Representatives from several regional Air Methods Medevac bases that serve the Glen Spey, NY area as well as crews from Westchester Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center met at Camp Simcha today to review policies and procedures for medical helicopter flights.

Simcha Shain, a Camp Simcha paramedic who organized the meeting, noted that today’s meeting was just the latest in a series of annual visits to familiarize helicopter crews with Camp Simcha’s medical program. Rivkah Reichmann, LCSW, Camp Simcha Special’s associate director, noted that the meeting enables crews and medical staff to review protocols and the camp’s physical setup before the summer began.

The group included Air Methods’ medical director, pilots, flight nurses, and coordinators arrived in three helicopters early this morning and proceeded to the Ilian Goldberg Social Hall (usually the site of Camp Simcha concerts, games and other programs). Today the group discussed more sober issues related to medical transports and coordinating with the camp’s medical and administrative staffs.

As part of the day, they toured the Silber and Scheiner Families Medical Center, Camp Simcha’s state-of-the-art medical facility. The Medical Center is a two-story facility contains a complete emergency medical center, isolation rooms, pharmacy, exam rooms, physical therapy center and bathing facilities for the camp’s most physically compromised campers. As the home base for the medical staff, the Silber and Scheiner Families Medical Center uses the latest technology to safeguard the health and well-being of campers, all of whom are seriously ill. This year the Medical Center will begin remote monitoring of campers’ vital statistics using technology usually found only in hospitals.

“The group was really impressed with the Medical Center and our medical program,” said Nachman Maimon, Camp Simcha’s director. “We try very hard to keep our children safe and healthy within the camp environment. We hope the only time we see our Air Methods friends is for training and social visits; nevertheless, it’s vital for them to see the Medical Center and become familiar with our protocols.”

Simcha Shain agreed. “Air Methods is really part of the Camp Simcha family. This meeting helps them to understand what our needs will be during the summer.

The crews were excited to spend the day at Camp Simcha as well. Aidan O’Connor of Air Methods, wrote in an email, “(We want) to ensure that we are prepared for anything (Camp Simcha) may need from us over the summer.”

While Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president, could not be at camp to greet the group, he noted the long-standing and warm relationship between the camp and Air Methods. “We are happy to host the clinical review event. It’s one more way our medical and administrative staffs work to assure the health of every child who comes to Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special.”

The first of Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special’s four sessions begins on June 24.