"Being a travel nurse has given me a broader view of healthcare. You become an integral part of the healthcare team, stepping in to bring order to chaos."
A broader perspective on healthcare
Jesse Salinas’ journey as a travel nurse began after nearly a decade of experience in the medical and trauma ICU. What he thought he knew about healthcare transformed when he left the resource-rich environment of a big city hospital for the unpredictable and often under-resourced settings of rural America.
"Being a travel nurse has given me a broader view of healthcare,” Jesse shares. “In some places, there isn’t even a doctor on site. You become an integral part of the healthcare team, stepping in to bring order to chaos."
A unique set of skills for critical situations
Jesse’s travel team is small but mighty, typically comprising a pilot, a paramedic, and himself. Each crew member brings a specialized skill set that’s crucial in emergency scenarios. "We each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the helicopter," Jesse explains. “My experience in the ICU helps me deliver the same level of care in the air as you would expect on the ground.”
Jesse’s role goes beyond just providing care — he often collaborates with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, helping those who risk everything to cross the border. “It’s a challenging reality, but it’s an honor to provide care where it’s needed most.”
Life-saving tools for life-saving work
One of the tools Jesse relies on is the 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope, which he credits with helping save lives in the most challenging conditions. He recalls a harrowing experience where this tool was pivotal.
"We were transporting a Mexican police officer with multiple gunshot wounds. The digital stethoscope allowed me to accurately assess his condition and perform critical interventions like inserting chest tubes. If we had missed that, he wouldn’t have made it.”
Jesse was introduced to the Littmann® CORE during nursing school and has been a steadfast user ever since, recently upgrading to the Eko CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope (pictured here).
With its 3-lead ECG and AI-supported analysis, this tool is essential in his high-stakes work.
“Whether you’re for or against AI, it’s undeniable that it can make a difference in healthcare. It helps ensure we don’t miss anything, especially when time is of the essence.”
Transforming lives, one patient at a time
Jesse knows that while he can’t save every patient, the ones he does save are profoundly impacted. Reflecting on his work, he says, “That officer is walking this earth today because we made the right decisions and got him the care he needed. I helped save his life, and that’s something I’m proud of.”
With the noise-canceling capabilities of the Eko stethoscope, Jesse feels more connected to his patients, even amidst the chaos of a helicopter rotor. “When I use the Eko stethoscope, it’s like I’m underwater, and all the noise disappears. I can focus solely on what matters — the patient’s heart and lung sounds.”
Jesse’s story is a testament to the power of Eko’s digital stethoscopes in enhancing patient care. For those in emergency medicine, tools like the CORE 500™ aren’t just helpful — they’re life-saving.
Explore the CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope and the 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope to find the best fit for your practice.
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