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Flight Nurse Perceptions of FRMS: Research Results, Tools, and Tricks
Jenn Killeen, FACHE, RN, NRP, CMTE, LIFT-C
CareFlite
Fatigue is an unavoidable challenge in air medical transport, impacting decision-making, safety, and crew well-being. Despite industry efforts to mitigate fatigue through Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS), flight nurses continue to experience its effects in ways that may not always be accurately reported or addressed or, what do flight nurses think about how effective FRMS are. This session will explore the effectiveness of current FRMS strategies, identifying gaps between policy and frontline reality.
Drawing from research and real-world experiences, this session will examine how flight nurses perceive and manage fatigue, the role of organizational culture in fatigue reporting, and the critical factors that influence adherence to safety protocols. Attendees will gain insights into innovative approaches for enhancing fatigue mitigation strategies, fostering a culture of accountability, and improving overall safety outcomes.
Designed for leaders, clinicians, and industry stakeholders, this session provides actionable strategies to strengthen safety culture, optimize FRMS effectiveness, and ensure the long-term well-being of air medical crews.
Investing for Success in Mental and Behavioral Health and Building a Program for Success
Joseph Kellner, FACHE, MBA, EMT-P & Beth Andrews, LCSW, LADC
LifeFlight of Maine
Join Joe and Beth as they share the lessons they have learned as they have worked together to build a first of its kind behavioral health and wellness program for the employees of LifeFlight of Maine. Built upon a core promise of ensuring all staff have access to confidential behavioral health resources at no cost to them and for any reason, LifeFlight is building a wholistic program including 1:1 therapy, peer support, and physician wellness. Through giving so much of themselves in their commitment to their patients, responders and the staff that surround them are exposed to trauma repetitively, often being exposed to a lifetime of traumatic exposure in a single shift. The suicide epidemic has not spared LifeFlight, and it became clear that traditional EAP programs, while an important component, were not enough on their own.
During this session, they will share what has worked, what hasn’t, and what we are still working to figure out. This session will include an opportunity for robust dialogue, and they hope to hear from and learn from you as we all come together to take better care of our people.
Suffering in Silence: One Paramedic's Journey Through Post-Traumatic Treatment
Aaron Peth, MS, CCP-C
Creighton University
Post-Traumatic Stress Injury is often spoke about in hushed tones and abstractly, but what exactly does it look like? The reality is first responders today are exposed to trauma unlike anything that has been encountered in America before. Despite advances in medical technology saving more lives, the death toll has remained stable, leading us to speculate that first responders are actually seeing much higher levels or traumatic events than has been previously thought. Without appropriate resources, the epidemic of mental health crisis among first responders will continue to grow. This presentation will share the story of one first responder's path of recognition of a problem and seeking treatment. This presentation will also discuss current trends in the treatment of post-traumatic stress response among first responders. Lastly, we will also discuss how leaders of organizations can continue to encourage employees to strive for mental wellness and break down barriers between first responder and mental wellness.
We All Ask "Are You Okay?" What If Someone Says “No”—Are You Ready to Help?
Dustin Ross, FP-C, C-NPT
Air Methods
In the high-stakes world of air medical services, we rely on our peers for support, both in the field and off duty. We frequently ask each other, “Are you okay?”—but what if the answer is “No”? Are we truly prepared to help? This session is designed specifically for air medical professionals, exploring how to recognize signs of distress, respond with empathy, and connect colleagues with the right resources. By fostering a culture of trust and mental resilience, we can ensure that no crew member faces challenges alone. Join us as we discuss how to go beyond the question and be ready to support those who risk everything to save others. We will also cover the topic of suicide and suicidal ideations. How would you respond if you are the only thing separating a colleague from taking their own life? Do you have the strength and ability to ask a friend or colleague(not a patient) 'Are you considering suicide?'