We
see them in the skies over Cleveland and Akron but very few have met the
MedEvac Emergency Flight Team for University Hospitals. Two teams of two
critical care nurses and a pilot flew over 1100 missions last year. The
Eurocopter BK 117, under command of pilot, Tom Luczynski, is capable of
transporting up to two patients as well as its team. Capable of ground speeds
of 130 knots, this aircraft is essential in shaving off those critical minutes
needed to see that patients are transported for lifesaving care. Tom Luczynski,
General, US National Guard (ret.) is a more than capable pilot. He first
learned in the Army in 1972. His 35 years flying helicopters in the military
have honed his skills for making the quick decisions needed in flying a
helicopter under challenging conditions. He has served as one of the pilots of
this transport team for one and a half years.
The
team can be comprised of the pilot and two nurses or a nurse/paramedic team.
Deborah Revello, RN and Rhonda Greenberger, RN were on board. For this
interview. Deborah has been a registered nurse for 14 years and has worked on
the air transport team for one and a half years. Rhonda has been a registered
nurse for 13 years and also a member of the air transport team for one and a
half years. She was a member of the ground team for four years. These ladies
are at the top of their game, able to provide critical care on the scene when
necessary. The copter is equipped with the tools. It is equipped with all of
the equipment needed for adults and pediatrics that would be found in a state
of the art ICU. A full range of medications is on board, including the latest
heart medications.
At
the recent Bart Wolstein Legacy Golf tournament, Wayne Fleck, Program Director
for the MedEvac Emergency Flight Team, was on had with the team to answer
questions for the guests about the helicopter. One guest won a tour of
Cleveland in the passenger seat at the evening’s silent auction. The MedEvac
team is very popular, especially with pediatrics. For those who did not win
the tour, they can download MedEvac 911, a simulation game of the Eurocopter
over Cleveland at http://www.uhhospitals.org/tabid/215/Default.aspx.
For
more information about University Hospitals go to their website at
http://www.uhhospitals.org.
