KSS conference drives improvements in patient care

Image of HEMS training KSS

The UK air ambulance charity’s event was focused on bringing together the PHEM community to share knowledge and learn from one another, for future collaboration and innovation

More than 160 specialists in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) attended Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex's (KSS's) ‘Future Directions in HEMS’ conference, which took place on Thursday 13 June at the Holiday Inn London Gatwick, attracting renowned UK and international speakers.

The conference sessions examined critical topics affecting pre-hospital emergency medicine, including:

  • PHEM research: a look at the studies and advancements shaping the future of air ambulance operations
  • Managing fatigue and crew welfare: how to create and build teams that perform well under pressure, and strategies to enhance crew welfare and ensure optimal performance
  • Technical advances: an exploration of how HEMS can increase our reach to patients and learnings from other complex industries
  • The future of endovascular interventions: the cutting-edge technologies and techniques reshaping medical interventions in emergency situations. 

Speakers on the day included:

  • Leigh Curtis MBE, Executive Director of Service Delivery, KSS
  • Dr Duncan Bootland, Executive Medical Director, KSS
  • Dr Kat Hunter, HEMS Doctor, KSS
  • Prof Hans Morten Lossius, R&D Adviser to the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation
  • Jo Griggs, Research Lead and HEMS Paramedic, KSS
  • Dr Leif Rognas, Base Clinical Lead, Danish Air Ambulance
  • Dr Malcolm Q Russell MBE, Medical Director, UK ISAR; HEMS Doctor, KSS
  • Prof Mark Wilson, Medical Director, GoodSAM; HEMS Doctor, KSS
  • Prof Kevin Fong OBE, Professor of Public Engagement and Innovation, STEaPP, UCL; HEMS Doctor, KSS
  • Dr Adam Baker and Dr Charlie Fleury, Emergensea Duo
  • James Kingdon, Head of Design Organisation, Gama Aviation
  • Dr Ben Singer, Barts Heart Centre and London’s Air Ambulance
  • Caroline Rose, HEMS Paramedic, KSS
  • Dr Rik Thomas, MedicOne
  • Dr Zane Perkins, Royal London Hospital and London’s Air Ambulance
  • Dr Rob Greenhalgh, Consultant in Pre-Hospital Care, London’s Air Ambulance; HEMS Doctor KSS.

Prof Richard Lyon MBE, Director of Research and Innovation at KSS, commented: “The event provided a valuable opportunity for clinicians working in pre-hospital care to elevate their expertise and share ideas with like-minded individuals. It was great to welcome colleagues from across the pre-hospital care, aviation and air ambulance communities.”

Sponsors of the event included Gama Aviation, the Ortus Group, B Braun, MedicOne, Getinge, GE Healthcare and Radar Healthcare, with additional support from Key Survival Equipment.

KSS recently purchased its second helicopter outright following successful fundraising efforts.