Inside Impella®: Transport Talks

When it comes to ensuring safe and successful medical transports, our work begins with preparation and logistics. In this episode, host Shane Turner sits down with veteran flight transport provider, Robin Wallace. With over 25 years of experience in the southeast as both a paramedic and a flight nurse, Robin shares her invaluable insights on transporting critically ill cardiac patients.

Robin shares the essential practices she has honed, including the use of checklists, meticulous vehicle preparation, and mastering communication techniques. Learn how effective teamwork and clear, concise directives can make all the difference during unexpected events in flight. This episode is packed with knowledge for anyone involved in medical transport, offering actionable advice and proven strategies to enhance patient care during critical moments.

In this episode:

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

Robin Wallace, BSN, RN, CFRN, CEN, NRP, Chattanooga, TN

Are there different training protocols for maintaining expertise in Impella patient management when cases are infrequent? In this episode, Shane Turner is joined by Dustin McKeel, a seasoned Flight Paramedic and Clinical Base Educator from Memphis, to explore how the city's limited critical care options have spurred innovative training solutions.

Learn how hands-on cadaver labs, real case studies, and rigorous simulations are equipping transport crews with the confidence and skills needed to handle complex patient scenarios effectively. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on enhancing clinical capabilities and decision-making skills through advanced training methods.

In this episode:

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

Dustin McKeel, FP-C, Flight Paramedic, Clinical Base Educator, Memphis, TN

In the age of data, evidence-based decision-making is essential for improving patient outcomes. Join host Shane Turner and special guest Ken Kasica, Director of Scientific Intelligence for Abiomed J&J MedTech, for a deep dive into the complexities of interpreting clinical trials and medical device development.

Shane and Ken emphasize the importance of considering the patient's perspective in all analyses, from the challenges of evaluating evidence in critical care transport, to the limitations of relying solely on white papers and sponsored research.

This episode is full of valuable insights from two industry experts. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your understanding of data-driven healthcare practices, and stay tuned for regular data deep dives in the future.

In this episode:

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

Ken Kasica, PharmD, MBA, Director, Scientific Intelligence

Keeping Impella access sites exposed during movement and transport can make a critical difference in patient care, especially during short ground transports. In this episode, former flight nurse D.D. Finder sits down with trainer Jena Billig to recount a challenging case involving a heart failure patient on an Impella device for ECMO treatment.

In this episode:

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

D.D. Finder, RN, BSN, CCRN, CFRN, Colorado

Welcome to Abiomed's Quarterly Update, where education is at the forefront. In this episode, host Shane Turner is joined by Jena Billig, primary trainer for the West region, to dive into the intricacies of the Impella pump's heparin-free purge system.

Jena provides a comprehensive understanding while addressing misconceptions. She explains the importance of using a dextrose and water-based purge solution with heparin or sodium bicarb additive to prevent blood proteins from accumulating in the pump motor housing. Plus, Shane and Jena explore new features of the Impella Five, gen two catheter, designed to enhance safety for transport providers, including the intuitive catalog system and three-point fixation method.

Whether you're a seasoned provider or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights to improve patient care and transport practices. Tune in now to stay informed and elevate your knowledge of the Impella device and purge system!

In this episode:

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

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

Beyond logistics, safe transport requires effective communication, thorough planning and a commitment to continual learning. Today, Shane Turner is joined by Billy Thompson, a seasoned flight nurse with extensive experience in managing Impella patients. Plus, Shane and Billy explore key considerations such as assessing patient stability and properly securing the Impella console. Whether you're a seasoned transport professional or new to the field, this episode provides invaluable insights to ensure the safe and effective transport of these complex patients.

In this episode:

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

Billy Thompson, CFRN, CCRN, NREMT, Chattanooga, TN

What makes us tick? Join Shane Turner and the Abiomed transport team as they share the driving forces behind their dedication to training. From simplifying complex issues to empowering transport crews, Transport Talks is here to help you feel more confident and, ultimately, to buoy patient outcomes. Let Transport Talks be your companion as you focus on what truly matters: patient recovery and saving lives beyond the hospital walls.

In this episode, hear from members of Abiomed’s Critical Care Transport training team:

Diana Draehn, RN, BSN, CFRN, LP, Dallas, TX

Jena Billig, BSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, Denver, CO

Caleb Merrell, RN, BSN, CFRN, LP, Austin, TX

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

Memorial Hermann Life Flight created an innovative approach to improving patient care and transport efficiency for critically ill patients requiring Impella support. Go behind the scenes to discover how their program's transition to independently transporting patients with Impella devices has led to reduced transport times and enhanced patient outcomes. Plus, gain valuable insights and recommendations for implementing similar models in your transport program.

In this episode:

Diana Draehn, Abiomed Critical Care Team Trainer, Dallas, TX

Rudy Cabrera, Director and Chief Flight Nurse, Memorial Hermann Life Flight

Tony Herrera, Clinical Educator, Memorial Hermann Life Flight

As members of Abiomed's Critical Care Transport Team, we know that every transport is a lifeline, and every moment counts in our mission to recover hearts and save lives. Inside Impella: Transport Talks is a podcast where we equip you with knowledge and confidence as you transport Impella patients. Subscribe now for monthly episodes offering best practices, valuable lessons, and camaraderie. Let us be your companion as you focus on what truly matters: patient recovery and saving lives beyond the hospital walls.