CCAT: Learning with a course that’s flying high

There are only two specialist courses that civilian flight nurses can undertake in the UK and one of them is the CCAT course – that’s Clinical Considerations in Aeromedical Transport.

I have, over my years as a flight nurse, heard many good comments about this course and, having done the RCN In-Flight course a few years earlier, I felt this one would be able to integrate my experiences with new knowledge. I sat the course in July 2007, while working as a self employed flight nurse.

Many self employed flight nurses comment that the costs for these specialist courses are too high and yes, it can be daunting: both the RCN and CCAT courses in 2007 were over £1,000. However, these prices compare very favourably against other professional courses and CCAT is packed full of visits and practical experiences which bolster its value. So don’t let the cost put you off and don’t forget ...

There is financial help out there!

The Richard Hough bursary has been available specifically for flight nurses since early 2007. I applied for funding for the CCAT course and was awarded the full amount given per applicant.

This went some way towards helping with the costs, but I didn’t stop there. I also applied to the RCN under their grant scheme (details on the RCN website) and got even more funding. Finally, I approached the companies I work for to see if they could assist with the rest.

CCAT runs over six days and is based at the University of Surrey in Guildford. One of the unique aspects of this course is that it actively encourages nurses, doctors and paramedics to work and study together, whereas other aeromedical courses are not multidisciplinary.

CCAT is run by an extremely dedicated and enthusiastic course director, Dr Terry Martin, and a core team who provide an excellent faculty. In 2007 the delegates ranged from those who had no previous aeromedical experience right up to senior personnel from large air ambulance companies.

It (almost) goes without saying that anyone looking to further themselves in this field can use this course to network on an international level. The 2007 group of 30 students came from as far away as Australia, Canada, Russia, India and Kenya as well as those from UK and other European countries.

The course content provides a good mix of classroom-based lectures, outside visits and hands-on practical sessions.

I have to mention that the first couple of hours were a “getting to know each other” session. I won’t spoil it by telling you how, but by the end, all the students had bonded very quickly!

Then down to the serious business

Days one and two were spent visiting or re-visiting altitude physiology. Although a difficult subject to grasp (even after several previous lectures for me), it was explained well and did not discriminate against the students’ various experience levels.

Dr Martin provides many of the lectures and he has a great reservoir of knowledge, having worked in all aspects of the industry for many years. He is also quick to acknowledge that the faculty are certainly not the only ones with aeromedical knowledge within the group, and so the atmosphere is one of relaxed discussion as well as formal lecturing.

Another well known specialist in this field is Dr Geoff Tothill, who is Chief Medical Officer of First Assist. He has an enormous wealth of knowledge about medical assistance and insurance matters which nicely complements Dr Martin’s expertise in physiology, critical care transfers and helicopter air ambulance operations.

An eclectic mix of other faculty members come and go through the week, often adding fascinating anecdotes and unique experience to the course content.

The hands-on part came from classroom practical workshops and from outside visits which allowed students to get a feel of the various types of aeromedical transfers.

One of the highlights was a day at Virgin Atlantic to learn about commercial stretcher repatriations, medical emergencies in flight and emergency evacuation drills. In addition, the course visited RAF transport aircraft and learned about military casevac at the RAF Tactical Medical Wing based at RAF Lyneham, and also had an opportunity to visit HEMS, the London helicopter air ambulance service.

The only disappointment we encountered on the course was the cancellation of our visit to QinetiQ where previous courses had opportunities to experience decompression, the human centrifuge and the vibration rig. Dr Martin pointed out that the cancellation was no fault of the organisers and it’s hoped it may be possible to add this experience back into the programme in future years.

The time “flew by” ...

... helped hugely by the relaxed style throughout the course, even with the long days. Dr Martin suggests that students live on site for the duration, mainly because of the early starts and occasional late finishes, but also so that students can continue to share their experiences over a pint or two in the evenings.

As the week went on, there was a definite sense of excitement and enthusiasm in knowing that this specialist field is still growing and that we all shared a part in it.

If I am honest, before attending the course I presumed there would be little to differentiate between CCAT and the RCN In-Flight course. Both have consistently received good reviews and have similar formats. What sets the CCAT course apart is the integration of all three professions. This facilitated some excellent in-depth discussion groups and enhanced each person’s knowledge of the overall management of the patient in flight.

Were my expectations met?

Yes, and not only that, I met many people who are keen to develop the specialty. To quote from the course textbook, “aeromedical transport is still the new kid on the block” and CCAT encourages multidisciplinary teamwork and a definite sense of being at the start of something exciting.

The end of the course was very emotional and everyone would happily have stayed for a few more days, had we not all had real jobs to get back to!

The course was extremely well organised and, if you are serious about understanding more about aeromedical transport, whether you are a flight nurse or office based within an air ambulance/assistance company, CCAT is the course for you.

Plus you will come away having met some very interesting, experienced and key people in the industry. A great way to spend a week!

Rita Mody, Editor

 

CCAT course dates for 2008

Sunday, 6 July to Friday, 11 July

The details of the CCAT course can be found on their website at: www.ccat-training.org.uk – or by contacting Dr Martin at: info@ccat-training.ndo.co.uk Details of the Richard Hough bursary are available from the IFNA Secretary, Caroline Carter, via email: carolinecarter1@tiscali.co.uk