The core of the Air Medical Program are the primary flight nurses and in Iqaluit, Registered Respiratory Therapists. Each Flight nurse is a registered nurse, with emergency or intensive care experience. Many have remote or rural nursing experience as well. Our RRT’s are experienced in critical care and transport.
Our comprehensive initial training includes 12-14 days in the classroom reviewing the knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a remote setting, such as Nunavut.
This training includes orientation to the cultural uniqueness of our clients, the overall operation, including our policies and procedures, a review of adult, pediatric and neonatal emergency and trauma care, a review of obstetrical emergencies, and a course on air medical transport.
Aviation safety, as well as Arctic survival, is a component of our training as well.All nurses are qualified with the following:
Recurrent training and exams ensure competency in procedures that are beyond the usual scope of nursing or RRT practice, including airway management, defibrillation and cardioversion, external pacing, needle decompression of the chest and insertion of the COOK needle thoracentesis catheter, intraosseous infusion and umbilical venous catheterization.