The document discusses induction and ongoing training for aeromedical personnel at Capital Air Ambulance. It outlines their recruitment process and highlights the importance of simulation, eLearning, mentoring, competency assessments, and annual reviews in their educational program. The program aims to increase competence, improve patient safety, and ensure a highly trained workforce through a variety of teaching methods and regular evaluation of the training provided.

1. Induction and Education for
Aeromedical Personnel
An Air Ambulance Perspective
Dominic Rose
Chief Flight Nurse
Capital Air Ambulance

2. Introduction..
• The UK’s largest air ambulance operator
• Fleet of 8 Aircraft and 4 Ground
Ambulances
– 3 Bombardier Lear Jet 45’s
– 5 Beechcraft King Air 200’s (one with cargo door
for increased bariatric capability)
– 4 critical care road ambulances
• Adult Critical Care, Neonatal and Pediatric
Transfer Service
• Worldwide AOC, Wing 2 Wing Alliance
• Based at Exeter Airport, UK

3. Introduction…
• Preferred provider agreements
including with the NHS and
Royal Air Force
• Fully accredited for medical
training by the RCoA and GMC

4. Objectives …
• Introduce an approach to induction
and ongoing training for aeromedical
personnel
• Show how high-fidelity simulation
can aid ongoing training and
development
• Discuss the role of mentoring and
appraisal in ensuring a highly trained
and motivated work force

5. Recruitment..
• Acquisition of CV and
shortlisting
• Successful interview, to
include aeromedical clinical
scenarios
• Satisfactory due diligence,
references and DBS
• Review of Health screening
questionnaire by Occupation
Health
Vacancy: Flight Nurse (Critical Care)
Appointment: Bank/Fixed Term
Person Requirements
Essential Criteria
Full and unrestricted registration in the United Kingdom
At least 3 years experience at Band 5 nurse level or above
At least 3 years experience in a critical care environment with confidence and
familiarity in transportation of ventilated and inotrope/pressor-dependent
patients
Currently able to work in ICU on a full or part-time basis to ensure skills
currency (currency requirements to be individually set by the Medical Director)
Approved and accredited critical care or emergency medicine post graduate
qualification
(completion of all CC3N competencies will also be considered)
Resuscitation training (ALS) within the past 4 years or ILS in the last 1 year
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Enthusiasm and commitment
Good health record
Physical fitness for aeromedical work
DBS clearance
Desired Criteria
Previous experience in aeromedical transportation of critically ill or injured
patients
Prior aeromedical training courses or examinations
Experienced traveller or overseas work experience
Ability to work efficiently under stressful conditions

6. Aeromedical Induction..

7. Simulation

8. Simulation
• Benefits of high fidelity sim
– Increase competence
– Improve patient safety
– Reduce healthcare costs
• Importance of debrief

9. eLearning
• Blue Stream Academy
• Bespoke eLearning package
• Read receipt of policy documents
• Annual and two yearly requirements
• Online overview and monitoring of
compliance
• Safeguarding (Adults and
Children)
• Manual Handling
• Infection Control
• Medicines management
• Incident reporting
• GDPR Awareness
• Mental Capacity
• Principles of Health and
Safety
• Waste Management
• Medical Devices
• Records Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Consent

10. Mentor and competency processes

11. Annual Continuing Professional
Development (CPD)

12. Evaluation and review…
• Agenda item at
fortnightly quality and
effectiveness meeting.
• Open review of training
provided and enables
adaptation to
programme
• Regular forum for
service improvement
• Attended by all

13. Appraisal

14. Summary
• An aeromedical educational programme should use a variety of teaching methods and
should include clinical simulation
• The process of an educational programme is an ongoing cycle of education, mentorship,
assessment and review
• An education programme should be evaluated by those that attend and reviewed on a
regular basis.
• Simulation has a particularly important role in healthcare education and the process of
debrief is essential to the learning process.
• Any education programme should be delivered by individuals with expertise and
experience in the field that is being taught
• Aeromedical training should be recurrent to ensure a competent and up to date work
force.
• There is a demand for high quality medical education and I believe there to be a need for
greater opportunity for royal college or university approved aeromedical training courses
for nurses.
• Whilst we don’t currently provide this we aim to establish external education
programmes in 2020, including Neonatal, Adult and Paediatric Safe Transfer and
Retrieval (NAPSTaR) on behalf of ALSG and accredited industry specific resuscitation
training