affected by this environment and the necessary precautions needed to facilitate safe transfer.

START® is designed to provide the initial exposure and foundation framework for safe aeromedical retrieval for all age groups and common and specific clinical conditions. It incorporates small group learning, didactic teaching sessions and practical experience.
 
START® will provide the core template for on-going development of clinical skills necessary for critical and noncritical care retrieval. The course includes orientationand familiarisation of the mobile medical equipment, aircraft, and communication systems while framing this against clinical scenario based learning.
 

PRINCIPLES AND AIMS OF START®: 

Designed to provide the initial exposure and foundation framework for safe aeromedical retrieval for all age groups and common and specific clinical conditions.

Day 1:

incorporates group learning, didactic teaching sessions and practical experience. START® will provide the core template for on-going development of clinical skills necessary for critical and non-critical care retrieval.

Tutorials will cover individual susceptible pathologies, the problems of critical care in the air, and will also examine the importance of appropriate equipment, as well as the logistics and organisation of both helicopter and fixed wing operations.
 

Day 2:

includes orientation and familiarisation of mobile medical equipment, aircraft, and communication systems while framing this against clinical scenario based learning. Particular attention will be paid to the problems of treating patients on board, and to the use of medical equipment in aircraft. Aspects of cabin safety, ramp and personal safety will be covered.



A dedicated air ambulance with Lifeport; a Cessna 550 Citation II will be available to support the learning. This aircraft, registered EI-MED, has been modified for air ambulance duties with a state of the art stretcher system including inbuilt oxygen, suction, air compressor and invertor.
 

CONTACT US NOW:

For further information on START®, please email admin@aeromedevac.ie or telephone 01497 7774 and ask for the START® Co-Ordinator.