Our crew was dispatched to a high-energy rollover MVC with a patient ejection, a situation that typically demands aggressive trauma protocols. But what happens when the patient is equipped with a HeartMate II, a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) that pumps blood for failing hearts? The irony is that this extremely sophisticated medical device, which keeps the patient alive, also prevents our team from gathering traditional vital signs like a palpable pulse or standard blood pressure measurements. How does the team manage a trauma resuscitation when the patient’s circulation is continuous flow rather than a heartbeat? The answer lies in going back to the basics of trauma care. We’re joined by Chelsea Putman, FP-C, and Robert Steele, RN.
Interested in obtaining CE credit for this episode? Visit OnlineAscend.com to learn more. Listeners can purchase individual episode credits or subscribe to the Critical Care Review Bundle and gain access to all episode CE Credits.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-60-no-pulse-no-problem. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
When Flight Paramedic Daniel Sanders joined the AirLife 12 fixed wing team in Pensacola, FL, he never imagined he’d one day fly his own father. However, on July 18, 2025, 70-year-old Kenneth Sanders needed to be transported from the Panama City, Florida HCA hospital to Orlando Regional Medical Center due to complications from a rare form of genetic pancreatitis. With severe abdominal pain, weakness, and the need for a feeding tube to be placed, doctors didn’t think Sanders would tolerate the six-hour drive, so they called AirLife 12 for a one-and-a-half-hour plane flight to Orlando.
“I always talked to my dad about my job, but I don’t think he truly understood all the logistics and how it comes together until he saw it as a patient,” said Daniel Sanders, who helped arrange the flight and was onboard as a third rider.
It was the first time Kenneth Sanders had been in a plane since 1979, when a flight through severe turbulence kept him firmly on the ground for the next 46 years.
“I wasn’t going to fly without Daniel, but it was a good experience,” said Kenneth Sanders. “It was a smoother flight and a smoother landing than I expected. I enjoyed looking out the window, and it gave me comfort to have Dan on the flight with me.”
Fixed wing air medical planes are an important part of the Air Methods fleet. They are able to fly longer distances and in a wider variety of weather conditions than our helicopters. They can frequently carry more weight, allowing for more or larger pieces of medical equipment, as well as family members, to be on board. Air Methods has both a fixed wing and a rotor wing aircraft based in Pensacola, highlighting the value of both assets.
While admitted to Orlando Regional Medical Center for 15 days, Kenneth Sanders was able to see an advanced gastroenterologist, have a feeding tube placed, and receive more comprehensive pain management, none of which were available in Panama City.
“Although it is a genetic condition, his pancreatitis did not appear until three years ago. However, it is likely to cause issues again in the future,” said Daniel Sanders. “Because this flight went so smoothly, I am thankful that he is willing to be transported by the fixed wing again if he ever needs it.”
On this show we have espoused the general guiding principal of “when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.” Sometimes the hoofbeats actually are those of zebras. But what if sometimes there not even zebras, they’re unicorns? On this episode of AMPED, our patient has been bitten by a Jameson’s Mamba, one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Thankfully, he is an expert herpetologist who is able to talk our team through the steps needed to save his life. But what our team learns is that sometimes that which seems extremely rare results in care that isn’t rare at all. We’re joined by Samuel Hall, MD, Jim Harrison (patient), Kristen Harrison, Courtney Martin NREMT-P, Sarah Crabtree RN, and Kristen Wiley
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-59-scales-of-uncertainty. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
In an incredible twist of irony, this month’s case focuses on our flight crew loading into their helicopter to be dispatched to… a patient who has fallen out of a helicopter. From a height of approximately 40 feet and at a speed of 30 knots, our patient has an abundance of injuries, which requires our team to remember their axiom: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This episode also introduces an important question: How do we intervene in different kinds of shock? Our patient had three different kinds: Hemorrhagic, neurogenic, and obstructive shock. Listen in as our guest, along with our panel, deconstructs one of the rarest cases in AMPED history. We’re joined by Matthew Habbe NREMT-P.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-57-the-gravity-of-the-fall. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
A common aphorism in the medical community comes from Dr. Theodore Woodward who said in the 1940s, “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, think of horses, not zebras.” It’s a way of reminding medical practitioners that the most common explanation is usually correct. In other words, Occam’s Razor is usually correct. But what happens when the most common explanation isn’t correct? What happens when you turn around and find a zebra looking at you? In this month’s episode, our team finds a pediatric patient who seems to have had a stroke. Stroke is very uncommon in children, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. Listen in as our team starts with the basics, analyzes the feedback, and arrives at their conclusion. We’re joined by Maria Milagros Galardi and William McCray, RN.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-56-the-zebra-call. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Extreme weather once again plays an important factor in this month’s case where our team comes upon a car accident victim who has a litany of injuries that make care extremely challenging, even in optimal conditions. Featuring a pilot for the first time ever in AMPED history, we hear from our clinicians about how to give our patient the best shot at survival, and from our pilot about the many considerations he has to make in order to expedite his arrival at a care facility. Hear these unique insights in this fascinating episode of AMPED. We’re joined by Danica Mainridge RN, BSN, CEN, CPEN, CCRN, CFRN; Megan Thompson, RN, MSN, MBA, CEN, CFRN, TCRN, TNS, CES-A; and Mikaele Kerner, Helicopter Pilot.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-55-the-sum-of-all-efforts. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
A critically ill Influenza A patient, fully intubated and struggling to breathe, requires emergency transport for possible ECMO. Even under ideal conditions, a case like this demands intensive care and presents significant challenges. But when extreme weather disrupts key equipment, the situation becomes even more complex. In this episode, discover how our team navigated these obstacles to support the patient’s recovery and survival. We’re joined by Matt Johnson, NRP Flight Paramedic and Anna Schmick, BSN, RN, CFRN Flight Nurse.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-54-chilling-complications. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Stormy skies or sunny days, Air Methods is always ready to respond. Inclement weather can complicate patient transport, but with our deep expertise, diverse resources, and commitment to safety, we work tirelessly to get all patients the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.
If weather conditions prevent aircraft from flying, our work does not stop. Call us anytime, and our team will walk through available options with you to guide the best next step. When necessary, we coordinate ground transport to ensure every patient still receives timely, critical care.
We understand how important it is to stay informed during patient transport. That is why our team provides:
Our FAA-recognized Safety Management System reflects a strong safety culture that guides every decision we make. Advanced protocols allow us to protect both our patients and our crews, ensuring that no matter the challenge, safety remains our top priority.
Together, the highly trained teams in our Operational Control Center and AirCom dispatch play an essential role in our operations, our safety infrastructure, and in helping find the right transport solution.
Our Operational Control Center uses a range of advanced technologies to predict and track weather conditions. This enables crews to plan ahead and remain prepared even when the forecast changes unexpectedly.
When weather rolls in, we work to find solutions.
No two transport situations are the same, which is why our diverse fleet is designed to handle a variety of scenarios.
Day or night, rain or shine, Air Methods is committed to supporting all communities with rapid response and exceptional patient care every day of the year. When weather strikes, we are a partner you can trust to help navigate the next steps and keep every patient moving safely. To learn more about our safety technologies and programs, visit our safety page here.
A car accident on the highway sees the vehicle rollover nine times and ejects our patient out of the vehicle with a multitude of life threatening injuries. Our team refers to our patient as the sickest trauma patient any of them had ever seen. The outlook is very bleak, but our team perseveres and gives every effort to help increase the patient’s odds of survival. While not ultimately successful, this episode provides critical insight and valuable lessons learned from our team about how important providing the very best care is, even when the cause appears lost. We’re joined by Mark Fowler NRP, FP-C.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-53-beyond-the-protocol-a-trauma-teams-enduring-final-commitment. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
A motorcycle accident leaves our patient with a litany of serious injuries and severe bleeding, yet he remains alert and talking to the team… but that’s not the only one he talks to. Our patient puts his life in the hands of a higher power and our Air Methods crew as they work to address his numerous injuries and ailments and get him to a hospital. Hear from the patient himself through this harrowing experience. We’re joined by patient Kyle Hoover, Sarah Baker, RN, PHRN, CEN, CCRN, CFRN, and Jesse Weller, NRP, FPC.
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-52-inner-mechanics-a-motorcycle-accident-and-the-art-of-resilience. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
Our team is dispatched to a scene expecting to assist a pregnant woman in footling breech labor—but when they arrive, the baby has already been delivered and is receiving Basic Life Support (BLS). She’s in critical condition, and the team must act fast. How do they pivot in this high-stakes moment? What life-saving steps do they take as the baby goes into cardiac arrest? As is often the case, the key is going back to the basics. Tune in for this intense and emotional episode, featuring an unexpected twist you won’t see coming. We’re joined by Breanna Bingel RN, BSN, PHRN, TNS, CFRN, CEN, TCRN, CTRN. As always, thanks for listening and fly safe!
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-50-theres-no-place-like-home-or-the-basics. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.
When two flight teams are dispatched to a scene, the first to arrive typically takes the sickest patient—but what happens when conditions on the ground shift that plan? How do teams seamlessly tag in and out to ensure the best care? In this episode of the AMPED Podcast, we break down a high-speed highway collision where multiple patients suffer severe trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, Beck’s triad, tension pneumothorax, and flail chest. With a special guest ride-along, our team navigates critical decisions and life-saving interventions in a fast-paced transport to the hospital. Tune in to hear how teamwork, adaptability, and expertise come together in the face of chaos. We’re joined by Breanna Bingel RN, BSN, PHRN, TNS, CFRN, CEN, TCRN, CTRN; Kayce Thompson, BSN, RN, Flight Nurse; Spenser Rich, RN-Paramedic, CFRN, FPC; Christopher Wright, BSN, RN, CFRN and Shawnee Trindle, ER RN. As always, thanks for listening and fly safe!
AMPED is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. To listen to the episode or catch up on past discussions, visit https://ampedpodcast.libsyn.com/air-methods-prehospital-education-podcast-ep-49-tag-youre-it. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #AMPEDpod on social media.