Fall 2015

FAL L 2 015
So Serious, So Fast
An Infection Becomes an Emergency in South Lake Tahoe Page 2
The Last Piece
Page 4
Outreach Education
A Special Reunion
Page 5
Page 7
SO SERIOUS, SO FAST
An Infection Becomes
an Emergency in South
Lake Tahoe
By: Laura Kaufman
2
Living in beautiful Christmas Valley, near
South Lake Tahoe, Billie Jo and Paul McAfee
are used to a fairly self-sufficient life. The
valley is 1,000 feet down, tucked into the
mountains along Hwy. 89. Paul, a former
Marine, and a heavy equipment mechanic
for the City of South Lake Tahoe, is also
a HAM radio operator. Billie Jo, a retired
California Tahoe Conservancy secretary,
says, “Due to the isolated area, we have
been CALSTAR members for years.”
Billie Jo, 68, recalls the challenges when
winter pass closures cut off the valley
from surrounding communities. But a
different, unusual emergency arose for her
last winter—a fast-moving, mysterious
flu-like illness—that put their CALSTAR
membership into action. “We are prepared
for many things, but we were not prepared
for this. It was so insidious, the way it
snuck up on me. I realized that it was
getting worse very quickly,” she says.
On the first of February, Billie Jo developed
an unusual cough. Then, she started
vomiting.
Drinking lots
“AT THE TIME,
of fluids, she
I HAD NO IDEA
suspected she
HOW SICK I WAS.“ had the flu, but
wasn’t sure.
Three days later, she met her husband
at the door as he returned from work. “I
think I’m in trouble,” she said. They went
directly to the ER at Barton Memorial
Hospital in South Lake Tahoe. On the way,
Top photo: Winter Flight
Left: Barton Memorial Hospital Helipad
she passed out in the car. “When we got
there, they asked me to spell my name,
and I couldn’t.” That is all she remembers.
Billie Jo was already in critical condition.
CALSTAR was called to transfer her
quickly to the trauma center, Renown
Regional Medical Center in Reno. She
vaguely remembers thinking that the
helicopter looked like a tiny mosquito,
and she didn’t think she would fit inside!
But during the flight, she recalls feeling
comfortable and warm.
“I remember the scene in little funny flash
clips,” she says. “I remember a soothing
voice saying ‘in two minutes we will land,
and here's what will happen.’”
Flight Nurse Mark Haase was on the
transport that evening. He recalls Billie
Jo’s situation as complex, compounded
by multiple factors, including electrolyte
imbalances and fever. “She was gravely
ill with overt cardiac complications that
warranted rapid air ambulance,” he says. “I
recall her demeanor to be rather brave and
calm in light of the seriousness.”
On arrival, Billie Jo vaguely remembers
having a port installed in her neck, being
prepared for surgery, and then bright
lights overhead. She was later in the
ICU for two days. She kept waking up to
discover doctors all around her, but was
not able to answer their questions. Her
husband was always there. Billie Jo was
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3
October 2015 marked another significant milestone
in the history of California Shock Trauma Air Rescue
(CALSTAR) when the organization
chose the Airbus H135 P3 to replace
its remaining four legacy BO105LS
helicopters. This aircraft acquisition
represents the conclusion of CALSTAR’s
fleet modernization plan, which was
launched in 2012.
THE
LAST
PIECE
“CALSTAR followed a very rigorous
review process that included a detailed
analysis by third party expert Conklin &
de Decker Associates and hands-on trials by our own
pilots and flight nurses,” explained Lynn D. Malmstrom,
President and CEO.
“The H135 became the clear leader after we were able
to test its capabilities in our unique high/hot operating
environment.”
Over the last three years, CALSTAR has coordinated
an operational transition to move the organization
toward greater standardization and a variety of gains
in operational efficiency by selling 20 legacy aircraft in
three years and successfully acquiring and deploying
eight new EC135 P2 helicopters and two Beechcraft King
Air B200 airplanes.
Before year-end 2015, two of the five new H135
helicopters will be delivered to Metro Aviation for medical
interior completion and paint, with delivery to CALSTAR
expected in the first quarter of 2016. The last three
aircraft are scheduled to arrive at Metro for completion
by mid-spring 2016. As soon as the new helicopters are
operational, CALSTAR will remove the last four BO105’s
from service, thus completing its fleet upgrade.
“We are extremely happy that this fleet transformation
is now nearing its conclusion,” says Tad Henderson,
COO. “As with the eight previous acquisitions, these
new H135 helicopters will have a positive impact on our
operations and will allow us to continue to provide the
safest transport and care possible to our patients and
healthcare partners in the communities we serve.”
Designed to operate in higher altitudes, such as those
surrounding CALSTAR-6 in the Sierra Nevada mountain
range, the H135 P3 is known for its power, control, low
sound levels, reliability, and cost competitiveness. The
twin-engine helicopter can land almost anywhere,
particularly in high and hot conditions, while carrying
440 pounds more weight over longer distances than
other rotorcraft in its category.
CALSTAR is the first air medical transport provider in
the U.S. to acquire the H135.
Best Wishes for
Health & Happiness
Can piece of mind fit in a stocking? Of course!
This holiday season, surprise friends, family and the special people
you know with a CALSTAR membership. Your generous gift will help
our effort to provide life-saving services in your community.
Gift memberships for families and individuals can be purchased online at
www.calstar.org/membership or by calling 1-888-207-LIFE (5433).
4
CALSTAR
Welcomes
New Director
of Safety
CALSTAR IS PLEASED TO
ANNOUNCE THE RECENT
APPOINTMENT OF
MICHAEL W. KOENES
“Mr. Koenes brings significant real-world
safety experience and insight to the
organization, which will further support
CALSTAR’s commitment to the safety of
our crews and the patients we transport,”
noted Lynn D. Malmstrom, President/CEO.
From 2007 until
accepting the offer
to join CALSTAR,
Koenes was the
Sr. Director of
Flight Safety at Air
Methods in Denver,
CO, and a key player
in delivering safety programs to the largest
air medical company in the world.
Michael began his career in the U.S. Air
Force, serving in active duty for 15 years.
His prior experience includes his work at
Rocky Mountain Helicopters as a Lead
Maintenance Technician, and later, at Flight
Management Corporation, as Aviation
Maintenance Coordinator. In addition,
Michael is a certified International Standard
for Business Aircraft Operations Auditor, a
certified Safety Management Systems and
Aviation Program Management designee
from the Transportation Safety Institute, as
well as a certified Safety Risk Management
Trainer. During his career, Michael earned
his Airframe Powerplant and Inspection
Authorization certificates in addition to his
Private Pilot’s license and instrument rating.
“Michael is deeply committed to both
safety and service excellence" Tad
Henderson, COO, adds. "His appointment
will greatly enhance our leadership and
the quality of our day-to-day operations.”
Outreach
Education
Visit www.calstar.org/events to see
a comprehensive list of Education
activities, or contact CALSTAR’s
Education Services Manager,
Margaret Franklin: (916) 921-4066,
mfranklin@calstar.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Burn Management – January 15
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Center Street Education Building, 405 Center Street, Yuba City
We will discuss the differences associated with pediatric and adult burn
patients, classification of burns, treatment, and case studies.
This Lecture is appropriate for nurses, paramedics and first responders, and
will provide 2 hours of continuing education credit.
To obtain addition information or to register, please contact Eric Morgenroth:
emorgenroth@frhg.org, (530) 749-4541
12-Lead ECG Interpretation – January 29
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Twin Cities Community Hospital,
Founder’s Pavilion, Morgan Conference Center
Course Topic(s):
• Review basic and intermediate ECG concepts.
• Describe configuration of the 12 leads.
• Differentiate between ischemia, injury, and infarction patterns.
• Learn how to determine the axis and confidently identify what the
deviation implies.
• Recognize changes in ECG waveforms for patients with hyperkalemia and
other abnormalities.
Knowledge of basic ECG interpretation is recommended prior to taking a 12lead class.
This Course is appropriate for nurses, paramedics and first responders, and
will provide 4 hours of continuing education credit.
To obtain additional information or to register, please contact Jan Tiffin, RN,
Education Manager: jan.tiffin@tenethealth.com, (805) 434-4303
TCCH and SVRMC employees may register for this course via Healthstream
Learning Center .edu system. Please choose the class with the teacher/easel
icon on the right side of the page.
5
Funding Update
Photo: Kaleigh McCollum
We are pleased to report that we are now more than
halfway to our portable radio project funding goal.
CALSTAR is grateful for the
many individual donations we
have received thus far, and we
would also like to thank and
acknowledge AIG for contributing
$5,000 toward this important
For more information on
initiative. For more information on
AIG’s corporate citizenship,
AIG’s corporate citizenship and
please visit www.aig.com.
community giving efforts, please visit:
http://www.aig.com/citizenship_3171_437858.html
CALSTAR is seeking individual contributions and grant funding to
replace our current handheld units with new high-performance
MOTOTRBO XPR 7000
Series radios. The cost to
New Two-Way
equip each rotor base with
Portable Radios
three primary radios and one
backup unit is approximately
Total Funding
$4,000 per base, for a total
Needed: $17,000
project cost of $32,000.
Remaining Funding
CALSTAR plans to purchase
the new radios and put them
Needed: $15,000
into service by early 2016.
Reliable two-way radio communications are vital to
CALSTAR’s operations.
If you would like to support this project or another area of need,
you can do so online by visiting www.calstar.org/donations.
To donate by mail instead, please send your donation to:
CALSTAR Development & Outreach
4933 Bailey Loop
McClellan, CA 95652
For all who have contributed to date, we thank
you once again for your support!
CALSTAR Receives New Clinical Training,
Base Operations Funding
We would like to acknowledge the following organizations for their
generous support of several priority projects since our last publication:
• Chevron provided $4,000 in grant funding for new airway training devices and facility
improvements at CALSTAR 7 (Santa Maria).
• Plumer Family Fund, an advised fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation, contributed
$1,000 in general operating support for CALSTAR 7.
• Santa Clara County EMS Trust Fund granted CALSTAR $2,000 for new airway training
devices at CALSTAR 2 (Gilroy).
• The George and Ruth Bradford Foundation awarded $2,000 to support our CALSTAR 4
(Ukiah) base operations.
• CALSTAR also received a total of $2,500 through the Walmart Community Grant
Program from several stores in the Sacramento-Sierra Foothills region to assist our
clinical outreach education efforts.
We offer our sincere thanks to each of these organizations, and are
pleased to recognize them as valued community partners.
6
Walmart, Chevron and others recently
provided funding for CALSTAR’s operations
and clinical education program.
A Special Reunion
Recently, at the annual banquet
of Alameda County Emergency
Medical Services, 10-year-old
Carlo Cooney got the chance
to meet the camp counselors,
First Responders and CALSTAR
flight crew who responded to his
emergency last March.
While ascending a rock-climbing
wall at the YMCA Camp in
Livermore, Carlo’s heart suddenly
stopped. Camp counselors provided
CPR and utilized a defibrillator to
shock his heart into action, and
CALSTAR Pilot Mike Kunkel visits with the Cooney family
then First Responders worked
To honor the team and their efforts, Alameda
to stabilize him for transport. CALSTAR
County EMS presented those involved with
flight nurses, Michelle Starbuck and Tim
the 2015 Siren Award and reunited them
Castelli, provided critical care en route to
with the Cooney family.
UCSF Benioff Children’s
Hospital where he
“Carlos told me he wants to fly helicopters
was treated by the
when he grows up,” beamed Mike Kunkel,
trauma team.
pilot. “We are very honored to be given this
opportunity to spend time with Carlos and
his family. It’s a rare gift to meet the patients
2015 Siren
we transport and learn about their recovery.
Award, Alameda
County EMS
We appreciate every moment of it.”
On behalf of the
“participants,
I wish
to thank CALSTAR
for sharing the vital
work that all your
personnel do.
”
– Brian J. Scally, AHC
EMS Program Assistant
The Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) of Santa Maria
completes an informative session
and drill with CALSTAR-7.
Recent Hires & Promotions
CALSTAR is pleased to welcome the following new team members and congratulate those who have assumed new roles
since our last publication:
New Hires
Fallon Wareham
Flight Nurse
Matthew Hackney
Flight Nurse
Martin Korey
Operational Control Center
Specialist
Thomas McNeil
Operational Control Center
Specialist
Billie Woodyard
Transfer Center Coordinator
Fred Maru
Flight Nurse
Jack Finnegan
Transfer Center Coordinator
Promotions
Jennifer Wilkinson
Transfer Center Coordinator
Steven McCarthy
Transfer Center Coordinator
John Bettencourt
Regional Operations Director
Mary Garrett
Transfer Center Coordinator
Michael Koenes
Director of Safety
Dianne Cooper
Base Aircraft Technician
Emily Schaaf
A/P Specialist
Jason Sanada
Aircraft Technician
Kelly Cox
Admin Coordinator
Megan Kastorsky
Flight Nurse
Mike Eagle
Regional Operations Director
Mike Spiro
Flight Nurse
Paul Stack
Lead Pilot
Toby Sparks
Transfer Center Coordinator
Tonisha Armstrong
Transfer Center Coordinator
Christi Claudio
Payroll/Scheduling Manager
Desiree Deen
Supply Chain Specialist II
Matt Alvis
Supply Chain Specialist
Stephanie Gavin
Transfer Center Coordinator I
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›› continued from page 3 ››
So Serious, So Fast
4933 Bailey Loop | McClellan, CA 95652
WWW.CALSTAR.ORG
CALSTAR is an
equal opportunity
provider and employer
Please visit
www.calstar.org/partners
for a list of
our Member and
Affiliate Hospitals
camts
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems
Accredited since 2001
Accredited
since 2001
CALSTAR is fully accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS),
which acknowledges excellence in program safety, patient
care, communications, education and administration.
camts
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems
Accredited since 2001
CALSTAR Board of Directors
Kenneth L. Meehan,
Board Chairman & Associate Member
COO, Atlas Lift Tech
Lynn D. Malmstrom, Board President
President & CEO, CALSTAR
Michael S. Heil, Director
Principal, HealthWorks, Inc.
Kacey Hansen, RN,
Member Representative
Executive Director of Trauma &
Regional Transfer Center Services
John Muir Health, Walnut Creek
Mike T. Johnson, FACHE,
Member Representative
President & CEO
Regional Medical Center of San Jose
Dionne Cruz Miller,
Member Representative
Chief Operating Officer
Sutter Roseville Medical Center
CALSTAR Management Team
Lynn D. Malmstrom – President & CEO
Mark Vincenzini – Chief Financial Officer
Tad Henderson – Chief Operations Officer
put into quarantine, and on the fifth day,
her doctor told her what had happened:
severe sepsis.
“I had to look it up, as I had never heard
of it. I was shocked to discover that this
was one of the things people died from in
World War I, when they had wounds and
no antibiotics. It’s a bacterial infection, and
it can get into your bloodstream and take
over, wrecking your organs and your brain.
I read that people often die within about
four days.”
According to the Sepsis Alliance, sepsis is
the body’s toxic response to infection. The
organization says that “every hour that
sepsis is not treated increases the risk of
death.”
“I truly believe that I would not be alive
if not for the helicopter transport. At the
time, I had no idea how sick I was. Sepsis
gets to a point where you can’t reverse it,
and time is of the essence,” she says. “An
ambulance would have taken an hour and
a half, but CALSTAR got me there in about
20 minutes.”
In Billie Jo’s case, the source of the sepsis
was a mystery. To her surprise, much
later it was discovered to be caused by a
seriously diseased gallbladder. Tests of that
organ had originally come back normal—
its condition possibly masked by all the
medications and antibiotics she was on.
However, as she continued healing, she
was still aware that something was not
quite right.
Recovery and Recharging
After about two months, Billie Jo felt good
enough to go for coffee or shopping with
friends, but found she would have to spend
the next two days in bed. “I’d tell myself,
this is a reminder that you were very sick –
and need to take things slow.”
Something still wasn’t allowing her to
fully bounce back. After she underwent a
highly specialized scan, it was indeed found
that her
gallbladder
was in bad
shape.
When
she had it
removed,
months
later,
Billie Jo
recovered
right away.
Recently,
she stopped
Billie Jo McAfee
by the
CALSTAR
station at the South Lake Tahoe airport
to say “hello,” and to thank the staff for
her nick-of-time transport last February.
“It’s amazing what CALSTAR pilots and
personnel can do. In winter here, we have
bad accidents or mishaps in the Kirkwood
area, and they are crackerjack at getting
in and helping people in need. I’ve told
everyone in the valley that it’s a no-brainer:
join as a member,” Billie Jo says.
“I just want to extend my thanks to
CALSTAR. If they hadn’t gotten me to
the trauma center in such an expeditious
manner, I probably wouldn’t be here to
deliver the message,” she adds.
Back in Christmas Valley, the McAfees are
again readying for the winter. This time,
they are looking forward to a happy, healthy,
and much less eventful New Year.
Cover Photo: Randy Sharp
OUR MISSION:
To save lives, reduce disability and speed recovery for victims of trauma
and illness through rapid transport, quality medical care and education.