Some Lessons Learned (some learned the hard way).

Occasions sometimes present themselves where a good choice and a bad choice are before you. Frustration sometimes colors judgement and often a self assessment can be a valuable tool in refocusing yourself so that you will continue to grow in your role as an air medical crew member, be a productive part of the team and when that good/bad choice presents itself, you are able to make the right call.

Bellow are some of the things I find are helpful thoughts to remind myself of. I encourage you to comment and add your own at the bottom of the page.

1. Begin each day/shift with purposeful prayer asking not only for a safe return from every mission for every crew member working in this industry, but also for positive productive crew interaction and for guidance in promoting safety with everyone you come in contact with.

2. Seek out every opportunity to get involved and be part of the solution (safety committee, preceptor, mentor, base lead etc).

3. When things don't appear to be happening (with regard to safety improvements or other issues) follow up only with those in charge with the ability to affect the change you seek. Do not voice opinions in opens settings where nothing can be accomplished and the likelihood of additional complaining will ensue.

4. Stop anything coming out of your mouth that doesn't fit into one of these categories: positive, productive, supportive, useful, helpful or educational.

5. Take pride in being a representative of not only your program and employer, but of the entire air medical community.

6. Never do or say anything you don't want recorded and uploaded to YouTube within one minute and that you would then have to watch later with your: mother, daughter, spouse, boss or that a potential employer on your job interview would replay to you and ask for an explanation during your dream job interview.

7. Never let the urgency of the job we do cause you to rush the manner in which you do it. Take your time. The industry in full of examples of pilots lifting of with cords still attached and wrong medicines administered; check and double check.

8. When frustration sets in, talk only with someone who has the ability to help resolve the issue or concern.

9. Arrive to work rested and excited about the opportunity to enhance your programs goals and objectives, while providing excellent medical and aviation services. Seek out opportunities to be a steward of your program, especially to those who aren't familiar with your organization. Take a few minutes and leave a positive, lasting impression on someone who might otherwise never have the opportunity to know about what we do. You don't want people formulating their HEMS opinion based on certain television programs if you know what I mean.

10. Know that everywhere you go in uniform there is someone listening and watching. That lady behind you in line at the grocery store, or walking beside you while you're talking on your cell phone just might be the mother of the CEO of your hospital.

11. Never allow pride and ego to play a part in your decision to continue on a course of action that your rational mind knows is unsafe.

This list is in no way inclusive. I ask that you take the opportunity to add to it with your own, learned lessons and recommendations. Use the comment boxes bellow and add your own. Remember we all have something to teach one another. Fly Safe.