AAMS History and Evolution

1980

• Conception and initial meeting to start ASHBEAMS in Houston, TX with 50 people. (December)
• ASHBEAMS' first President was Joe Tye and President‑Elect was Karl Gills.

1981

• First ASHBEAMS Conference held in San Diego, CA with 100 attendees.
• National Flight Nurses Association (NFNA) held its first meeting and later incorporates.

1982   

• ASHBEAMS completed application for incorporation.
• Flight News started as official publication of NFNA by John Jordan.
• Hospital Aviation, the first community-wide publication, started by Howard Collett and published by Aviation Hospital Consultants.

1983

• ASHBEAMS received official notification of incorporation. (February)
• Flight Nurse ‑ The Medical Air Transport Journal ‑ published by NFNA.
• ASHBEAMS signed NFNA as a cosponsor of the 1984 and 1985 annual conferences.
• ASHBEAMS Quality Standards first adopted.

1984

• Journal of AeroMedical Healthcare, published by McKone Publishing for ASHBEAMS/NFNA.
• ASHBEAMS broadened scope to include hospital fixed wing programs as voting members.

1985

• Nina Merrill became President-Elect for ASHBEAMS and later resigns when hired as ASHBEAMS’ Executive Director.
• ASHBEAMS signed NFNA as a co-sponsor of the 1986 and 1987 annual conferences.

1986

• ASHBEAMS’ Interim Safety Guidelines written.
• ASHBEAMS’ First Safety Congress held in Dallas, TX.
• ASHBEAMS Minimum Standards are revised for the first time.
• National Flight Paramedics Association (NFPA) held its first meeting and later incorporated.

1987

• ASHBEAMS Program Members total 133.
• Eighth Annual ASHBEAMS Conference in Milwaukee, WI with 1000 attendees.
• National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) held its first meeting and later incorporated.
• ASHBEAMS Minimum Safety Guidelines approved by membership.
• Members voted to change association name - contest started to find new name. (Fall)
• Aeromedical Research Foundation (once called the Foundation of Aeromedical Research and now known as the Foundation for Air Medical Research - FAR) was founded and incorporated.

1988

• ASHBEAMS/NFNA annual conference held in Boston, MA with ISAS (International Society of Aeromedical Services), the community’s first international meeting and conference.
• Samaritan Air Evac and ASHBEAMS developed contract and received grant from DOT/NHTSA to write and produce Air Medical Crew National Standard Curriculum Instructor Manual, Advanced Manual and Basic Manual.
• ASHBEAMS office moved to Pasadena, CA.
• Members voted to change ASHBEAMS’ name to Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS).

1989

• National Association of Air Medical Communication Specialists (NAACS) held its first meeting and later incorporated.
• AAMS signed NFNA, NEMSPA, and NFPA as co-sponsors of 1989 and 1990 annual conferences.

1990

• AAMS’ Quality Assurance in Air Medical Transport Manual written.
• AAMS’ Quality Assurance in Air Medical Transport Position Paper written.
• AAMS’ Position Paper on Appropriate Use of Air Medical Transport written.

1991

• Commission on Accreditation of Air Medical Systems (CAAMS) incorporated.
• AAMS’ first Air Medical Reimbursement Congress held in San Franciso, CA.
• AAMS revised Safety Guidelines.
• Pediatric/Neonatal/Maternal Patient Care Addendum to AAMS/NFNA Resource Document for Air Medical Quality Assurance Programs published.
• AAMS signed NFNA, NEMSPA and NFPA as co-sponsors of 1991‑1993 Air Medical Transport Conference.

1992

• AAMS’ second Safety Congress held in Pittsburgh, PA.
• AAMS revised Minimum Standards for the second time.
• AAMS’ Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Resource Document written.
• AAMS’ Contract Negotiations for Safety Issues written.
• Air Medical Physicians Association (AMPA) held its first meeting and later incorporated.

1993

• AAMS’ first Strategic Planning Retreat held in Chicago, IL.
• AAMS contracted with AMPA, NEMSPA, NFNA and NFPA to be co-sponsors of Air Medical Transport Conference.
• AMTC Conference Planning Committee developed.
• AAMS contracted for Government Relations liaison.
• Air Medical Transport System as Healthcare Integrator Position Paper written.
• The journals of Hospital Aviation and Journal of AeroMedical Healthcare merged to become the Air Medical Journal, published by JEMS.

1994

• AAMS’ third Safety Congress held.
• Air Medical Journal bought by Air Medical Journal Associates (AMJA = AAMS, NEMSPA, NFNA and NFPA).

1995

• AAMS held first Financial Strategic Planning Meeting.
• AAMS Strategic Operations Committee developed first collaborative model (Societal Model) for all affiliated associations.
• AAMS held second Finance and Reimbursement Congress.
• AAMS funded EMS Accident Database to be developed for members.
• AAMS’ How to Choose a Fixed Wing Provider Position Paper written.
• AAMS’ FAA Provided Flight Weather Position Paper written.
• AMPA bought into journals (AIRMED/AMJ) and AMJA.

1996

• Fifteenth Annual AMTC Conference is held in Fort Worth, TX with 1100 attendees.
• AAMS sponsored first Research Summit in Fort Worth, TX.
• AAMS Hazardous Material Resource Document written.
• AAMS sponsored Strategic Planning meeting with five other associations to discuss Strategic Operations in Chicago.
• AAMS and five other associations held second Strategic Planning Meeting to discuss Societal or Federation Model of collaboration.
• AAMS moved to Alexandria, VA in December, and hired Dawn Mancuso as new Executive Director.

1997

• AAMS’ second Strategic Planning meeting held in Anaheim, CA.
• AAMS faxed monthly newsletter, AAMS News and Views, began.
• AAMS Membership Directory expanded to include Resource Guide.
• Capital Campaign launched to fund office move and capital expenses.
• Marketing efforts started to focus on international market.
• AAMS developed a tracking system for Fixed Wing referrals to member programs.
• AAMS Operational Survey in development.
• AAMS Financial Survey in development.
• Published AAMS Accident / Incident Data Report (from 1978 to 1995).

1998

• Mid-year Conference expanded into Spring Government Affairs and Leadership Conference.
• First Medical Transport Leadership Institute (MTLI) held for sold out audience.
• AAMS began work with HCFA on Medicare reimbursement.
• AAMS/NEMSPA submitted member survey results to FAA on Heliport Design Advisory Circular (AC 150/5390-2A).
• AAMS first regional conferences on air and ground medical transport reimbursement rolled out in Michigan and New Mexico.
• AAMS presented its first Public Service Award to Congressman Wally Herger.

1999

• Medical Transport Leadership Institute (MTLI) graduated its first class of Certified Medical Transport Executives (CMTE).
• AAMS represented the air medical transport community during HCFA's Negotiated Rulemaking for setting a national ambulance fee schedule.
• AAMS and NEMSPA continued to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS continued to provide regional educational opportunities focusing on Medicare Reimbursement and Benchmarking at meetings in Texas.
• AAMS enhanced and improved the web site (www.aams.org) with up-to-date information on government affairs issues and association events with registration and membership forms online.
• AAMS actively worked on issues affecting flight duty time restrictions and federal government restrictions on the use of public aircraft.
• AAMS distributed safety posters to all its members.
• AAMS held "Safety Day" at the AMTC to focus on safety issues at medical transport programs.
• AAMS' Safety Committee published a Post Crash Resource Document as another tool to assist members in the event of a crash.
• AAMS began work in conjunction with other community organizations to revise the Air Medical Crew Curriculum.
• AAMS signed a contract with Press, Ganey to develop an AAMS/Press Ganey Customer Satisfaction Measurement Program.
• Membership approved an increase in association dues for voting and associate members starting in 2000.
• AAMS provided members with daily VoteNet e-mail newsletter in order to keep members aware of events on Capitol Hill.
• AAMS continued work on an Operational and Financial Benchmarking program.
• AAMS Board approved change of fiscal year from January-December to March-February.
• Membership approved a change in the association's Bylaws that clarifies the membership criteria for Personal Members.

2000

• AAMS kicked off a year long 20^th anniversary celebration.
• AAMS presented special Founder's Award to our first president, Mr. Joe Tye, at the 2000 AMTC in Salt Lake City, UT.
• AAMS officially launched the AAMS Foundation with 1^st Annual Silent Auction at the AMTC.The auction raised over $11,000.
• AAMS hosted black-tie anniversary gala at the AMTC featuring special guests, Mr. Jamie Farr and the AAMS Past Presidents.
• Sally Kellerman, of MASH fame, was guest of honor at the AMTC Mash Bash.
• AAMS hosted a special community history booth with accompanying video at the AMTC.
• CAMTS celebrated their 10^th anniversary at the AMTC.
• AAMS continued to represent the air medical transport community at the negotiating table during HCFA's Negotiated Rulemaking for setting an ambulance fee schedule.
• AAMS produced Medicare Reimbursement Survival Guide to help members cope with the impending fee schedule, while offering companion pre-conference workshop at the AMTC.
• AAMS provided complimentary software to help members assess the effect of the impending Medicare fee schedule on their reimbursement practices.
• AAMS held Safety Summit to respond to FAA pressure to enhance community safety.
• AAMS and NEMSPA continued to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS and Press, Ganey Associates, Inc. officially rolled out the Customer Service Benchmarking Program.
• AAMS Board of Directors voted to revise the AAMS' Mission and Vision Statements.
• AAMS continued work in conjunction with other community organizations to revise the Air Medical Crew Curriculum.
• AAMS, HAI, NATA and NBAA adopted a joint position on proposed changes to flight duty time regulations.
• AAMS published newly revised Standards and Safety Guidelines.
• AAMS and the CORE Community Safety Committee published Safety Position Statements.
• AAMS worked with the Department of Defense to identify AAMS members willing to provide EMS transport during time of military deployment.

2001

• AAMS and NEMSPA continued to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS continued to represent the air medical transport community at the negotiating table during HCFA's Negotiated Rulemaking for setting an ambulance fee schedule.
• AAMS participated in NHTSA’s Think Tank on Patient Safety.
• AAMS starts work on an upgrade in appearance and functionality to our webpage.
• AAMS' Public Relations Committee published the Media Relations Guide as a resource to assist members in dealing with the media in the event of an incident.
• AAMS held 2001 Spring Conference, featuring the annual grassroots lobbying effort with a visit to Capitol Hill, in March 2001.
• AAMS presented the 2001 Public Service Award to Senator Bill Frist, M.D. of Tennessee for his strong appreciation for services provided to the public by the air medical transport community.
• Medical Transport Leadership Institute held its first Graduate School geared specifically toward CMTE designees.
• AAMS Board voted to explore restructuring the association governance to be more inclusive of all segments of the community.
• AAMS was instrumental in getting legislation passed giving air ambulances the ability to apply for federal relief as a result of losses experienced from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
• AAMS held 2001 Air Medical Transport Conference in Orlando, FL in September, despite challenges associated with the tragedies of September 11, 2001.  1600 people attend.
• AAMS teamed up with Disney to hold “Quality Service” workshop at the AMTC in Orlando.
• AAMS Board unveiled new association logo at the AMTC to incorporate the critical care ground component of our community.
• The AMTC featured a special Safety Day at the AMTC.
• AAMS held 2^nd Annual Silent Auction at the AMTC to benefit the AAMS Foundation.
• The Foundation for Air Medical Research (FAR) and the new AAMS Foundation discussed merging for the benefit of the medical transport community.
• AAMS continued work in conjunction with other community organizations to revise the Air Medical Crew Curriculum.

2002

• AAMS Board of Directors voted to revise the AAMS Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Value Statements.
• AAMS Board communicated finalized version of the association governance restructure and potential new dues structure and presented to the membership for consideration.
• In response to member request, AAMS held special Critical Care Ground Conference in Dallas, TX entitled “The Business of Critical Care Ground:Starting or Expanding Your Service.”
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), formally HCFA, published Final Rule for Medicare Reimbursement.
• AAMS rolled out an e-mail version of monthly newsletter, News & Views.
• AAMS rolled out a legislative membership newsletter, Capitol Watch, distributed to membership via e-mail.
• AAMS presented the 2002 Public Service Awards to:
  • Senator Max Baucus of Montana for his diligence in trying to resolve difficult issues related to medically necessary transports of Medicare beneficiaries.
  • Congressman John Mica of Florida for his outstanding support of the air medical community in the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11, 2001.
• AAMS and NEMSPA continued to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS continued to work with CMS during implementation of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule to represent the interests of the air medical community.
• AAMS held 2002 Air Medical Transport Conference in Kansas City, MO in November.  Over 2000 people attended.
• AAMS PR Committee planned and held the AAMS pre-conference at the AMTC entitled: Basic to Advanced Media and Crisis Communications.
• AAMS held 3^rd Annual Silent Auction at the AMTC to benefit the AAMS Foundation
• AAMS continued work in conjunction with other community organizations to revise the Air Medical Crew Curriculum.

2003

• AAMS Membership voted in favor of new association governance structure and a new membership dues structure, based on a sliding dues scale.
• AAMS and NEMSPA continued to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS continued to work with CMS during implementation of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule to represent the interests of the air medical community.
• AAMS rolled out three new community awards for presentation at the AMTC in Reno, NV:
  • Critical Care Ground Award of Excellence
  • Fixed Wing Award of Excellence
  • Transport Mechanic’s Award of Excellence
• AAMS held 2003 Spring Conference, featuring the annual grassroots lobbying effort with a visit to Capitol Hill, in March 2003.
• AAMS presented the 2003 Public Service Award to Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah for his efforts on behalf of the air medical transport community to ensure that air medical programs across the country gain eligibility for DOT reimbursement for lost revenues in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.
• AAMS presented special recognition awards to INOVA AirCare (Falls Church, VA ) and MedSTAR (Washingon, DC) for their courageous effort to aid those injured in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
• AAMS held 2003 Air Medical Transport Conference in Reno, NV in November.  Highest attendance to date for the AMTC at over 2000.
• AAMS PR Committee planned and held the AAMS pre-conference at the AMTC entitled: Making Organization from Chaos: The How-To’s of Designing Overdue Aircraft Exercises
• AAMS held 4^th Annual Silent Auction at the AMTC in Reno raising over $11,000 to benefit the AAMS Foundation
• AAMS published the long awaited revision of the Air Medical Crew Curriculum entitled Guidelines for Air Medical Crew Education.
• AAMS revised the committee structure into the following core committees: Communications/PR, Government Relations/Advocacy, Membership, Standards, and Safety.

2004

• AAMS wins coveted Associations Advance America Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives for our collaborative program with CenTIR in the development of ADAMS, the Atlas and Database of Air Medical Services.
• AAMS and NEMSPA continue to work with the FAA on the Heliport Design Advisory Circular.
• AAMS continues to work with CMS during implementation of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule to represent the interests of the air medical community.
• AAMS holds 2004 Spring Conference, featuring the annual grassroots lobbying effort with a visit to Capitol Hill, in March 2004.Highest attendance to date at 113.
• AAMS presents the 2004 Public Service Award to Representative Joel Hefley and Senator Wayne Allard, both from Colorado, for their extraordinary support of air ambulance services and the critical role they play in the delivery of quality health care across the nation.
• The AAMS Foundation and the Foundation for Air Medical Research merge to form the Foundation for Air-Medical Research and Education (FARE).
• AAMS held 2004 Air Medical Transport Conference in Cincinnati, OH in October.  Highest attendance to date at over 2100.
• AAMS held 5^th Annual Silent Auction at the AMTC, raising over $8,000 to benefit the Foundation for Air-Medical Research and Education (FARE).

2005

• AAMS prepares to celebrate its 25^th Anniversary in conjunction with the AMTC in Austin, TX.
• AAMS total membership increases by nearly 10%
• AAMS works to launch the “Hot Leads” program to match AAMS members with potential clients during the 2005 AMTC in Austin, TX.
• AAMS continues to work with CMS during implementation of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule to represent the interests of the air medical community.
• AAMS holds 2005 Spring Conference, featuring the annual grassroots lobbying effort with a visit to Capitol Hill, in March 2005.Highest attendance to date at 184.
• AAMS presents the 2005 Public Service Award to Representative Thomas Allen (D-ME) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) for their extraordinary support of air ambulance services and the critical role they play in the delivery of quality health care across the nation.
• AAMS adopts CAMTS standards as the recommended standards for all medical transport programs to follow.
• AAMS adopts VISION ZERO in March – a zero accident goal for the air medical community.
• AAMS begins a new member service – On The Fly, a monthly e-mail newsletter dedicated to aviation and patient safety.

2006

• AAMS hosts another record attendance year for AMTC in Phoenix, AZ.
• American Eurocopter announce a new award, the American Eurocopter Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award, to be presented during AMTC 2007 in Tampa, FL.
• AAMS total membership reaches an all time high, nearly doubling in size in five (5) years.
• AAMS works to launch a Job Fair at AMTC to high attendance and rave reviews.
• AAMS successfully advocates Federal Excise Tax (FET) refund legislation.
• AAMS launches the new Excellence in Community Service Award during the 2006 AAMS Spring Conference.
• …more to come!