Award for Pish-Derr of Angel MedFlight

Bambi Pish-Derr, director of clinical services at US-based fixed-wing air ambulance provider Angel MedFlight, has received the Distinguished CFRN Award for 2017. The award is presented annually by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) and the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) to recognise a certified flight registered nurse (CFRN) or certified transport registered nurse (CTRN) who has shown ‘outstanding support of the certification process in flight or critical care ground transport’.

Pish-Derr said: “Receiving the Distinguished CFRN Award is humbling, but this award is something I see more as a team achievement. It reflects the efforts of our entire team and the dedication and hard work by every one of our flight paramedics and nurses.” She continued: “This recognition also shows how critically important patient care is in the air ambulance industry. We set a goal of ensuring that all of our clinicians carried advanced certifications and I’m proud to report that we've achieved that.”

Angel MedFlight noted that as director of clinical services, Pish-Derr works with the nurse and paramedic teams, the medical directors, dispatch and flight co-ordination to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. The firm said that her devotion for working alongside a dedicated group of professionals has helped build a team that is capable of providing ‘extraordinary quality services to high-acuity patients through innovation, education, and disciplined provision of care’.

Before joining Angel MedFlight, Pish-Derr worked in Texas and Arizona in various nursing roles, specialising in critical care, education, and leadership. She is a member of the US Navy Reserve, holding the rank of commander, where she works as the regional detachment director for EMF Dallas One.

Jason Siegert, CEO of Angel MedFlight, said: “Whether it be in a leadership position on our management team, with our clinicians on the road or educating associates in our office, Bambi is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who measures herself by the compassion and development of those around her. This award highlights what we all already knew – she’s an amazing flight nurse and leader.”

Angel MedFlight’s critical care medical crew all hold advanced care credentials for flight, exceeding air ambulance standards, said the company. The firm’s nurses have earned CFRN designations and its paramedics hold the Flight Paramedic-Certified distinction.

CEO Siegert received his own award recently, having been nominated by Pish-Derr. He was presented with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Arizona ESGR representative Carol Smetana. The Award is presented to supervisors for supporting National Guard and Reserve service members.