I frequently I see someone forget to bring his or her AMA card to an event. At least 31 states now accept digital auto insurance cards on smartphones. AMA-issued, digitally secure membership cards could be a reality someday, if security and other questions are addressed.
In the meantime, a simple solution is keeping a photo of your AMA card in your smartphone. Ultimately it’s at the discretion of the CD or club to accept a smartphone photo of your AMA card as proof of membership. If membership validation is needed, member status can be found at www.modelaircraft.org under the “Membership Services” tab—even using a smartphone!
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. With the encouragement of District II Safety Coordinator and Associate Vice President (AVP) Al Kanser, it was my honor at the October 11, 2015, Executive Council meeting to introduce the following motion:
“AMA encourages AMA clubs to consider purchasing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for placement at club flying sites and events, that clubs follow all applicable Federal and state AED laws, training and certification requirements, and that they follow the AED manufacturers’ instructions for care, maintenance, service, usage, and storage. Such purchases by AMA clubs are eligible for application toward AMA Flying Site Improvement Grants. AMA encourages AMA clubs to receive certified first-aid and CPR training.”
Many people are with us today thanks to CPR and AEDs. District II FF/CL Contest Coordinator and AVP, Dave King, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at the Garden State Circle Burners field in 2000. A club member performed CPR until Dave could receive a cardiac shock and medical treatment at the hospital. Several members of Dave’s club, the Middlesex Modelers, are now CPR trained.
District II AVP Dan Luchaco’s heart stopped on April 16, 2013, while at the gym. Two women at the gym performed CPR before a police officer arrived. Dan later learned after 10 minutes of no heartbeat and continuous CPR, the officer restarted Dan’s heart with an AED.
For every minute without CPR and/or defibrillation, the chances of surviving an SCA decrease by 7 to 10%. As Dan said, “Right time, right place, right people.” I could not agree more. In the case of Dave and Dan, they were fortunate, and so are we!
Dave received an AMA District Service Award for his modeling contributions in the 15 years since his SCA, and today Dan is racing marathons! Please ask your club to consider AEDs and ask members to receive certified first-aid and CPR training.
Remember, it’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make.
