WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th

0730 - 0810h       Continental Breakfast & Welcome Remarks

0810 - 0910h      
Federal Aviation Administration Safety and Regulatory Briefing
     Speaker: Dennis Pratte, Manager, AFS-250, Federal Aviation Administration (Invited)
This session will brief attendees on the latest rules, policies, and activities of the FAA as they pertain to aviation in air medical services and aviation safety. We will also discuss new developments in FAA rulemaking and provide an update on the progress of several FAA-led initiatives- such as the expected HEMS safety proposals - that address the critical safety concerns of the air medical industry.

0925 - 1025h      
National Transportation Safety Board Briefing on the Current State of Air Medical Accidents and an Update on Air Medical Safety Recommendations
     Speaker: Robert Sumwalt, NTSB (Invited)
This session will discuss recent accident investigations and update the attendees on the National Transportation Safety Board’s 2006 and 2009 Air Medical Safety recommendations. The NTSB will also discuss their interactions with the FAA and other federal regulatory agencies regarding safety in air medical services.

1040-1140h
Federal Partners Roundtable
     Invited speakers include:
     Drew Dawson, NHTSA; 
     John Krohmer, Department of Homeland Security; 
     Mike Handrigan, Dept. of Health and Human Services;
     Rick Hunt, Centers for Disease Control
Given the critical role that air medical plays in the healthcare system and aviation community, there are a number of federal agencies that are responsible for programs and regulations that affect AAMS members.  AAMS will bring together a roundtable of top policymakers for a one-stop shop of federal policy updates.

1145 - 1245h      
Attendee Lunch featuring special session:
The Advocacy Meeting: From the Other Side of the Table
     Speaker:  Joel White, President, JC White Consulting; 
                   Former staff director for the House Ways & Means Committee
You enter your Congressman's office armed with your talking points and an understanding of the message you wish to deliver.  But have you ever thought about the perspective from the other side of the table?  What is the Congressman or staff person looking for in this meeting?  What constitutes a productive meeting from their point of view?  By considering these questions, you are better able to utilize your meeting time and assure that your message is heard.  

1245 - 1345h
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Briefing on Air Medical Studies
     Speaker: Gerald Dillingham, Director of Civil Aviation Studies (Invited)
The GAO is undertaking a number of projects that will provide an in-depth examination of the air medical industry.  This session will provide members with the latest progress report, directly from a high ranking GAO official, on the Government Accountability Office’s current and future research relating to air medical services.

1400 - 1500h
Emergency Medicine - The Inside Scoop from Washington Reps
     Invited speakers include:
     Lisa Tofil, Advocates for EMS (invited);
     Tristan North, American Ambulance Association; 
     Barb Tomar, American College of Emergency Physicians;
     Steve Blessing (invited), National Association of State EMS Officials;
     Kurt Krumperman, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians;
     Steve Ingley, Airborne Law Enforcement Association;
     Matt Zuccaro (invited), Helicopter Association International
There are dozens of trade and professional associations represented in Washington; AAMS is pleased to be able to partner with several other organizations involved in EMS. Learn about the activities and policy positions of AAMS partner organizations, and take advantage of the opportunity to ask their leaders questions and learn more about some of the cooperative efforts on Capitol Hill.

1515 - 1615h
AAMS Issues Briefing
     Moderators:
     Greg Lynskey, AAMS Government Relations Manager;
     David Gencarelli and David Warner, AAMS Legislative Liaisons, Gencarelli Group
A presentation of specific talking points and critical issues affecting the medical transport industry in preparation for Thursday's Capitol Hill visits with your representatives. The discussion will include an in-depth analysis of the issues, and discussions among members are encouraged.

1630 - 1730h Advocacy 101      Speaker:  Stephanie Vance, Advocacy Associates Now that you've heard from the other side of the advocacy table, you can take what you've learned and apply it during this role playing workshop led by one of Washington's most distinguished advocacy experts. Stephanie D. Vance, the “Advocacy Guru” of Advocacy Associates, LLC is author of Government by the People: How to Communicate with Congress and the fabjob.com guide, Get a Job on Capitol Hill.   She has over 15 years of experience in Congressional affairs, having worked in a prominent DC law firm, lobbied for National Public Radio and worked in various Congressional offices, holding positions as Legislative Director and Staff Director.  Her work on congressional communications stems from a deep and abiding belief that government is effective only when citizens are active participants.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18th - CAPITOL HILL DAY

Having attended the AAMS spring conference for many years I have found it to be very beneficial in many ways. It not only provides a great environment for networking with colleagues but also offers the opportunity to do some very important grassroots work with our government officials. Through the years, I believe as a direct result of our grassroots work, we have been successful in promoting our needs and educating policy makers on what air medical and critical care transport is. This by far is one of the must attend conferences for those wishing to make a difference.
-- Tom E. Allenstein, RN, CMTE
   Chief Clinical Officer, MedFlight, Columbus, OH

0800 - 1600h
Congressional Visits

Flight Suit Day on the Hill is one of the most important days of the year for air medical services. Don't let elected officials overlook the air medical community when it comes to supporting the EMS and first response community. Don't be left out when important healthcare decisions are made. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other EMS professionals suit up and take their message to the Hill- what's stopping you from doing the same?

Invite your representatives to the Congressional reception that we will hold on Capitol Hill to honor the co-chairs and members of the Congressional Air Medical Caucus.  It is AAMS’ opportunity to show our appreciation to those members of Congress that have recognized the critical role of air medical and critical care ground ambulance services.  We will also be presenting the 2010 AAMS Public Service Award, recognizing a legislator, government official, organization or individual that has made significant contributions to the health, viability, or interests of medical transport community.

In addition, the reception offers a chance to discuss the results of the days lobbying and Congressional interactions. Come prepared to discuss the results of your congressional meetings and Capitol Hill experiences. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 19th

0730 - 0830h
Attendee Breakfast featuring Survivor's Network session: So I Fell From The Sky...Now What?
     Speakers: 
     Krista Haugen, RN, MN, CEN, Seattle, WA;
     Megan Hamilton, RN, BSN, CFRN, EMTP, REACH Air Medical, Corvallis, OR;
     Teresa Pearson, RN, MICT, NREMTP, Lifeteam, Emporia, KS
One of the most popular and compelling presentations offered at the AMTC in San Jose has been customized for the unique Spring Conference audience!   This presentation focuses on three different stories of life after surviving a HEMS crash, providing a retrospective look at our journeys.

What worked, what didn’t, and what connected us.  In this presentation we will share our personal stories with the benefit of experience, hindsight, and understanding.  We will share ideas, suggestions, and insights to provide you and your organization with a practical guide to surviving the long road to healing after a traumatic event.

0830 - 0930h
EMS Responders in Disasters:  FEMA/Homeland Security EMS Credentialing, Resource Types and Target Capabilities
     Speaker:  Dudley G. Smith, MSHPA, CMTE, CMEP, Dudley Smith Consulting
This session will review the current work of the FEMA/DHS Emergency Medical Services Work Group (EMSWG) on resource classification and typing for EMS patient transport equipment and minimum qualifications for EMS personal that wish to respond to national disasters.  Also included will be an update on the work of the Pre-Hospital Triage, Treatment and Transport Work Group on community preparedness and response targets.

0945 - 1045h
What the Future Holds on Health Care Reform
Over the past year, we have seen a historic debate over the future of the health care system.  The myriad of policy options, political considerations, and differences of opinions has changed the scope and future of healthcare reform on a daily, if not hourly basis.   This session will bring you the latest on the present and future of healthcare reform directly from a healthcare insider from Capitol Hill.  Come hear about what was passed, or not passed, and what might be yet to come in the historic healthcare debate.

1100 - 1200h
Regionalizing EMS
For several years, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has been studying ways to improve emergency medicine and trauma systems through a regionalized emergency medicine system.  Efforts are currently underway to build upon thw work of the IOM, by funding demonstration projects through the Department of Health and Human Services to examine the benefits and pitfalls of coordinating the emergency medicine system through regionalized networks.  These networks would seek to coordinate the entire EMS system, including such things as dispatch and prehospital and interfacility transfers.  This briefing will provide the necessary background and updates on the current regionalization efforts and what it might mean for you and your program.    

1200 - 1345h
AAMS Town Hall Meeting and Luncheon 
Join other AAMS members for the AAMS Town Hall Meeting and Luncheon. This event offers an excellent opportunity for AAMS members to engage each other and the elected volunteer leadership in a frank discussion about AAMS positions and policies, AAMS related activities, membership questions, and the future of the association.

1345 - 1400h      Closing Remarks

Registration Information

Early Registration (received prior to February 25, 2009)   
AAMS Member    $325.00          Non-Member      $350.00                                    

On-Site Registration (received after February 25, 2009)
AAMS Member    $350.00          Non-Member      $400.00

Please note: The AAMS Spring Conference will not be offering table-top exhibits this year.  This year's agenda is simply not favorable for set exhibit hours.  Instead, we are offering the option to provide your brochure/flyer/postcard in the attendee registration packets, complemented by one full conference registration through which a representative from your company can network with Spring Conference attendees.  Please select the 3rd registration option "Yes, I would like to include my company’s literature in the registration kits!" on the registration form (link below).  The cost is $350 AAMS Member / $400 Non-Member.  

2010 Registration Form

Hotel Accommodations
Washington Marriott at Metro Center
775 12th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone:  1-800-393-2510 (Reference Group Code 'AAM')
$249 single/double*

*Room rate includes wireless/wired internet in the sleeping rooms and public areas.

Spring Conference Reservations can be made by calling the phone number above or online by clicking the link provided below: 

Washington Marriott at Metro Center >>