With the growth and expansion of services offered by UNC Health Care around the region, Carolina Air Care expands to meet the greater need for transportation services for critically ill patients. While recruiting new employees, the team has conducted interviews utilizing simulation experiences. Once the new team members are hired, they face even more training opportunities ahead.
This week, Leanne Reaves and Josh Compton organized a session to run new hires through their Advanced Airway Management Course. This course utilizes simulation technology to train and evaluate learners on their ability to correctly perform the many skills necessary for transporting patients in need of a secure airway. While Reaves and Compton focused on adult airways, experienced pediatric transport team members Tiffany Chesley and Jonathan Lewis taught and evaluated the pediatric airway simulations encompassing both pediatric airways as well as ventilator management.
Patients with complex airway needs can be some of the most challenging transports so communication skills are key to their success. Carolina Air Care employs the TeamSTEPPS communication tools in their simulations. TeamSTEPPS utilization is a focus of the Hospital’s Improvement Council to improve patient safety throughout UNC Health Care.
Leanne Reaves serves as the Carolina Air Care Orientation Coordinator and Josh Compton serves as the Carolina Air Care Training Officer in addition to their clinical duties. Tiffany Chesley is a respiratory therapist and coordinated the Trauma Day simulations earlier this year. Jonathan Lewis is a flight nurse on the pediatric transport team.