HEALTHNET AEROMEDICAL SERVICES VISIT BSCTC NURSING STUDENTS

Members of the flight crew for Healthnet Aeromedical Services, operated by Air Methods, visited second-year nursing students on the Prestonsburg campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) on Tuesday, April 28.

Pilot Mike Salemi, flight nurse Aaron Sparks and flight paramedic P.D. Conley spoke to students about careers in flight medicine as well as the importance of the service in rural areas.

A lot of nursing students dont know about the careers in flight medicine or how it operates, said Sparks. Healthnet Aeromedical Services has a location at the Big Sandy Regional Airport in Martin County. Once we talk to students, we see an interest in our field of work.

Michelle Brewer, of Harold, said the presentation by Healthnet brought home the realization that graduation is just around the corner.

Its an exciting time, she said. BSCTC will hold a commencement and pinning ceremony for nursing and dental hygiene graduates at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9 at the Mountain Arts Center. You could see the passion these guys have for their work.

Nikolas Hall, of Grethel, said the presentation peaked my interest.

I want to thank the crew for taking time out of their busy schedules to talk to us, he said.

Marsha McKenzie, associate dean for allied health, said interaction between nurses working in the field and current students is a critical component, especially in the final weeks leading to graduation.

Medicine is so broad, and it is ever evolving, she said. Air medicine is such a critically important part of the medical community here in Eastern Kentucky. The service connects the most critical of patients to trauma facilities in an expedited fashion.