Information about the NAACS Training Course
The National Association of Air Medical Communication Specialists is a professional organization dedicated to the recognition of communications as an essential element in the air medical industry.
The NAACS Training Course was developed to assist in this recognition by providing information in which to form a base of knowledge for the individual programs to elaborate on. However, this course is not only for the new Air Medical Communication Specialist (ACS) but also for the seasoned communicators. The course is structured around the NAACS Training Manual devised by experienced ACS and multiple other experts within the field. Lecture instruction as well as hands-on practice is included. The course is concluded with a comprehensive test and upon successful completion, the student is awarded a certificate of completion.
This course is filled with information specific to the duties of the ACS including topics such as:
v Post Accident Incident Plan (PAIP)
v Flight Following
v Radio Communications Skills
v Aviation Weather
v Aircraft Emergencies
v Medical Terminology
v Navigation and Map Usage
Other information discussed within the manual include:
v The History of Air Medical Transport
v Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
v Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS)
v Policies and Procedures
v Radio Frequencies and Communications Equipment
v Public Relations
v Stress Management
v Database Management and Record Keeping
v Ground and Fixed wing Transport
Anyone currently employed as an Air Communication Specialist may attend a course. The courses are usually 2 days in length with approximately 10 hours of lecture content. Courses are held throughout the country as well as at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC).
The course instructors are selected by the coordinator on the basis of their expertise on the selected topic. They are provided with the selected chapter and all required information to be covered within the lecture. NAACS suggests utilizing instructors within the host program as well as outside expertise.
Examples of instructors that can be utilized include:
v ACS Supervisor
v Nursing staff
v Pilots
v Meteorologists
v Public Relations Specialists
v Program Director
In order to hold a NAACS Training Course, NAACS recommends that at least one person attend a Training Course prior to holding one of their own.
Course announcements are noted under education on the NAACS web site at www.naacs.org and also on the NAACS newsletter sent out every quarter. Most services also send out letters to the various services within their region, but the courses are not limited to persons within that region.
The charge for the course is set by the hosting service to include the price of the manual as well as a 1-year membership to NAACS. If an attendant is already a member, the membership is renewed.
Further educational opportunities are being explored as well by the NAACS Board. Our commitment is to enhance the educational opportunities for the ACS for years to come.
For more information on attending a NAACS Training Course or if you are interested in hosting a course of your own, please contact:
Cindy Hayes
NAACS Education Committee Chair
IHC Life Flight
325 8th Avenue C Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84143
(801) 321-1234
Fax: (801) 408-5074
ldchayes@ihc.com