| 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Management Academy - J.R. Henry and Chris Dell
This session is designed to educate current and prospective leaders of EMS organizations. Faculty will provide and highlight important management issues. To gauge what is important to attendees, participants who register for this session will be sent a survey to provide insight on various issues you would like presented.
Cost: $100
FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN: Pending approval 8 hours of other |
| 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Introduction to Farm Emergencies and Managing Tractor Emergencies Part 1 -
Davis Hill and Eric Rickenbach
(To be continued Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
The first day is designed to give participants an overview of local farm emergencies. It will involve demonstrations and discussions of farm machinery, structures, chemicals, and people. This awareness course is designed to teach emergency responders how to recognize and initially manage (size-up) hazards that they will encounter when arriving at the scene of an agricultural emergency, and how to effectively preplan for farm-related emergencies in their communities. The second day is designed to teach emergency responders how to properly manage emergencies involving tractors in various settings. Tractors are involved in nearly 50 percent of farm deaths and disabling injuries.
Rural responders must be proficient in how to manage incidents involving tractors whether on the farm or off. Tractors are not only used on the farm but on construction sites, parks and recreation areas, and highways. Therefore, this module is applicable to nonrural emergency responders as well. No previous knowledge of rescue or farm operations is needed.
Participants will need the following equipment/gear on Wednesday, August 13, 2008: fire department turn out gear or sturdy work clothing consisting of trousers and long sleeve shirt or coveralls, hardhat, eye protection, work gloves, and steel toe shoes/boots.
These classes will be held offsite at the Bellegrove Fire Hall, 1743 Blacks Bridge Road, Annville, Pa. 17003.
Cost: $150.00
FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 11 hours (5.5 hours M/T 5.5 hours other) |
| 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
ACLS for EMT-Basics - Craig Spector and Colleen Campbell
Although EMT-Basics are not trained to provide advanced cardiac life support, there is much they can do to improve the quality of management, and thus the patient’s chance of survival, in a cardiac emergency. When the EMT-Basic in the field is faced with the decision of whether or not to request a Paramedic unit, and when the Paramedic unit arrives, they will be a more integral part of the team due to the base knowledge attained from this program. Topics covered in this course include: BLS and ALS team approach, prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, airway evaluation and control, ECG rhythm analysis, electrical interventions, cardiac pharmacology, challenging resuscitation situations and legal and ethical considerations.
Cost: $100.00 includes text
FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 6 hours M/T |
| 8:00am – 5:00pm |
Introduction to Farm Emergencies and Managing Tractor Emergencies Part 2 -
Davis Hill and Eric Rickenbach
The first day is designed to give participants an overview of local farm emergencies. It will involve demonstrations and discussions of farm machinery, structures, chemicals, and people. This awareness course is designed to teach emergency responders how to recognize and initially manage (size-up) hazards that they will encounter when arriving at the scene of an agricultural emergency, and how to effectively preplan for farm-related emergencies in their communities. The second day is designed to teach emergency responders how to properly manage emergencies involving tractors in various settings. Tractors are involved in nearly 50 percent of farm deaths and disabling injuries.
Rural responders must be proficient in how to manage incidents involving tractors whether on the farm or off. Tractors are not only used on the farm but on construction sites, parks and recreation areas, and highways. Therefore, this module is applicable to nonrural emergency responders as well. No previous knowledge of rescue or farm operations is needed.
Participants will need the following equipment/gear on Wednesday, August 13, 2008: fire department turn out gear or sturdy work clothing consisting of trousers and long sleeve shirt or coveralls, hardhat, eye protection, work gloves, and steel toe shoes/boots.
These classes will be held offsite at the Bellegrove Fire Hall, 1743 Blacks Bridge Road, Annville, Pa. 17003.
Cost: $150.00
FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 11 hours (5.5 hours M/T 5.5 hours other) |
| 8:00am – 5:00pm |
Advanced Burn Life Support - Robert Reeder, NREMTP; Michael Lynch, NREMT-P; Gerarda Bozinko, RN; Sandy Smith, RN; Karen Glass, RN
This course was developed and maintained by the American Burn Association. This course provides guidelines in the assessment and management of the burn patient during the first 24 hours post injury. This course presents burn modalities within the scope of practice for paramedics. EMT’s who wish to attend this course are encouraged to thoroughly review the materials prior to course commencement. An opportunity to work with a simulated burn patient to reinforce the assessment, stabilization, and the ABA transfer criteria to a Burn Center will be given. Final testing consists of a written exam and practical assessment return demonstration. Limited to the first 20 individuals who register. Must pre-register by July 21, 2008.
Cost: $100
FR/EMT 6.5 hours M/T EMT-P/PHRN 7.5 hours M/T
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| 8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
EMS Self Sufficiency for Disasters. - Keith Conover, MD
During Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of Pennsylvania EMS personnel volunteered to respond to the disaster area. Emergency managers turned personnel away from the disaster area, not because their help was not needed, but because the personnel demanded food, water and shelter in return for their help. Emergency managers saw that the needs for food, water and shelter were more important than the needs for these personnel. Those who arrived with their own food, water, shelter and other needs-such as Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and military units-were welcomed with open arms. Research shows that the medical needs after a big disaster are the same as medical needs before a disaster. Therefore, EMS personnel only need to learn how to apply their skills in an austere environment, and to survive and function in such an environment. This session will, through a realistic scenario and task analysis, introduce EMS personnel to the requirements for self-sufficiency in disaster settings. This session will, through presentation from those with field experience, motivate and assist participants in choosing and implementing cost and time effective methods to improve their individual self-sufficiency for disaster deployments.
Cost: $75.00
Pending Approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN4 hours of Other |
| 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
EMS Operations at the Fire Scene - Ed Davies
This class provides an overview of the hazards and problems we find working on a medic unit or ambulance going to fire and rescue calls that the EMT and Paramedic course do not prepare us for. Topics covered in this session include, rehab, cyanide poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, RIT teams, technical rescue scenes and the basic everyday car crash (hybrids/push button ignitions, etc.). This course is an overall awareness of safety issues that are not part of the EMT or paramedic curriculum.
Cost: $75
FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN Pending approval 4 hours M/T
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| 1:00pm – 5:00pm |
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for BLS Train the Trainer Program -
Steve Lyle, Bryan Smith, Holly Millsaps, Dr. Reihart
DContinuous Positive Airway Pressure has been shown to rapidly improve vital signs, gas exchange, reduce the work of breathing, decrease the sense of dyspnea, and decrease the need for endotracheal intubation in patients who suffer from shortness of breath from asthma, COPD, pulmonary edema, CHF, and pneumonia. This is a treatment that historically has been administered by an ALS provider. However, after completing a Pilot Project, the PA Bureau of EMS has approved this treatment for Emergency Medical Technicians within the Commonwealth. The presenters will give you the information and tools needed to teach BLS providers when and how to use a CPAP device.
This is the first BLS CPAP Train the Trainer course taught in PA.
Cost: $75.00
EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 4 hrs. M/T (pending approval)
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| 8:00 am to 8:30 am |
Opening Ceremony - Pittsburgh Honor Guard
Welcome—DOH/PEHSC Update - Calvin B. Johnson, Secretary of Health (invited); Michael Huff, Deputy Secretary of Health and Planning Assessment (invited); Joseph Schmider, Bureau of EMS Director; J.R. Henry, PEHSC President; Janette Kearney, PEHSC Executive Director. |
Keynote Lecture: 8:30 am to 10:00 am |
Burned Out or Bummed Out - Craig Jacobus, D.C., NREMT-P, EMSI
The course identifies the stressors of EMS and those common to the family of emergency responders. Once the stressor is identified, then action can be taken to care for and to prevent them from worsening. There is nothing worse than having skilled “EMS comrades” just give up, due to stress. The program demonstrates practical application of stress relieving programs that involve the team and the family of the EMS personnel. The seminar has you rejuvenate yourself in order to stay on top of your game and improve your EMS lifestyle by offering a number of ways to keep that passionate “feel” for EMS alive in you and your squad. It also offers a way to bring your EMS squad professionally closer.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
| 10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Helping the Confused Patient - Virginia Duffy, Ph.D., RN, CS, NPP
Confusion is a symptom that can indicate a number of underlying causes. How do you recognize someone who is confused? Do you know how to differentiate confusion from psychosis or other mental illness? This session will clear up common misconceptions about confusion and offer techniques and guidelines for working with these patients. We will discuss interventions and use case studies to apply concepts to real life situations.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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What makes you so special? Special Needs Patient and Geriatric Emergencies - Carol Cunningham, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM
This lecture highlights the considerations that must be given to geriatric patients due to their injury patterns, underlying co-morbid states and medications. This lecture also discusses the management of “special needs” patients (i.e. patients with tracheostomies, cognition barriers, latex allergies, service animals, infusion pumps and respiratory assistance devices).
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Man vs. Machine - Mike Smith, BS, MICP
Whether you work in the rural setting, urban setting, or somewhere in between, at some point, you are going to come face to face with patients who have tangled with some kind of machine and come out on the short end of the stick. Attend this fast-moving, graphic presentation and be better prepared to care for these often challenging patients.
Pending approval FR/ EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Never Let Them See You Sweat; Taking Control of the Pediatric EMS Scene - Lou Romig, M.D., FAAP, FACEP
The author uses the mnemonic PREP (Physiology, Response, Equipment and Protocols) to describe the facets of an organized approach to the assessment of the pediatric emergency patient. Also included is a section on pediatric patient assessment that is based on the Pediatric Assessment Triangle from the Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) course from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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2008 ALS & BLS Protocol Update - Douglas F. Kupas, M.D., EMT-P
This session will review the 2008 updates and changes to the Statewide BLS and ALS protocols. The session will include a discussion of the science and the reasoning behind each change.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Visual Diagnosis - Richard A. Cherry, MS, EMT-P
Can you make an initial field diagnosis by your first view of the patient? Are there obvious and subtle visual clues to help you? This interactive session provides photos of actual patients with various medical and traumatic conditions. The audience will identify the findings and briefly discuss the pathophysiology as it relates to the picture and field management of these patients. Prizes will be given for all correct answers.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
| 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm |
Lunch - You must pre-register |
| 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm |
From Punitive to Positive: Making Medical Mistakes Meaningful - Mike Smith, BS, MICP
A variety of methods, including short clinical vignettes and Q & A, take the participants through an understanding of the how and whys of medical mistakes. In addition, examples are offered of how to classify mistakes as well as how to assess their severity and impact. The overall focus is on how to learn and benefit from past mistakes, along with how to limit the frequency of future occurrence
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Managing Emotions during Emergencies - Virginia Duffy, Ph.D., RN, CS, NPP
Most professional EMS workers are comfortable dealing with some pretty challenging medical situations. However, when working with patients it is often the emotional component that is the most difficult to deal with. Patient’s intense emotional reactions can get in the way of your efforts to help and can hinder patients getting the care they need. How do you manage the patient who is anxious or having a panic attack? Do you know which techniques work best in dealing with each of these mental states? This one hour seminar will offer tips for dealing with a variety of emotional reactions and will increase your ability and confidence in dealing with the patient’s emotions in medical and psychiatric /behavioral emergencies.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Sedation and Analgesia for Painful Pediatric Procedures - Lou Romig, M.D., FAAP, FACEP
The lecture addresses the differences between pediatric sedation, analgesia and anesthesia and gives examples of when each class of intervention might be most appropriate. Some of the most commonly used sedative and analgesic drugs are reviewed. (ALS Providers only)
Pending approval EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Should I Stay or Should I go Now - Craig Jacobus, D.C., NREMT-P, EMSI
This presentation reviews the critical times in patient care () for clarification of scene activity. It also discusses critical thinking through changes in vital signs during care and understanding patient presentation. The concept of “predictive assessment”, understanding the patients’ response to past and current treatment will also be discussed. The foundational concept for EMS providers is to feel comfortable with taking appropriate time to treat on scene or treat on the fly due to patient stability or instability.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Motivating the Generation X-er and Y-er in Today’s EMS Workplace - Steve Wirth, Esq.
Having trouble getting and keeping good people? The typical EMS provider of today may expect more of you than you are able to give. They may jump ship when you least expect it, leaving you and your service in the lurch. In this age of the employees’ market and the age of entitlement, managers need to know what motivates our new generation of workers. Understanding the fundamentals of the Generation-Xer and Generation Y-er can help you do the right things to prepare you and your service to attract and keep the brightest and best staff.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. other |
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Chest Trauma - Carol Cunningham, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM
The lecture will review the categories of chest trauma and the injury patterns associated with chest wall, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and associated gastrointestinal traumatic disease processes. It will also focus on the assessment of the patient with chest trauma.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
Keynote Lecture 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm |
EMS Master Craftsman - Richard Cherry, MS, EMT-P
Regardless of your craft, what differentiates a practitioner from a master craftsman? This multimedia, interactive session is a philosophical and a practical guide to becoming a master craftsman in EMS, regardless of your provider level. Through an informative, entertaining and inspirational message, it will provide tips and suggestions that you can employ immediately.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
| 8:15 am to 8:30 am |
Announcements |
Keynote Lecture 8:30 am to 10:00 am |
Virginia Tech Tragedy - Colin Whitmore, EMT
With 27 injured victims and 33 deceased, the April 16th Virginia Tech shootings constitute the most deadly mass shooting in U.S. history. In the weeks that followed, the media constantly asked first responders, "How do you prepare for something like this?" In fact, Virginia Tech Rescue Squad (VTRS) had trained for this exact scenario numerous times. VTRS has a unique training program which includes rigorous mass casualty incident training at all staff levels. This presentation will present a timeline of events as they occurred on April 16, 2007; beginning with the initial response to the two shootings in West Ambler Johnston dormitory and ending with the termination of rescue operations. This presentation will shed some light on those lessons learned, and guide command officers a real world case study on decision-making. Additionally, a brief history of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and its capabilities will be included.
Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
| 10:30 am to 12:00 pm |
Calming Angry Patients and Preventing Escalation - Virginia Duffy, Ph.D., RN, CS, NPP
Have you seen co-workers who always end up having patients go off on them? Or, on the opposite extreme, those that seem to be able to calm almost anyone? Do you wonder what makes some professionals so successful in deescalating situations? Do you recognize the difference in their techniques, approach, and manner? You really have only one tool available before the situation becomes physical: YOUR WORDS! It is what you say, and how you say it, that have the most influence on how distraught clients will react. Your words can accelerate the patient and make the situation worse or they can help calm the patient and avoid worsening of the crisis. This seminar will focus on what to say when things are escalating. Remember prevention of escalation not only helps the client, but makes for a smooth resolution and allows you to get done what you need to, and move on. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Common Pediatric Medical Problems - Lou Romig, M.D., FAAP, FACEP
This course covers common medical problems encountered by EMS providers. Some of the topics that will be covered include fever, syncope, seizures, chest pain, abdominal pain, drowning and diabetic emergencies. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Shock - Richard A. Cherry, MS, EMT-P
This interactive workshop deals with patients in shock. Shock can have a variety of underlying causes and making the correct field diagnosis can, literally, make the difference between life and death. We will discuss the anatomy and physiology of circulation, the pathophysiology of hypoperfusion, the keys to assessment, and emergency field management. In the end, each participant will have a good working knowledge of keys to making a correct diagnosis and providing life-saving treatments. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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When the Crush is On - Mike Smith, BS, MICP
While crush injuries are by no means everyday occurrences in EMS, when they do happen, what is or is NOT done at the scene may well make the difference as to whether the patient lives or dies; and if they do live, whether the affected extremity functions at a pre-injury level or not. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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SCORE—EMS Sports Medicine for the EMS Provider - Craig Jacobus, D.C., NREMT-P, EMSI
This course will increase your knowledge of athletic injury care. It is sports medicine for EMS. It includes a basic overview of anatomy, physiology and kinematics of sports injury. A review of individual sports, their injuries and EMS treatment are covered via AV and practical skill sessions thru out. Mechanisms of injury and natures of illnesses are similar between our existing trauma/medical training, so this enhances those skills. Since there is no better sports injury field expert available 24:7 than EMS, this serves as an alternative form of EMS community involvement. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Getting and Keeping Good People: EMS Recruitment and Retention - Steve Wirth, Esquire
Finding and keeping people who truly care about patients and your organization a challenge these days? Well, you’re not alone. We are in a “recruitment and retention crisis” with shortages of quality EMS staff a nationwide problem. This seminar will explore some of the “root causes” of the problem, including tips on how to better understand “what makes people tick” as an aid to developing an effective recruitment and retention program. Topics also include: the “people and public issues” and steps to raise the level of recognition of EMS in your community, what benefits can be provided as incentives and the legal issues in rewarding and recognizing the ones you want to stay. We’ll discuss the “5 Rs”---Recruitment, Retention, Recognition, Reimbursement and Relationships and how they all tie together to better understand this important people issue and make positive things happen for your EMS organization. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
| 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm |
Annual EMS Awards Luncheon - you must pre-register |
| 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm |
Stridor - Richard A. Cherry, MS, EMT-P
This interactive workshop deals with the patient with stridor. Stridor can have a variety of underlying causes and making the correct field diagnosis can, literally, make the difference between life and death. We will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway, the pathophysiology of airway obstruction, the keys to assessment, and emergency field management. In the end, each participant will have a good working knowledge of the keys to making a correct diagnosis and providing life-saving treatments. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Baby Talk—Communicating Effectively with your Pediatric Patient - Lou Romig, M.D., FAAP, FACEP
Being able to communicate effectively with a patient is a crucial skill for those trying to deliver good medical care. Because children with varying developmental capabilities communicate in different ways and comprehend information differently, we must customize our approach to each of our pediatric patients. This lecture reviews the developmental stages of children and their communication abilities and offers suggestions about how to communicate with children verbally and nonverbally so that the greatest possible amount of information is exchanged and cooperation is maximized. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Managing the Hysterical Patient - Virginia Duffy, Ph.D., RN, CS, NPP
What is hysteria? Is it exaggeration, panic or personality disorder? In this session we will discuss the concept of hysteria and how it may manifest in patients. Hysterical persons can be difficult to help. Dealing with someone who is hysterical can be frustrating for the provider; it takes special skill and patience. In this session we will discuss different presentations and meanings of “hysteria” and will formulate strategies to deal with them. We will apply concepts to real life examples. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Sugar & Spice and Things….Not So Nice - Craig Jacobus, D.C., NREMT-P, EMSI
This is a short course in understanding herbal remedies and other natural products that our patients use on a daily basis. It eliminates the misunderstanding of most of these but also shows the deadly consequences of what some see as ‘safe OTC’ products. When you are done with this class you will have a new appreciation and a new respect for natural remedies. You will understand how many can be life-saving and how some can be life-threatening. These are no longer just whims, but rather a part of regular health care. This information is presented by the physician who used both mainstream and alternative medicines for his entire career, being very capable in both. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. M/T |
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Paid, Volunteer or Both? The Legal Aspects of Compensating Your EMS Workforce - Steve Wirth, Esq.
Today’s ambulance services utilize a variety of manpower – volunteer, paid personnel, or a combination of both. Some organizations are also utilizing “volunteer incentive programs,” or VIPs, where volunteers are paid “points” toward merchandise, cash or other valuable items or services in an effort to attract and retain members. This session will review the law as it pertains to these “compensated volunteers,” as well as explore some of the common pitfalls under the Fair Labor Standards Act that can trap the unwary ambulance service, like overtime exemptions, sleep and meal time deductions and more. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
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The Resuscitation is Over - Now What? - Douglas Kupas, MD, EMT-P
As more EMS services terminate resuscitations in the field, it is critical that EMS personnel be trained to break bad news to families. Dr. Kupas will review how patient families deal with grief, discuss communication techniques for breaking bad news, and discuss the logistical issues when resuscitation is terminated in the field. Participants will gain valuable interpersonal skills that will assist them in dealing with many related patient situations. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |
Keynote Lecture 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm |
How Full is Your Bucket? - Mike Smith, BS, MICP
Have you ever responded to a 911 call and upon questioning the patient, as to why they called, got an answer like: “Why nothing is wrong. I’m having a great day”? Probably not; in fact, probably never. EMS is in reality a day after day cycle of dealing with negative experiences. Attend this class and learn how to develop a positive strategy for both your personal and professional lives as you manage and diminish negativity and increase positivity. Pending approval FR/EMT/EMT-P/PHRN 1.5 hrs. Other |