Melissa Kauffman
Oakland,FL
Summary
I have worked in Critical Care ground and flight services over the past ten years. Developed operations and managed patient care and teams in the US and abroad. I'm well-versed in an International medical Medevac and re-patronization. Part of the largest fixed-wing deployments in the United States' history (Hurricane Harvey/Irma 2017). Consulting/ Training other Air Medical teams in the US and abroad. Looking for advanced roles as a Flight Paramedic or Operations ground or air. Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing 36 years of expertise in medical transport for EMS sector businesses. Cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement strategies. Proficient in Microsoft and emsCharts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Member at Large
Florida Association of, Paramedics
06.2022 - Current
- The Florida Association of EMTs and Paramedic's mission is to represent and advocate for the professional interests of individuals that support the sustainability and enhancement of EMS in the State of Florida
- The vision of FAEP is to represent the professional interests and be the foremost resource for EMTs and Paramedics in the State of Florida, providing a pathway for local providers to state and national resources as well as issues facing EMTs and Paramedics across the country.
- Current focus PTSD and Mental Health Initiative
Director of Clinical Flight Operations
Vector Aeromedical
11.2018 - Current
- Fixed Wing Critical Care Flight Service providing care throughout US and Internationally.
- Specialty services organ transport and development of live donor transport.
- In this role there is strong emphasis on clinic training for specialty teams in both International medevac and live donor critical care.
- Other responsibilities create proforma for services, managing budget, hiring/training, risk assessments, logistics, marketing, and relationship building.
- Maintained flight logs on incoming and outgoing flights and individual flights.
- Created and implemented filing and organization practices for documents, reports and calendars.
- Adhered to safety procedures when managing logistics for pilot and ground crew.
- Supported operations by managing professional communications, tracking data and managing records.
- Used excellent customer service skills in addressing passengers' needs.
- Resolved passenger conflicts and medical emergencies during flights.
- Performed pre-flight cabin checks to maintain operational safety equipment.
Director of Clinical Flight Operations
EMS Team LLC
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Fixed Wing Critical Care Flight Service located in Central Florida, providing care throughout US and Internationally.
- Dynamic multifaceted role where I was expected to restructure a existing service.
- Strong emphasis on policy development and CAMTS accreditation.
- Transmitted flight plans and arrival reports to flight and air traffic control centers.
- Create proforma for services, managing budget, hiring/training, risk assessments, logistics, marketing, and consulting.
- Maintained flight logs on incoming and outgoing flights and individual flights.
- Posted and interpreted weather reports and decoded sequence reports.
- Created and implemented filing and organization practices for documents, reports and calendars.
- Maximized efficiency by training new employees on company procedures and best practices.
- Reduced regulatory risks by acquiring documents, certificates, clearances and approvals from appropriate agencies.
- Resolved passenger conflicts and medical emergencies during flights.
- Used excellent customer service skills in addressing passengers' needs.
- Verified aircraft and passenger compliance with policies, regulations, and safety guidance.
- Responded to passenger emergencies to provide Critical Care.
- Completed pre-flight safety checks to reinforce passenger safety.
- Collaborated with flight crew to maximize smooth and safe flights.
- Clearly explained and demonstrated safety and emergency procedures to passengers prior to takeoff.
- Demonstrated knowledge of aircraft safety features and emergency equipment.
- Assisted passengers in boarding and deplaning aircraft.
Director of Operation
05.2018 - 06.2021
- First2Aid EMS
- Ground Ambulance Service located in Florida providing Critical Care ITF transport and 911 services
- I started with this company in its infancy
- I helped develop relationships to grow into multiple counties with more than ten trucks
- Working directly with vendors to establish team that works towards their mission and core values
- Other responsibilities included training, creating proforma, managing budget, policy development, risk assessments, logistics, marketing, and consulting.
Lead Flight Paramedic• Flight Paramedic
Air Ambulance Worldwide
08.2013 - 08.2018
- Communicated pertinent patient information and status to hospital staff upon arrival.
- Followed established procedures for personal and patient safety.
- Attended training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in field and maintain existing knowledge.
- Documented patient information, medical interventions and patient outcomes for accurate record-keeping.
- Transported critically ill and injured patients to nearest medical center, using advanced life support equipment as needed.
- Assessed nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Inspected equipment and resolved deficiencies prior to in-service operations.
- Trained new paramedics on proper procedures and protocols to maintain best practices and promote great patient care.
Lead Field Paramedic
08.2008 - 11.2012
- Lake Sumter EMS Busy 911 service
Lead Field Paramedic
03.2008 - 08.2008
- Levy County EMS Busy 911 rural county EMS service
Education
General - Studies, Emergency Medical Services
Central Florida Collage
2007
Advance Airway (MECA) WMD response - Airway
MECA
Tampa, FL11.2010
No Degree - ACCC
MECA
Tampa, FL11.2010
CMTE - Aviation/Transport Management And Operations
MTLI
Wheeling, WV08.2021
No Degree - Instructor BLS, ACLS, And PALS
American Heart
United States05.2022
Certification - Community Paramedic
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL12.2020
Skills
- Investigating Discrepancies
- Staff Training and Mentoring
- Operational Efficiency and Safety
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Process Development and Streamlining
- Culture Transformation
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develop Policies
- Process Improvement
- Policy Development and Enforcement
Certification
PHTLS, NREMT Instructor, Handtevy Instructor (Lead) ASHI Instructor, AMLS, North American Rescue Critical Care FP-C, FEMA 100,200,600,700 and 800, CMTE Leadership Training 2021/2022/2023
Timeline
Member at Large
Florida Association of, Paramedics
06.2022 - Current
Director of Clinical Flight Operations
EMS Team LLC
04.2021 - 07.2023
Director of Clinical Flight Operations
Vector Aeromedical
11.2018 - Current
Director of Operation
05.2018 - 06.2021
Lead Flight Paramedic• Flight Paramedic
Air Ambulance Worldwide
08.2013 - 08.2018
Lead Field Paramedic
08.2008 - 11.2012
Lead Field Paramedic
03.2008 - 08.2008
General - Studies, Emergency Medical Services
Central Florida Collage
Advance Airway (MECA) WMD response - Airway
MECA
No Degree - ACCC
MECA
CMTE - Aviation/Transport Management And Operations
MTLI
No Degree - Instructor BLS, ACLS, And PALS
American Heart
Certification - Community Paramedic
Columbia Southern University