How does continuous learning and practical experience on the front lines make a difference in transport? Today's episode is hosted by critical care transport trainer, Jena Billig, who sits down with Josh Klute, an expert flight and ICU nurse, who credits specialized Impella training with his confidence and success in transport. Josh recounts his initial challenges and lack of confidence during his first Impella transport, contrasting it with the marked improvement in his skills and confidence after receiving targeted training. Jena and Josh discuss the necessity of continuous education and the value of tailored training in empowering transport teams, ultimately enhancing patient care and provider confidence.

In this episode:

Jena Billig, BSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, Idaho Springs, Colorado

Josh Klute, EMT, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Often, we are lucky to collaborate with specialists to ensure we can best support our patients, and in this episode, host Shane Turner is joined by Nancy Jaworski, an advanced practice nurse with extensive experience in adult congenital heart disease, to learn about challenges and innovations shaping heart failure care today. Nancy discusses the unique challenges of diagnosing and managing adult congenital heart disease.

She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the use of advanced therapies to prevent severe complications. Nancy also gives insights into the critical role of transport providers in navigating these complex cases and the necessity for specialized care centers to optimize outcomes. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of right heart failure from a seasoned expert who bridges the gap between pediatric and adult care.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Nancy Jaworski DNP, APRN, PCNS- BC, Hendersonville, TN

In this episode, host Shane Turner gets insight into the world of specialized transport with Lisa Owen, a clinical nurse specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Lisa oversees a unique team dedicated to transporting patients with acute cardiogenic shock and advanced heart failure, requiring sophisticated mechanical support. Lisa shares the rigorous training, teamwork, and communication strategies that equip her team to handle these high-risk transports effectively.

You’ll learn about the ongoing education and collaboration with surgeons, intensivists, and device representatives that are crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care. Plus, Lisa offers valuable lessons and continuous improvement efforts that set her team apart in the field of critical care transport.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Lisa Owen, MS, RN, CCRN, ACCNS-AG, Acute Shock Program Coordinator URMC, Rochester, NY

Integrating POCUS into transport protocols can revolutionize patient care and outcome in critical

care scenarios. Today, host Shane Turner sits down with flight paramedic Isaac Bennett to

explore the critical role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the management of Impellasupported patients during transport. With 14 years of EMS experience, including 7 years flying with the Hospital Wing program based in Memphis, Isaac shares his expert insights on how

POCUS can guide Impella positioning, monitor volume status, and troubleshoot alarms effectively, even in challenging pre-hospital environments.

Plus, they discuss practical techniques for obtaining clear cardiac views and the importance oflandmarks and regular practice. This episode is a must-listen for transport clinicians looking to enhance their diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes with POCUS.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN, Abiomed

Isaac Bennett, Flight Paramedic, Memphis Tennessee

Today we’re going ‘back to basics’ with Austin Provence, a cardiothoracic nurse who brings a decade of experience in transporting patients with Impella devices and the importance of seamless teamwork. With over a decade of experience, Austin highlights two critical scenarios: stable patients needing higher care and critically ill patients requiring immediate interventions. He underscores the importance of mastering proper Impella placement and management, noting that a significant portion of these patients may present additional health challenges.

Austin shares practical tips on maintaining the correct angle to prevent bleeding, managing sedation, and ensuring clear communication between hospital and transport teams. This episode is packed with best practices and strategies to enhance the competency and confidence of transport clinicians in handling complex cardiac cases.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Austin Provence, Hospital Wing Flight Nurse

Impella devices can be game-changers for cardiogenic shock, and members of the care team who manage these patients during transport require specific training and skills to optimize patient outcomes. Today, host Shane Turner is joined by Ryan Harmon to take an inside look at the systematic approach one clinician uses to troubleshoot issues and optimize these advanced therapies. Ryan Harmon is a clinical care coordinator in the emergency room with extensive experience as both a nurse and a paramedic.

Harmon emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to troubleshooting issues, such as preload, afterload, and positioning, and the importance of managing medications to avoid complications. You’ll also learn the value of having a knowledgeable partner and being prepared for potential challenges during transports.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Ryan Harmon, Critical Care Transport Nurse/Paramedic, Lebanon, OH

In this second installment of our Data Deep Dive, Shane Turner reconnects with Ken Kasica, who specializes in cardiovascular pharmacology at Abiomed. The two dissect the complex interactions between drug therapies and the Impella heart pumps in critical care. Learn about the impact of vasoconstrictive drugs such as levosimendan and norepinephrine on Impella performance, and studies that highlight the risks associated with high doses of inotropes and vasopressors. This episode provides essential insights for transport clinicians on managing patients with these medications, including strategies from heart teams at destination centers for device escalation, and the latest advancements in the field.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN, Abiomed

Ken Kasica, PharmD, MBA, Director, Scientific Intelligence, Abiomed

Teaching best practices for transporting Impella patients is something Zac Bunzey handles every day. As a clinical education manager at Life Flight Network, Zac joins Shane Turner to share how targeted training campaigns, hands-on experience, and tools like the Impella app, combined with Abiomed’s 24/7 support, have markedly boosted crew confidence and proficiency.

Plus, you’ll learn about the importance of cognitive aids and routine practice with low-frequency events to maintain skills. Whether you're experienced in Impella transports or new to the process, this episode offers crucial strategies to enhance your crew's readiness and effectiveness in managing these critical patients.

In this episode:

Shane Turner, RN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C, CMTE, Chattanooga, TN

Zac Bunzey, Clinical Education Manager, Life Flight Network