The International Association of Flight Paramedics (IAFP) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2010 Tim Hynes Award. The award goes to Chad Augustin, flight paramedic with PHI Air Medical of Modesto, CA. The Tim Hynes Award recognizes exemplary abilities in leadership, education and safety within the paramedic profession.
“Chad is an exceptional individual, demonstrating all the qualities and attitudes of what the Tim Hynes Award embodies,” said association president, Jason Hums. Hums also stated, “The IAFP Board of Directors is honored to recognize Chad’s outstanding contribution to critical care transport medicine, with the 2010 Tim Hynes Award.”
Throughout his career, Chad has demonstrated a passion for education and is described by a colleague as a “student as well as a teacher.” After pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Safety Management and an Associates Degree in Fire Science, Chad’s career path angled toward emergency medicine after facing his own medical emergency. Desiring to emulate the same professionalism and care that he received, excellence in patient care became Chad’s obsession. Chad is one of the first paramedics to achieve the FP-C and CCP-C certifications. This was not a job requirement, but rather exemplifies the passion he has for education and his patient care skills.
During his tenure with PHI Air Medical, Chad has demonstrated a humble leadership style in leading by example, earning him the admiration and respect of his colleagues. “Always willing to assist or volunteer for a project, Chad’s work ethic is outstanding–his “can do” attitude is contagious,” said Graham Pierce, PHI Regional Director. Pierce also stated, “Chad’s quest everyday is for a safer, more efficient, and economical way to do things.”
Chad is currently the base educator for his crew at PHI Air Medical. His creative approach to education and training ensure competency in skills and knowledge with protocols and procedures for flight paramedics and nurses. “New and tenured crew members are educated and trained in a way that is safe and goes beyond the norm.” added Bob Hesse, PHI Regional Clinical Manager. Hesse also said, “He’s the type of person that people want to work and train with.”
Chad is an instructor for the Difficult Airway Management program and teaches Paramedic EMT classes for California State University at Sacramento and for the Sacramento City Unified School District. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Tactical EMS unit in Sacramento, spending a tremendous amount of time performing tactical training with local and regional law enforcement agencies to assure that officers have the highest level of medical care available in the most hazardous phases of tactical law enforcement. Additionally, he has worked with military Special Operations Forces medical personnel to address medical mission planning, tactical casualty care and equipment usage in the tactical environment.
As Robert Donovan, MD, PHI California Medical Director commented, “Chad is one of those people who gives 110 percent all the time. He is very motivated to “˜do what’s right’; the kind of person to whom you know you could trust your life. If I were a patient, I would be very relieved to look up from my gurney and see Chad Augustin’s face!”
Tim Hynes was one of the founding members of the IAFP and contributed endless amounts of time and effort promoting the paramedic profession. On January 11, 1998, Tim was killed when his air medical helicopter crashed while on a mission near Salt Lake City, Utah. The Tim Hynes Award recognizes paramedics who, like Tim, have made significant contributions to the critical care profession.
The Tim Hynes Award is sponsored by Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company. The award includes a check for $500 and a certificate of recognition. The recipient also receives complimentary registration for the CCTMC and BCCTPC certification, as well as a one-year extension of IAFP membership. The award was presented by Bell Helicopter representative David Cruz, on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, during the Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
The IAFP is dedicated to providing advocacy, leadership development and educational opportunities for critical care paramedics. We strive to strengthen and unite all critical caregivers to enhance safe, efficient and quality patient care.