A Canadian helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) crew took first place out of 12 teams that competed in the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) annual Sim Cup competition held during the most recent Air Medical Transportation Conference (AMTC). In front of a live audience and panel of judges, teams of two HEMS professionals worked patient simulations in individual 25-minute preliminary rounds of last October's AMTC in Phoenix. The best four teams competed in the final “hiking in the desert” scenario—complete with fake rattlesnakes, an overbearing police officer, simulated respiratory failure, and other trauma.
Flight nurse Jenny Thorpe and paramedic Matthew Hogan from the Canada-based Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) won the event, receiving cash prizes of $300 each and individual replicas of the glass Sim Cup. “It was an honor to represent STARS and our home base of Saskatoon,” said Thorpe. “Our win is a direct result of the support and preparation of our family at STARS.” The team from Ontario, Canada-based Ornge took second place.
According to Sim Cup chairperson Stacy Wicinski, the teams were selected by lottery from more than 20 entries, with the previous year’s winners automatically offered a slot. Teams consist of two HEMS professionals—generally flight nurses, paramedics, physicians, or respiratory technicians—currently employed in a critical care transport program, and are judged on their overall approach and management of the scene. The volunteer judges, who are also seasoned HEMS professionals, assess points during the scenarios for attributes such as communication, teamwork, troubleshooting, creativity, time management, demeanor, and safety.
“The points separating the top four this year were minimal, and it came down to finite details, communication, and time management,” said Wicinski, a flight nurse specialist and trainer for Cleveland Metro Life Flight. “What’s truly important is that these teams learn, make connections, share ideas, and become better practitioners in their jobs.”