Air Evac Lifeteam Flight Crew wins silver medal in AEL Access Challenge

PERRY, Ga. — Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) Flight Nurse Leslie Hernandez and Flight Paramedic Coy Tippins won second place in the AEL Access Challenge. Hernandez and Tippins, team members from two bases in Georgia, were one of two teams chosen to represent the southeast region. The Access Challenge is a rigorous competition where teams must complete simulations of complex patient care scenarios, showcasing their patient-care skillset and clinical knowledge. Throughout the challenge, selected teams are evaluated by medical directors, additional EMS crew members and clinical specialists.

“The Access Challenge was an amazing experience,” said Hernandez. “Not only was it a rigorous test on our knowledge and skills, but it was also a great opportunity to bond with other team members from across the country.”

Hernandez and Tippins, who had not previously worked a shift together, prepared for weeks leading up to the competition, gaining further insight into their clinical capabilities.

“The whole crew here in Perry is extremely proud of the great work done by Leslie and Coy,” says AEL Program Director Jeremy Poole.

Each year, the AEL clinical services team hosts the Access Challenge in conjunction with their employee appreciation weekend. The purpose of the Access Challenge is to create an environment that fosters team bonding while simultaneously assessing clinical education needs for AEL crews. The winners of the AEL Access Challenge represent Air Evac Lifeteam at the Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference (CCTMC) in the spring, competing in the CCCTMC simulation challenge.

HHJ News