Kevin Kissner
June 2024
Kevin
Kissner
,
Np, CFRN, NRP
Emergency Aviation
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
Richmond
,
VA
United States

 

 

 

Kevin and J managed the cardiac arrest in an extreme environment, with profound demands on their bodies and minds.
I can think of no better example of nurses going above and beyond for a patient than Flight Nurse Kevin Kissner and his partner, Flight Nurse J. The flight crew from VCU Health LifeEvac 1 was dispatched to pick up a patient from VCU Tappahannock Hospital. It was a hot day with a heat index of 108 degrees. The crew flew to Tappahannock and picked up the patient. While en route to the main campus, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Kevin and J managed the cardiac arrest in an extreme environment, with profound demands on their bodies and minds. They followed best practice and Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocols, continuing resuscitation for 17 minutes until they landed and received assistance on the rooftop helipad. The heat injury sustained by Kevin and J was so profound that they required emergency medical care and hospital admission. Still, their dedication to their patient and exceptional clinical abilities meant that the patient obtained a return of spontaneous circulation shortly after arrival at VCU and remains alive in the ICU. Very few nurses will ever experience a similar demand for them, their abilities, and their dedication as did Kevin and J. I wholeheartedly recommend them both for the DAISY Award to acknowledge their superhuman effort for their patient.