Penny Triggs, RN, CFN

Vice President Air Medical Operations - Keewatin Air Limited

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Penny Triggs has been involved in our organization since the beginning.  Her experience as a nurse both in the hospital and in the air medical environment, in addition to her experience in management,  has given her a rich foundation to draw on.

Penny graduated from nursing at the Health Sciences Center (HSC) School of Nursing in Winnipeg in 1976, and worked as a general duty nurse on a medical floor.  Soon she was looking for new challenges and was accepted in 1978 to take the Intensive Care Nursing Program (ICNP), a one year post basic critical care course, at the Health Sciences Center.  Penny completed the course and worked in the MICU and CCU at the HSC as a general duty nurse.  In 1981, she accepted a position as an Assistant Head Nurse in the MICU/CCU, developing first line management skills, and consolidating her knowledge and skill base.  In addition, Penny got her first “taste” of air medical transport, flying into northern Manitoba and “medevacing” critically ill patients back to Winnipeg. 

Penny worked on other projects during her six years as AHN.  She participated in development and implementation of a six week orientation to the ICU/CCU.  She developed inservices for other areas in the hospital. Penny worked with the instructors in the ICNP, providing the link between the academic and the clinical.  In addition, Penny started to develop an interest in education beyond the walls of the HSC, and traveled outside the city to provide some basic critical care training to nurses working in rural and northern communities.

Penny attended multiple national and international conferences, completed the Nursing Unit Administration Course, (based in the University of Ottawa) and served served as Education Chair and President of the Manitoba Association of  Critical Care Nurses, which ultimately became the Manitoba Chapter of the CACCN.

In 1987, Penny assumed the role of Nursing Supervisor for the Manitoba Government Air Ambulance.  The program was in a fledgling stage at that time and Penny was responsible for development of the policies, procedures, protocols and training programs.  In addition, Penny developed community education programs, traveling to many communities served by the Manitoba Government Program to provide inserves.  Penny participated on numerous committees, task forces and government reviews related to transport services in Manitoba and other jurisdictions. 

Penny traveled extensively, learning about other programs, attending conferences and workshops and developing a broad appreciation for air medical transport, both in government programs and privately operated agencies. She also held the position of Education Chair for the Emergency Department Nurses Association.

Penny started to function as a consultant and educator to outside organizations, working with programs in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories.  Penny became an ACLS instructor, completed her PALS and Trauma certification and did her EMA I training.

Her position with the Manitoba Government allowed her to establish a network of peers and she was able to participate from the beginning of the Canadian Association of Aeromedical Transportation Services (CAATS) which amalgamated with the Aerospace Medicine Association in 1997, to become CAMATA.  Penny took on an active role in CAATS, and hasn’t looked back.

In 1993, Penny found herself restless again. The Manitoba Government Air Ambulance program was functioning well.  What was the next challenge?  Well, what about a private air ambulance?  One that is truly dedicated to quality of care…Keewatin Air Limited fit the bill and Penny joined them in March 1993.  Since joining Keewatin Air Limited, Penny hasn’t slowed down.  She successfully wrote the American Board Exams in Flight Nursing.  She has continued to expand her horizons and is currently holds instructor status in ACLS, PALS, CPR, STABLE and CAMATA Air Medical Training Program, Level I.

She has continued to act as a consultant in air medical transport,  traveling extensively and working with organizations across the country.  She has spoken at conferences in Canada and the USA on topics relative to critical care transport and has contributed to a number of publications.  Penny has continued to share her expertise through participation on numerous committees and boards.

Her ongoing dedication to improving the level of air medical transport in North America has been partially accomplished through her ongoing association with CAATS and CAMATA.  Penny was the Education Chairperson from 1993-1996, during which the CAMATA Air Medical Training Program Level I was developed and implemented.  Since that time, she has served as Vice President and President, while also sitting on the Education Committee and contributing to the development of the Level II course. 

While with Keewatin Air Limited, Penny has developed further as a manager, holding a senior position as Vice President of Air Medical Operations. In 1997, she was recognized by the Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses (Now MCRN) through the Award for Excellence in Nursing Administration.  Since joining KAL, she has had the opportunity to develop the Medical program policies, procedures and protocols, implement  comprehensive training programs and develop a detailed and thorough TQM Program.  In addition, she has been involved in the selection of aircraft for air medical missions, the design of the interiors of fixed wing turboprop and jet aircraft, and development of an integrated air medical program with the aviation flight department, including CRM training.  Penny developed the international component of Keewatin Air Limited, known as Critical Care International, and managed the air medical and communications areas of CCI for six years.  She has developed a positive and collaborative relationship with the clients, learning how to incorporate the concepts of quality of care as “marketing tools.” 

Penny’s extensive experience in the air medical environment has extended over 15 years and encompasses care provision, education, marketing and management.   She has been dedicated to sharing that experience with other providers,  in order to see the quality of air medical transport improve, and has a vision for CAMATA as a means to that end!