Wilford Hall EMS first AFMS team to use infusion pumps Published Oct. 7, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The 59th Medical Wing Emergency Medical Services team at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center is improving the quality of medical care on ambulances with a safer, more accurate means of administering certain medications. The team is the first unit in the Air Force Medical Service to use the Perfusor Space Infusion Pump system on board ambulances to administer medications and IV fluids in emergency situations. "The pumps provide an accurate measurement of medication administered to a patient," said Tech. Sgt. Carvajal, Emergency Medical Services NCO in charge. "This all came about during our annual review of EMS-approved drug list," Carvajal said. "We saw that some of the medications could be administered in a more controlled manner." The staff reviewed literature, legislative guidance, and local standards for advanced life support runs. They found that most EMS systems were using infusion pumps on their ambulances. This led to the decision to align the 59th MDW EMS unit with local EMS standards and practices, he added. "Our top priority is patient safety. (The use of the pumps) allows for continuity with local hospitals and the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Using the same equipment as local EMS systems eases communication as the patient transitions from our care to the hospital's care," Carvajal said. "This project is HRO (High Reliability Organization) in action: engaged leaders who embrace robust process improvement and celebrate a safe, patient-centered culture," said Col. Deedra Zabokrtsky, 59th Medical Operations Group chief nurse. Prior to using infusion pumps, the team determined the amount of medication administered by calculating drip rates. This method is taught at the Air Force paramedic school and still used by some civilian and Department of Defense EMS systems. "Wilford Hall has a rich tradition of innovation and leading from the front," said Zabokrtsky. I am especially proud to serve with our EMS team. Our patients will benefit from their spirit of inquiry and clinical excellence."