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Pennsylvania’s Largest EMS Conference
EVENT SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION
CONFERENCE HEADQUARTERS
Our headquarters for EMS Update 2015 is Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The address of the resort is 777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622-4007. The resort is easily accessible from either exit 91 or 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and is approximately one hour from Pittsburgh, two hours from State College and three hours
from Erie. Additional information on Seven Springs can be found at their web site, http://www.7springs.com.
Contact Seven Springs directly by calling 866/437-1300 to reserve your hotel rooms!
Hotel rooms are available for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at these special conference rates:
$123 Per person, per night, single occupancy @ hotel
$87 Per person, per night, double occupancy @ hotel
$77 Per person, per night, triple or quad occupancy @ hotel
Rates are subject to taxes. These hotel rates do include the full breakfast buffet and use of the swimming pool. Children 17 and under lodge free in the same room as a parent, breakfast would be at an additional fee. A deposit of
one night’s lodging is required to confirm a reservation. All hotel rooms are non-smoking and include coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, flat screen TVs, multimedia junction boxes and feature high speed internet.
The resort does offer free parking for hotel and day guests. Valet parking is available at an additional charge.
Condos, cabins, townhouses and chalets may be available during your stay and are accessible via free shuttle service to and from the main lodge. Reduced rates and amenities are exclusive to the hotel and may not be applicable
to condos, cabins and townhouses. Call the reservation specialists at 866/437-1300 for pricing and more information on the condominiums, cabins and townhouses.
When making reservations, mention you are participating in the EMS Update 2015 conference to receive these
rates. The deadline for these hotel rates/reservations is February 22, 2015. The hotel fills quickly for the conference. Limited hotel room availability Friday night. If a reservation must be canceled, Seven Springs requires fourteen days’ notice before the deposit can be refunded. Check-in time is after 4pm, and check-out time is 11am. Early
hotel check-in is not available. A surcharge applies for late check-outs.
Visit www.7springs.com for more information about the resort and its offerings.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Register ONLINE @ emsupdate.com or use the registration form on page 23 of this brochure. Each attendee must
register. Registration, along with the proper fees, should be completed prior to March 15, 2015. Registration for
some classes received after that date and on-site at the conference cannot be guaranteed. If you register online,
please do not mail the form.
2015 EVENT SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Registration Open
4:00PM—6:00PM
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Registration Open
Exhibitor Move-In
Conference Sessions
7:00AM—5:00PM
7:30AM—4:00PM
8:00AM—4:30PM
Friday, March 27, 2015
Registration Open
Opening Session/Keynote Presentation
Community Paramedicine Workshop
Exhibit Hall Open
Conference Sessions
Exhibit Hall Open
Friday Night Social Event
7:00AM—5:00PM
8:00AM—10:00AM
10:00AM—5:00PM
10:00AM—1:30PM
11:00AM—5:00PM
2:15PM—5:30PM
8:45PM—11:59PM
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Registration Open
Conference Sessions
Exhibit Hall Open
8:00AM—3:00PM
9:00AM—4:30PM
10:00AM—2:00PM
Questions regarding the conference can be sent to info@emsi.org or contact us at 412/494-5572.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Friday, March 27 10am - 1:30pm; 2:15pm—5:30pm
Saturday, March 28 10am - 2pm
Exhibit hall is open to everyone.
There is no admission fee to visit exhibitors.
Up-to-date information on exhibitors attending can be found at http://www.emsupdate.com
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CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION
Application for continuing education credits has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS.
You must complete all of the requirements in each class to receive credit. Your CEU will automatically be applied to your
certification/recognition within two weeks of the conclusion of the conference.
Updated information on each session and the CEU will be available at the conference website, www.emsupdate.com.
EMS CEU in Pennsylvania is divided into two categories: clinical patient care/core (C/C) and other (O). Course listings reflect these designations.
Attention Nurses and EMS personnel from other states: we can provide you an official certificate of your attendance at
EMS Update 2015. Stop by our registration desk prior to 3pm Saturday to receive your certificate.
You can, with careful planning, obtain over 20 CEUs during this three day conference.
Attention Nationally Registered paramedics: the re-registration process under the National Standards for NREMT calls for
completion of either a formal refresher course or continuing education structured around the content of the National Refresher, which includes “mandatory” and “flexible” core content areas. Review your information from NREMT regarding
distribution of CEUs. You are responsible for being familiar with the recertification requirements. Listings in this brochure
do not constitute prior approval by NREMT. Read each course description and compare to the recertification requirements. Please refer to the NREMT website for more information on specific requirements. You are responsible for your
own National Registry re-registration materials and processing.
Lunchtime CEU Courses
We’ve scheduled additional classes on all three days for those that want more CEU. Grab a quick bite to eat and then get
an additional one hour of continuing education at our lunch lectures. New in 2015—we have added sessions to obtain
your EMSVO continuing education.
An EMS vehicle operator (EMSVO) operates ground EMS vehicles for an EMS agency. All EMS vehicle operators should
have an EMSVO certification attached to their EMS certification. Some of you may only have an EMSVO certification. If
your certification is on a three year renewal cycle, you need to complete three EMSVO specific continuing education credits; those with a two year cycle certifications need to complete two EMSVO specific con-ed credits. These EMSVO specific
credits are in addition to credits needed for your EMS certification.
Each class will start at 12:15pm and end by 1:15pm.
Lunch is included in your day registration and begins at 11:45am each day. Food will NOT be available at the education
session. Please eat prior to or after the class starting. Seating is limited in each session.
Thursday
Mangled Extremities with Dr. Christian Martin-Gill
EMSVO Course: Rollover Prevention for Emergency Vehicles
Friday
Scratches, Bites & Stings with Dr. Jeremiah Escajeda
EMSVO Course: Safe Backing Practices for Fire and EMS
Saturday
A “Pawsitive” Experience (Therapy Animals and EMS) with Hollee Russell
EMSVO Course: Highway Safety Response
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FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015 - MORNING KEYNOTE SESSION
Join us in the Grand Ball Room on Friday, March 27, for our Keynote Presentation and Welcome Reception at
8:00am. The Welcome Reception and Keynote Presentation features remarks from the Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS, EMSI’s President and Executive Director, local EMS Honor Guards and
the announcement of awards.
Distracted Driving, In and Out of the Ambulance by Joel Feldman, Esq.
Driving while engaged in any activity that could divert a person’s attention away
from the primary task of driving is the definition of distracted driving. Texting,
making cellphone calls, eating, reaching for the radio microphone...the list of activities that put all of us at risk, is endless.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in
2011, the most recent year for which data is available, 3,331 people lost their
lives and another 387,000 were injured in distraction-affected crashes. The number of collisions involving distracted emergency vehicle drivers on public roads
who were at-fault increased by 122 percent over the last decade coinciding with a
meteoric rise in technology.
Joel Feldman, found of EndDD.org, lost his daughter to a distracted driver in 2009
and admits he drove distracted—until his daughter’s death changed his driving habits.
In this powerful presentation, Joel will talk about his experience with distracted driving and how EMS providers,
firefighters and other public safety professionals can work together and discourage bad driving habits amongst
each other and, more importantly, their families, friends and neighbors.
Community Paramedicine Workshop—Friday, March 27, 2015
Community paramedicine is an evolving model of community-based health care with EMS providers functioning outside
their usual emergency medicine roles in ways that facilitate more appropriate use of emergency care resources and/or enhance access to primary care for medically underserved populations. These programs typically are designed to address specific local problems and have successfully used prehospital providers in prevention, screening and disease management initiatives to reduce costs and improve quality.
Locally, the Emed Health program and the CONNECT (Congress of Neighboring Communities) project are success stories.
Additional EMS agencies from across Western Pennsylvania also have programs that work with their patient populations
and response areas.
This one-day workshop is designed for agencies and facilities that are interested in developing these programs. Led by Dr.
Dan Swayze and his team from the Center for Emergency Medicine, this fast-paced and focused workshop will highlight and
define the community paramedic, programs, patients, resources, operational needs and financing. This schedule has been
designed to spread ideas utilizing short, powerful talks—allowing you to focus on one or two take-away points from each
presentation.
The program will begin at 10:00am and conclude by 5:00pm. The full schedule for this workshop is available on page 10 of
this brochure.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
0800—0930
0945—1045
Pediatric Cases: Missed Opportunities
Kimberly Roth, MD, MPH—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Sometimes a pediatric patient is delivered to the hospital
without optimal care provided. This QI/peer review session
will discuss recent pediatric cases and how treatments
should have been different. Subclinical early post-traumatic seizures,
seizure patients with hypoventilation and lethargic infants without a fever
will be discussed.
Death by Poisoning
Anthony F. Pizon, MD—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 0.5 Clinical patient care/core and 0.5 other
In an hour, this presentation will summarize toxins that
are extremely deadly, but infrequently encountered. This lecture will
highlight cyanide, strychnine and arsenic. Since exposures to these poisons are uncommon, but lethal, the lecture will focus on the identification of signs and symptoms associated with their exposure, and initiation
of rapid pre-hospital treatment.
VADs—A Scenario Based Prehospital Review
P.S. Martin, MD, FACEP—Allegheny Health Network
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Participants gain a better understanding of VADs (a mechanical device that is surgically implanted into the patient’s chest to augment cardiac output, or the ability to
pump blood) through scenario-based situations used to clarify the basic
pathophysiology and function of VADS, the most common devices and the
most common complications of Ventricular Assist Devices.
Trauma Mythbusters
Al Philp, MD, FACS, FCCM—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Shamelessly based on the popular TV series, this discussion tries to take a data-driven look at myths relating to
prehospital trauma fluid use, transfusion, intubation, collar/spine board use, air/ground transport, and other controversies that
have plagued providers for years.
That’s Heavy—Crush Injuries for EMS
Chadd Nesbit, MD, PhD, FACEP—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Crush injury may occur due to man made or natural disasters. Although rare, the initial treatment by EMS is critical
to good patient outcomes. Management must begin before extrication
and treatment delay may lead to hypervolemia, arrhythmias, renal failure
and death. We will discuss the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of these complex patients.
Hypothermia in Trauma, Cardiac Arrest and Brain Injury
Raquel Forsythe, MD—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The lecture overviews the use of emergency preservation
and resuscitation (EPR) to promote survivability for massively bleeding trauma patients. Additional applications of hypothermia
for non traumatic cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injured patients will
be discussed.
Hemorrhage Control: Approaches to Control of Bleeding
Michael Ditillo, DO, FACS—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
From the battlefield to the hospital—we will evaluate new
technology as it pertains to bleeding control. We will explore both military and civilian devices that can be used in
the field to physically stop or slow down bleeding and discuss hemostatic
resuscitation as it applies to first responders. We will also explore new
technology for control of bleeding in the hospital including damage control resuscitation and how all of these techniques come together to improve outcomes in trauma patients.
You Are the Provider
Richard W. Lippert, MBA, EMT-P—GetYouThinking, LLC
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Using the critical thinking skills as a provider are invaluable. During this session we will discuss when and how to
improve your assessment. We will use scenarios and
hands-on training to provide a fun and informative session where you learn what it takes to be a better provider. If you are looking for a little improvement in your assessment and treatment of critical
patients, this session is for you. Skills portions (subject to modification):
long boarding, long fracture splinting, airway management, CPAP, I.O.
access, vital sign assessment, KED/XP-1 short boarding, pediatric immobilizer, and CPR/AED.
I Have to Change What? Tips for Change Management
Thomas J. Liebman, MBA, FP-C, CMTE—STAT MedEvac
CEU: 1.0 Other
Change is inevitable in today’s healthcare and business
environment. A popular saying is that if you are not changing, you are going nowhere. But human beings resist
change and many detest it entirely. This session will go over what
prompts us to change, the barriers to change, and how you can help
change occur by creating the right conditions.
Five EMS Articles from 2014 That Will Change
EMS
Frank Guyette, MD, MPH—STAT MedEvac
Jon C. Rittenberger, MD, MS, FACEP—
University of Pittsburgh
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Join our presenters as they de-mystify the top 5 EMS articles published in
2014. Discover what each means, how these articles will change EMS
practice, and decide how to incorporate their findings to your practice
today.
Thursday course descriptions continue on page 8
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MAIN SCHEDULE—THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME CEU SERIES
1100—1200
EMS VooDoo
Jennifer M. Russell, BSEM, EMT-P—Medic One of Skagit
County
CEU: 1.0 Other
Lets face it, EMS providers are superstitious, somewhat
crazy, and more than a little weird. We seek patterns in
chaos and attribute unrelated events to common causes. But are these
things really unrelated? Do your calls really increase during a full moon or
on the first of the month? You might be surprised! Join Jennifer Russell
for a discussion of the voodoo that you do so well!
When You’ve Come Undone: Mangled Extremities, Amputations, and Impalements
Christian Martin-Gill, MD, NREMT-P—STAT MedEvac
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
In EMS we often take care of patients with all sorts of injuries. Mangled extremities, impaled objects, dislocated
joints, and arms clean off the body. Ever wonder what happened to the
patient after the EMS providers did their part? Dr. Martin-Gill will review
cases of significant injuries encountered and treated by EMS providers,
what the x-rays showed, and what the treatment and outcomes for these
individuals was. He will review critical actions that should be performed by
EMS providers to best handle these situations, and when key interventions
can mean the difference between life and limb.
Burn Injury Jeopardy
Ariel M. Aballay, MD, FACS—The Western Pennsylvania
Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This lecture offers a comprehensive review of the initial
approach to burn victims. The focus will be to provide the
basic knowledge necessary to manage the patient as a first responder.
Audience response clickers will be used to engage audience participants
with small prizes awarded.
1330—1500
Pit Crew Airway Management
Frank Guyette, MD, MPH—STAT MedEvac
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This will be a case based discussion of common scenarios
involving airway compromise. Each case will address a specific patient population and stress the important strategies
to maximize airway management in both ALS and BLS skill providers. We
will highlight use of team training concepts and apply them to difficult
ventilation, apneic diffusion oxygenation, BVMETT and basic ventilator
management.
Busted Faces
Kip Benko, MD, FACEP—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This session will review facial anatomy and common types of
facial fractures. Prehospital assessment and management
will be highlighted using case reviews.
Advances and Challenges in Trauma Care
Andrew B. Peitzman, MD—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The lecture details the evolution of trauma care both prehospital and in-hospital to provide optimal patient outcomes. Through case presentation, Dr. Peitzman will detail the team elements of trauma care across all stages of patient management.
An Approach to Travel Illness Screening
Kimberly Roth, MD, MPH—Children’s Hospital
of Pittsburgh
Susan Sieminski-Yeager, MD—CHP
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
One to five percent of travelers become ill
enough to seek medical attention either during or immediately after travel
and 1 in 100,000 dies. You’ve heard of Ebola, SERs, etc…, this session will
provide basic understanding of the recent diseases in the news and how
and when to screen for them in the back of the ambulance. Time will also
be devoted to understanding how these recent diseases can be transmitted and how to protect yourself. Discussion will also take place on what
happens if the hospital screen is positive and now you might be infected.
Chemical Warfare Agents
Rich Kaplan, MD, MS, FACEP—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
We will discuss the prehospital and ED management of
patients exposed to chemical warfare agents, including
blood, choking, nerve, and vesicating agents. The above
agents will include a discussion of cyanide, phosgene, mustards, arsenicals, tabun, sarin, and VX .
Hands-on BLS Airway Lab
David Lindell, MS, NREMT-P—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
This program is directed at BLS providers wishing to better
understand and improve their airway management and ventilation skills. The class will utilize interactive discussion/
presentation and hands on practice with airway management techniques
and tools including ventilation through endotracheal tubes, invasive rescue
airways and assisting ALS providers during placement, maintenance and
ventilating through these devices. This session can only accept 24 students
and admission will be on a first-come basis.
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME EMSVO SERIES
Rollover Prevention for Emergency Vehicles
CEU: 1.0 Other
Driver error is the major contributing factor in nearly all emergency vehicle rollover crashes. This session focuses on physical dynamics of vehicle
operations, mechanics of vehicle operations, common rollover circumstances, and best practices for maintaining vehicle control.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
1330—1500
1530—1630
Stroke Treatments: Brain Fracking, Coils & Catheters
Brian Jankowitz, MD—University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Participants will learn the most efficient neurological exam to
triage potential stroke patients and discuss both hemorrhagic stroke treatments and ischemic stroke treatments. Triage in the field will
be highlighted and new treatments reviewed.
From the Archives: EMS Audio Case Reviews
Adam Tobias, MD, MPH—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This will be an audio-case based discussion of interesting
and difficult cases. Medical command consults will be reviewed with discussion of pitfalls and key learning points.
Mass Transit Crashes—Are You Ready?
Ed Davies, EMT-P—SHACOG Technical Rescue Team
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core and 0.5 other
This course will review past mass transit accidents and look
at the rescue and EMS issues that occurred. There will be a
review of different types of mass transit vehicles and discuss
the different rescue issues with each. Mass casualty response to these
types of incidents will also be reviewed. This course is for EMS and rescue
providers of all levels.
Ahead of the Curve: EMS Next Generation
Michael T. Hilton, MD, MPH—University of Pittsburgh
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This session will review cutting-edge treatments and therapies that are coming down the pipeline. Medications and
devices currently in trial or used in EMS systems in the U.S.
and other countries will be reviewed. Many of these may soon become
part of EMS practice in Pennsylvania. Medications such as tranexamic acid
(TXA) and ketamine may become part of our armamentarium. Devices
such as the abdominal tourniquet are showing promising results. Lets see
what the future may bring.
1530—1630
Physiology Based Airway Management
Mark E. Pinchalk, EMT-P— City of Pittsburgh EMS
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
EMS providers are generally taught the “skill” but not the
“art” of airway management. Airway management does not
begin or end with the act of utilizing an airway device. Placing advanced airway without first addressing the patient’s underlying physiological issues has been demonstrated in the literature to result in worsened outcomes. This presentation will propose a physiological based approach to airway management in which the patients underlying physiological issues are addressed and the airway is managed in strategy to improve,
not worsen, the patient’s physiological problems to improve outcomes. QI
data from an urban EMS system using the approach will be reviewed.
Street Drugs Update 2015
John S. Cole, MD, EMT-P—Allegheny General Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This lecture will utilize cases to review current trends in
common and emerging drugs of abuse. Epidemiology,
presentation symptoms, and patient management of these drugs of abuse
will be discussed.
Amped Up and Charged: Electrical Injuries
Jenny A. Ziembicki, MD—UPMC Mercy
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This lecture aims to educate prehospital personnel on the
management of electrical injuries. Treatment of low and
high voltage injuries will be discussed. Additional time is
spent on lightening injuries. Electrical injuries, while rare,
are immediately life threatening and must be expertly managed.
Faculty biographies, session titles and session descriptions are
provided by faculty and are subject to change.
Pediatric Safe Transport
Robert Hrabar, EMT-P—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This interactive and hands-on program will highlight options
for EMS providers related to the safe transportation of the
pediatric patient in ambulances. Discussing current guidelines we will investigate and practice different securing techniques utilizing commonly used equipment. The goal is to give the EMS
provider an opportunity to become more comfortable when securing children in a variety of situations. The instructors for this program are NHTSA
Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructors who are EMS providers.
All handouts provided by faculty are placed on the official EMS
update website, www.emsupdate.com, prior to the start of the
conference.
Additional information on each faculty member can be found at
www.emsupdate.com
Can’t make it this year?
Join us for EMS Update 2016, March 31—April 2, 2016
Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
0800—1000
KEYNOTE MORNING PRESENTATION
Join us in the Grand Ball Room on Friday, March 27, for our Keynote Presentation beginning at
8:00am.
Distracted Driving, In and Out of the Ambulance by Joel Feldman, Esq.
Driving while engaged in any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary
task of driving is the definition of distracted driving. Texting, making cellphone calls, eating, reaching
for the radio microphone...the list of activities that put all of us at risk, is endless.
Joel Feldman, found of EndDD.org, lost his daughter to a distracted driver in 2009 and admits he
drove distracted—until his daughter’s death changed his driving habits.
In this powerful presentation, Joel will talk about his experience with distracted driving and how EMS providers, firefighters
and other public safety professionals can work together and discourage bad driving habits amongst each other and, more
importantly, their families, friends and neighbors.
Participants attending Joel Feldman’s lecture will gain admission into Exhibit Hall prior to other attendees on Friday, March
27, 2015 at 10am.
Community Paramedicine Workshop—Friday, March 27, 2015
10:00am—11:00am Traditional EMS vs Community Paramedicine
Description of our patient populations
Establishing Rapport with Patients
Medication Reconciliation
2:00pm—3:00pm Resources
Housing/Utilities
Waivers
COMPASS
Special Resources
11:00am—noon Patients Populations
Chronic Pain and “Drug Seekers”
Vets
Elderly
Frustrating Patients
3:00pm—4:00pm Operations
Needs Assessments
Referrals
Documentation, Impact and Data
1:00pm—2:00pm Mental and Behavioral Health
4:00pm—5:00pm Building a CP Program
Anxiety
Partnerships
Depression
Financial Models
Bipolar Disorder
Pricing
Schizophrenia
This is a full-day workshop, beginning at 10:00am and ending by 5:00pm. Participants
are encouraged to participate in the entire workshop instead of alternating between
workshop sessions and other classes on Friday.
The cost for this one day workshop is the same as the one day fee—$80. If you only
plan to attend this workshop, the cost would be a total of $80.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
0800—1000
OPENING CEREMONY AND KEY NOTE PRESENTATION
1045—1200
Safety: Lessons Learned from Aviation
Doug Garretson, BA, NREMT-P—Center for Emergency
Medicine
CEU: 1.0 Other
The risk of fatality in commercial aviation has been reduced
to nearly zero. So what did they do and are there equivalent initiatives EMS could adopt to improve patient and
provider safety? Technology, communication, regulation, simulation and
Just Culture are but a few of the techniques aviation used with success.
Join us in the Grand Ball Room on Friday, March 27, for our Keynote
Presentation and Welcome Reception at 8:00am. The Welcome Reception
and Keynote Presentation features remarks from the Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS, EMSI’s President and Executive Director, local EMS Honor Guards and the announcement of awards.
Marketing EMS to the Public
Marty Raniowski, MA - PA Department of Health
CEU: 1.0 Other
Today’s progressive EMS systems keep their public informed
of their EMS operations through public information, public
education and public relations. Not all of this happens
through the media. How are you marketing your system, telling your customers of your needs, showcasing your honors and providing medical information to your residents and neighbors? This session will highlight best
practices from across the Commonwealth.
Creating A First Responder Naloxone Program
Major Daniel Schwartz, MD, FS, FACEP—Forbes Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Other
BLS and First Responder intranasal Naloxone is rapidly becoming a standard practice in many parts of the United
States. Safe and effective, the administration of Naloxone requires only
brief training and has been successfully accomplished by multiple agencies
and credited with saving multiple lives. This class will discuss the current
literature and evidence for BLS and First Responder Naloxone. It will describe the core elements of a successful BLS naloxone program. It will also
discuss current legislation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that
affects this practice.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN 10am—1:30pm
1045—1200
FTO and Mentoring—On the Job Training in Action
Roy E. Cox, D.Ed., EMT-P—City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS
CEU: 1.5 Other
The FTO and Mentor provides structure or scaffolding to the
learning process, shares knowledge that could otherwise only
be attained through personal experience and supports the
protégé’s efforts. This session will enhance your current program or promote the building of successful mentoring programs in your service.
Overdoses and Interactions
Heather Goetze, PharmD—Forbes Hospital
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
When hearing the word “overdose,” the first thought is
usually illegal substances or perhaps prescriptions opioids.
However, overdoses of non-opioid prescription and overthe-counter medications are on the rise. Interactions with
multiple medications and herbal supplements can contribute to the severity of the overdose, whether intentional or unintentional. This presentation
will help the attendee to identify and address patients suffering from drug
overdoses and drug/substance interactions.
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME EMSVO SERIES
Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures
Richard E. Kaufman, MBA, NREMT-P—EMSI
Todd E. Nicholson, NREMT-P—EMSI
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
This session provides a current understanding
of epilepsy, history and current practices and
medications. We also review different seizure types, assessments and
recognitions as well as a review of current protocols. Current and future
treatments of seizures will be discussed.
Safe Backing Practices for Fire and EMS
CEU: 1.0 Other
This session focuses on understanding the importance of safe vehicle backing measures and adopting these best practices into your organization’s
driving procedures.
Friday course descriptions continue on page 12
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MAIN SCHEDULE—FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
1330—1430
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME CEU SERIES
That Might Leave A Mark—Scratches, Bites and Stings
Jeremiah Escajeda, MD—University of Pittsburgh
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Join us for an exploration of animal related human injury and
pathology. Topics discussed will include arthropod bites,
stings and infestations, reptile injury and envenomation, and
mammal-induced trauma.
1330—1430
Distressed Infant
Michael Decker, MD—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of
UPMC
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The distressed infant poses a wide range of diagnostic option to first responders. This presentation will focus on the most common
scenario likely to be encountered by EMS. We will develop a systematic
approach which will enhance your comfort level and allow for improved
patient outcomes.
The Amazing Human Brain—Part II
Khaled Aziz, MD, PhD—Allegheny General
Andrew Ku, MD—Allegheny General
Ashis Tayal, MD—Allegheny General
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This presentation will allow EMS providers of
any level to better understand that amazing organ known as
the brain. Using a cadaver head and simulation models for
illustration, the presenters will take us through the relevant
anatomy showing firsthand the effects of disease and injury
on the human brain. This will be coupled with the vast array
of tools and imaging available at a tertiary care center that
they use to evaluate and successfully treat their patients. You’ll be able to
be up close and personal through the use of video and projections as the
discussion evolves. Whether you joined us in 2013 for part 1 of this talk or
are first time attendee’s to this presentation, you’ll come away with new
information that will increase your understanding of these complex patients!
Do Not Resuscitate and POLST: How to Handle in the Field
Arvind Venkat, MD, FACEP—Allegheny Health Network
CEU: 1.0 Other
This course will discuss the medical, ethical and legal challenges that can confront EMS providers in making decisions
to not initiate resuscitative measures. The presenter will
provide an overview of currently available advanced directive, do-not-resuscitate and physician orders for life sustaining treatment (POLST) documents in Pennsylvania and their application to the
emergency medical services environment. The course will include case
presentations of the dilemmas that can confront EMS providers in interpreting these advanced planning documents in the field and how they can
be resolved. The presenter will conclude by discussing the emerging trends
in advanced planning on limiting resuscitation and how they may apply to
the pre-hospital environment.
Clogged Pipes: ACS and STEMI Care
Dustin Kliner, MD—University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The presentation will review acute coronary syndrome with
special emphasis on STEMI patients. Discussion will explore
field recognition, prehospital STEMI/ACS care, and cath lab
activation practices to improve patient outcomes.
Illuminating the Issues—Improvement Through Error Reporting
Ronald Roth, MD—City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS
CEU: 1.0 Other
While we all make mistakes, most of the time our
“misadventures” do not result in patient harm. We often call
“no harm, no foul” when we make mistakes (or adverse events) and don’t
investigate the cause. Are adverse events without patient harm something
we should ignore, or are they more like TIAs that we should investigate
with the hopes of preventing the “big” stroke? The lecture will look at
some actual adverse events and will suggest several methods of investigation.
Special Needs Dilemma: Motorized Wheelchair Bound Patients Calling 911 on the Street
Roy E. Cox, D.Ed., EMT-P—City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS
CEU: 1.0 Other
When a person confined to a motorized wheelchair becomes
sick or has a chair failure while away from home, typically
EMS is called because it involves a special needs patient. Sometimes the
scenario is for an ill person and sometimes it is for a mechanical failure of
the chair. How should these scenarios be handled? Should EMS respond to
a dead battery issue? How is the chair transported with the sick person in
the back of the truck? These are dilemmas that occur frequently. How
does your agency handle them?
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN 2pm— 5:30pm
1445—1545
Pain on the Brain: Concussive Injuries in Sports
Vincent N. Mosesso, Jr., MD—University of Pittsburgh School
of Medicine
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Concussion is currently one of the greatest concerns among
athletes of all ages, parents of youth athletes and sports
organizations at all levels. This presentation will provide the EMS professional with a broadened understanding of this topic so he/she can function
more effectively at sports and other recreational events and in collaboration with athletic trainers, coaches and parents. Dr. Mosesso, team emergency physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh
football team, will discuss mechanisms, assessment and management principles, both immediate and post-event.
Friday course descriptions continue on page 13
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MAIN SCHEDULE—FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Patients & The Decisions You Make—You Be The Judge
Dick Gibbons—PA Bureau of EMS
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This program uses actual situations to evaluate the care that
was delivered, how it matched applicable protocols, how the
care may have been improved and ultimately what led to the
patient care decisions. Also looks at potential corrective actions and gives
the audience the opportunity to identify what they believe is correct via a
nominal voting process.
1600—1700
The Perfect Storm of Excited Delirium
Ronald Roth, MD—City of Pittsburgh EMS
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Is excited delirium real or a trumped up diagnosis to support
our law enforcement colleagues? Don’t be too quick to
judge. EMS is frequently called to assess and treat out of
control patients. Early recognition of delirium by EMS is essential in the
successful treatment of these patients. New medications are available to
EMS providers, including ketamine. Is the administration of ketamine the
miracle drug or just another method of potentially harming these high
risk patients?
Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy—Emergency Recognition and
Treatment
Allison Freeman, MD—Temple University
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This presentation will focus on case based presentation of
various types of anaphylaxis and non-anaphylactic acute food
allergies. The presentation is targeted for both BLS and ALS level providers.
The participation of the audience in acute treatment, and in reaching the
diagnosis will be sought in an interactive format. During the seminar patients will also practice administration of emergency medications in anaphylaxis.
Outbreak!
Jennifer Russell, EMT-P—Central Skagit Medic One
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Outbreak! – A look at EMS response to epidemic. From
influenza to ebola, infectious diseases have become a
growing health concern in the United States. Learn how to
protect yourself and manage the health of your community.
Pediatric Assessment
Kavitha Conti, MD—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of
UPMC
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Assessing a pediatric patient can be a challenging and stressful task. Pediatric education is very limited in most EMS curricula, and critical pediatric patients make up barely 1% of run volume in
most EMS systems. Through the use of an observational assessment and
application of age-appropriate assessment techniques, we can substantially
decrease the difficulty in assessing our pediatric patients.
You May Be Sure, But Should You Be Sure: Recognizing
Cognitive Errors
Paul Paris, MD, FACEP, LLD (Hon) - EMSI
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The discussion will review common types of cognitive errors and present examples of flawed decision making that
results from failed cognition.
Seeing Things Differently—Physical Disability and Cultural
Challenges
Sarah Anderson, MSN, CRNP, CFRN, PHRN—STAT MedEvac
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This session will discuss best practices to engage and assess special patient populations including deaf, blind, cognitive impaired, and culturally sensitive patients.
Documentation: Identifying & Avoiding the Common Errors
Richard Lippert, EMT-P—GetYouThinking, LLC
CEU: 1.0 Other
Documentation is the vain of the job. However, next to patient care, it is one of the most important things we do.
Many providers do not appreciate the important purpose
served by their patient care documentation. We will look at the top mistakes and pitfalls made in preparing and completing your documentation.
Telemedicine & Mobile Integrated Health
Care—The 1st Pennsylvania Experience
Robert McCaughan, BS, EMT-P—Allegheny
Health Network
Jerry Taylor, MD—Allegheny Valley Hospital
Lori Shotts, RN—Allegheny Valley Hospital
Jeff Polana, EMT-P—Allegheny Valley Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Other
We will share our experiences in implementing the first EMS focused telemedicine
and Mobile Integrated Health programs in
the state of Pennsylvania. Initiated through Allegheny Valley Hospital’s
AK Pulser paramedic response team and the hospital’s High Risk Care
team, we will share our experiences and lessons learned as we built
these programs designed to provide the right care in the right place at
the right time.
Getting Started With Your QI Efforts: A Toolkit
Richard Wadas, MD, FACEP—EMSI
Roy E. Cox, D.Ed., EMT-P—City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS
CEU: 0.5 Other
Step One: setup your QI committee. Step Two:
Define the problem, challenge or opportunity to review. Then what? We
will provide a basic toolkit to help each EMS agency begin their QI activities
and become compliant with the EMS Rules and Regulations.
1600—1700
Down on the Farm: A Review of Agricultural Trauma
Scott Dolan, EMT-P—UPMC Prehospital Care
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Join us as we explore common farm related traumatic injuries
and the best approach to safely access and manage the victim.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN UNTIL 5:30pm
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Families—join us Friday night beginning at 7pm for
popcorn, pizza, cookies, child-friendly beverages, soft
drinks and a family movie in the Dogwood Forum!
Depending on availability, the movie (G or PG rated)
will have recently been in the movie theaters! We
will be showing two movies—one on Friday and one
on Saturday! We’ll announce the movies the week of
the conference.
Everyone is invited—there is no charge to attend.
MAIN SCHEDULE—SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015
0900—1200
HANDS—ON LABS
0900—1200
HANDS—ON LABS
Tactical Medicine: It’s Nothing Personal,
It’s Just Business
Officer Andre L. Antoine, Sr.—Toledo Police
Shane Baumgartner, NREMT-P, BS-FIAD—
On Point International
CEU: 2.0 Other
The austere environment of a tactical
emergency medicine mission requires special judgment and a skill mastery not taught in traditional EMS courses. Our course is anything but
traditional! This course is a measured combination of lecture and practical application. The lecture focuses on the introduction to tactical medicine, the roles and responsibility’s of a TEMS provider and offers lessons
learned from medics who are specialists in both “modern warfare and
ghetto warfare”. It is our goal that all levels of providers can leave this
course with knowledge to keep them safe on duty and off. It is our mission to provide challenging scenarios designed to mimic the stress of a
combat environment where you will perform patient assessment, hemorrhage control, and airway management under simulated battlefield
conditions.
Birthin’ Babies and Neonatal Care
Karen Glass, PHRN—LifeFlight
CEU: 3.0 Clinical patient care/core
Following a review of delivery complications, participants
will utilize high and low fidelity patient simulators to participate in difficult childbirth scenarios with a combination of
maternal or delivery complications. You will receive hands-on experience with delivery complications such as shoulder dystocia, breech
presentation, and dealing with a prolapsed cord. The neonatal care of
routine, premature and meconium aspirated infants is reviewed.
0900—1500
Pediatric Simulator Lab
Pediatric Simulator Lab
Jerome Spinnato, RN, RRT, C-NPT, CCRN—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
NOTE: Each Simulator Session is limited to 6 participants to
ensure everyone has the opportunity to interact with the
simulators.
Pig Lab: Study of the Respiratory and Cardiac Systems
Richard Lippert, EMT-P GetYouThinking, LLC
CEU: 2.0 Clinical patient care/core
From the farm to the lab—this interactive session will
review the general respiratory and cardiac systems. This
instructor-led session will allow for dissection of the respiratory and
cardiac systems of an adult sized pig. Participants will work in teams for
the hands-on portion. This is an excellent experience for new and seasoned practitioners. MAXIMUM OF TWENTY STUDENTS. YOU MUST
CALL EMSI TO RESERVE A SPOT IN THIS LAB. There is a $35 lab fee to
attend this session in addition to the regular conference fee.
This course will provide hands on experience to EMS Providers to manage a pediatric patient with a critical medical condition. This program will
make use of a high fidelity simulation mannequin to teach EMS providers
of all levels, the importance of a rapid systematic assessment and basic
treatment techniques, to effectively care for pediatric patients.
This class begins every hour on the hour and lasts for 50 minutes. You
can sign up at the conference to participate in this session.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015
0900—1030
1100—1200
Trauma: Life in the ER and Beyond!
Louis Alarcon, MD—UPMC Presbyterian
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Presentation of interesting and complex trauma cases, with
discussion of management priorities, controversies, and a
review of clinical images. The discussion covers both pre-hospital and
hospital phases of care.
Advancing the Basics: A Review of Uncommon BLS Skills
Brian Fullgraf, NRP—UPMC Prehospital Care
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This session will review less frequently used BLS skills
and skills critical to the performance of BLS care. These
include CPAP, medication assist, BVM ventilation, suction
techniques, and traction splinting.
Risky Teen Behavior: Part Two
Josh Stuart, EMT-P—Medical Rescue Team South Authority
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Explanation of new risky behavior, such as vampirism,
planking, car surfing, and condom snorting. Did you know
kids are ingesting distilled hand sanitizer or vodka soaked gummy bears?
These and other new scary trends are explored. Signs and symptoms of
behavior, treatment of related injuries, and prevention are reviewed.
Personal Readiness for the EMS Crew
Gregory Porter, EMT-P—Ross West View EMS Authority
CEU: 1.0 Other
When asked why we love our job, most EMTs or Paramedics will answer with something like “it’s different
every day” or “you never know what the next call may bring”. For these
reasons, our drive to be ready and able to respond should be heightened. We will discuss physical, mental, and educational requirements to
continue to succeed personally and provide a high level of care. Keeping
with the concept of the regional safety initiative, how can we be healthy,
safe, and professional in our delivery of emergency services?
Pharmacology Improv Theater
Jason Kodat, MD, EMT-P—Forbes Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
Prehospital care frequently involves the art of improvisation—fashioning splints out of materials at hand, finding
creative ways to get patients back to an ambulance, and
so on. This class will take you on a tour through your drug
box, showing uses for many of the medications there that aren’t covered
by current state protocols (although you will need a medical command
consult to use them).
You Have the Right to Refuse
Jennifer Russell, EMT-P Central Skagit Medic One
CEU: 1.0 Other
Obtaining a medically prudent and legally safe Refusal of
Care from a patient can be difficult. EMS providers walk a
fine line between allowing a patient to refuse care and
encouraging that patient to refuse care. Training is minimal yet management and medical directors have high expectations. Learn how to reduce your risk by performing the right physical assessments, asking the
right questions, and documenting clearly.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN 10am—2pm
1100—1200
Pediatric Trauma
Sean E. Button, MD—Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of
UPMC
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
The curriculum focuses on the acute assessment, diagnosis,
and treatment of children with major or multiple injuries, and incorporates guidelines and other key information promoted by several national
sources.
Take My Breath Away: Patients with Severe Dyspnea
Vincent N. Mosesso, Jr., MD—University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
EMS providers often encounter patients with severe dyspnea, which quickly can lead to unconsciousness, arrhythmias and sudden death. The specific cause is often difficult to determine, but intervention must be started immediately. This talk will use
challenging cases to provide insights into rapid assessment and immediate treatment. The appropriate use of the various therapies available in
the prehospital setting will be reviewed.
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME CEU SERIES
Therapy Animals—A “Pawsitive” Experience
Hollee Russell, PHRN—STAT MedEvac
CEU: 1.0 Other
Service dog, therapy dog, working dog — what’s the
difference, and does it really matter? Learn the specifics
about these amazing animals and what they do for humans. What
should EMS providers expect when encountering one of these dogs? Be
informed and prepare for these unique canine interactions. Do you believe animals have the power to heal? A therapy dog is a dog trained to
provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes,
schools and so many other places. Discover the benefits of animal assisted activities and therapies. Identify how therapy dogs can enhance the
healing process in response to crisis situations. Hollee Russell, an experienced flight nurse and dedicated dog mom, accompanied by her dog
Josey, are eager to share their passion of pet therapy.
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MAIN SCHEDULE—SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015
Geriatric Assessment
Jeff Kelly, EMT-P—Cranberry Twp EMS
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
On average, greater than 60% of the patient’s seen by EMS
could be classified as geriatric, and that number is predicted to
rise. This comprehensive program identifies the best clinical
and assessment practices to ensure a successful outcome of your geriatric
patient. Through a review of systems and a short “hands on” exercise, students will gain a greater experience for the geriatric population and how
best to manage their medical emergencies.
1215—1315
LUNCHTIME EMSVO SERIES
Highway Safety Response
CEU: 1.0 Other
This awareness class provides emergency responders with the
knowledge to recognize the inherent dangers in responding to roadway
incidents and the principles, strategies, and practices for establishing a
safe highway incident scene.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN 10am—2pm
Road to a Healthier Life: From Diet to Surgery
Daniel Gagne, MD—Allegheny General Hospital
Eric Schmidt, EMT-P—Allegheny General Hospital
Elizabeth Morris, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
EMS as a profession presents significant challenges in diet that can easily lead providers down a road to
an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity. This presentation will
educate the attendee with a variety of methods that may
be used to improve your health from diet and exercise perspective to bariatric surgery, which is a very complex decision. From professional and personal perspectives, this
panel will present detailed options that exist to improve your current picture, including diet and meal preparation options designed specifically with
the EMS provider and your environment in mind.
1330—1500
Back to Basics—Assessment
Timothy J. Reitz, BS, NREMT-P, NCEE—Conemaugh School
of EMS
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
This course is an interactive case (scenario) based lecture.
This session will provide the participant with a back- tothe-basics of patient assessment and how our treatment is affected by
our findings. We will seek answers to some of the following questions:
What information can BLS and ALS providers take from a general patient assessment? Do the vital signs provide us with more information
than what we once thought? Are automated blood pressures as accurate as manual? Are there good ways to measure and manage pain?
Spinal immobilization and splinting, what’s the deal? Finally the participant will see why we need to be prepared.
1515—1630
Sex from A to 911
Jason Kodat, MD, EMT-P—Forbes Hospital
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Believe it or not, people have had their sexual escapades turn
into the kind of misadventure that lands them in the back of
an ambulance. There are also a number of mythical sexual
injuries that have never actually occurred, but frequently make the rounds
as urban legends. Learn what can go wrong when people get amorous, and
how you can help (or at least not make things worse) in the field.
The Eyes Have It—Ocular Injuries
Salwa Aziz, MD, MPH—University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
CEU: 1.5 Clinical patient care/core
Nearly one million Americans have permanent significant visual impairment due to injury with more than 75% of these individuals being monocularly blind. Eye injury is a leading cause of monocular blindness in the US and is second only to cataract as the most common cause of visual impairment. The majority of all eye injuries occur in
persons under thirty years of age. This discussion will review the basic
anatomy of the eye;,the most common eye injuries, and basic management of eye injuries.
Medical Care to the Entrapped Patient
Gregory Porter, EMT-P—Ross West View EMS Authority
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core
This program will look at rendering care to the entrapped
patient. Regardless of who performs your rescues, rescue
is in essence patient care. There is no rescue without a patient and taking
care of those patients should not be taken lightly. This program will talk
about various types of entrapment and look at various levels of care to be
provided in those special rescue situations. Who should provide that care
and what level of care is appropriate?
5 Combat Cases
Major Daniel Schwartz, MD- Forbes Hospital
CEU: 1.0 Clinical patient care/core and 0.5 other
Military medicine has had a profound impact on prehospital medicine over the past 12 years. Experienced
military medical providers have returned to the civilian
sector and brought with them a wealth of the knowledge that has
changed how we provide care. Trauma care, austere medical care, disaster medicine, air medical transport, airway management, and technologic advances have each seen radical changes due to the experience of
military medics and prehospital providers. This class will discuss five
military and cases from combat that highlight these advances and show
promising directions for the future.
Doing the Unthinkable
Jennifer M. Russell, BSEM, EMT-P—Medic One of Skagit
County
CEU: 1.5 Other
Field caesarian section, amputation of a limb, black tagging a
live patient; We never want to do it but it happens in EMS.
How do field providers deal with the aftermath? Join Jennifer Russell for
real case presentations where EMS providers had to do the unthinkable.
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Families—join us Saturday night beginning at
7pm for popcorn, pizza, cookies, child-friendly
beverages, soft drinks and a family movie in the
Dogwood Forum!
Depending on availability, the movie (G or PG
rated) will have recently been in the movie theaters! We will be showing two movies—one on
Friday and one on Saturday! We’ll announce the movies the week of the conference.
Everyone is invited—there is no charge to
attend.
All classes are filled in the order in which paid registrations are received. Class schedules and faculty are subject to
change. We reserve the right to cancel a session due to insufficient enrollment. Participants will be notified if a session
is canceled and given the opportunity to enroll in a different session. Students must be registered for each session they
attend. We do not permit auditing of classes.
Tuition for EMS Update 2015 includes (for each day registered): continuing education credit, refreshment breaks and
lunch. All paid registrants receive an admission pass to the sponsored Friday night social event. Tuition does not include
hotel accommodations, activity fees at Seven Springs, and/or admission to non-WREMS/EMSI sponsored social events.
Please note that lost lunch and/or social event tickets/passes WILL NOT be replaced.
Complimentary coffee and tea is provided each morning of the conference for a limited time in the registration area.
Lunch is provided for those attendees registered for classes. You will receive a ticket in your registration materials for
the lunch for each day of conference registration. Additional lunch tickets are available for purchase each day. During
the conference, refreshments for registered students are provided during breaks.
Registration received without payment will be returned without processing. We cannot accept purchase orders. All or
part of this educational program may be tax deductible; check with your tax consultant.
We cannot accept personal checks after March 13 or at the conference. Payment after March 13 must be made by credit
card, cashier’s check, money order, or cash.
When arriving at the resort, please check in at the Conference Registration Area, located near the Grand Ball Room. You
can retrieve your name badge, registration packet and receive information on the exhibitors, social event and continuing
education. Registration hours of operation can be found on page 3. You can also get needed receipts at this time.
Spouses, guests and children do not have to register unless they plan to attend classes, meal functions or the social
event on Friday evening. The Family Movie Nights and admission to Exhibit Hall are free. Additional meal tickets for the
All-You-Can-Eat lunch buffets (featuring hot prepared items) are available for $20/day and can be purchased on-site.
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EMS Update 2015 Conference Selection Committee
Chairperson
Douglas Garretson
Center for Emergency Medicine
Richard Adobato
Diane Fitzhenry
Mike Gannon
Dave Lindell
Robert McCaughan
Paul Paris, MD
Miles Darby
Nora Helfrich
Richard Kaufman
Richard Lippert
Tom McElree
Rodney Rohrer
Fayette EMS
Penn Hills EMS
Allegheny General Hospital
Allegheny General Hospital
Allegheny Health Network
UPMC Prehospital Care
UPMC Prehospital Care
Tri-Community South EMS
EMSI
GetYouThinking.com
EMSI
Ambulance & Chair Service
EMSI Staff
Thomas J. McElree, Esq., MBA, NREMT-P, Executive Director
Brian Shaw, BSAS, NREMT-P, Deputy Director
Paul M. Paris, MD, FACEP, LLD (Hon), Regional Medical Director
Richard J. Wadas, Jr., MD, FACEP, Associate Regional Medical Director
Amos P. Cameron, AS, EMT-P, EMTT, Regional Operations Coordinator
Scott L. Crawford, EMT-P, Regional Licensing Manager
James Husar, NREMT-P, Clinical Education Specialist
Richard Kaufman, MBA, NREMT-P, Regional Education Coordinator
Todd Nicholson, BS, NREMT-P, EMS Education Specialist
Joseph Ponko, MBA, EMT, Regional Clinical Coordinator
Robert Smith, EMT-P, EMS Operations Specialist
Jackie A. Strasbaugh, EMT, EMS Education Specialist
Bradley J. Takach, AAB, NREMT, BLS-I, EMS Education Specialist
Curtis Valdiserri, EMT-P, EMTT, TRT, EMS Emergency Preparedness Manager
CALL FOR ENTRIES 2015 EMS PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR AWARD
EMSI is accepting nominations for the 2015 EMS Practitioner of the Year Award. The award will be presented Friday, March
27, 2015 during the EMS Update 2015 Opening Ceremony at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The EMS Practitioner of the
Year Award recognizes an individual EMS practitioner within the EMSI’s region who has made an outstanding contribution
to emergency medical services.
To be eligible for the award, the nominee must: reside and/or work within the EMSI region and be an active participant in
the EMS system and, if applicable, be currently certified or licensed.
Consideration will be given to the nominee’s demonstrated EMS knowledge through consistent performance of high-level
skills, compassion towards patients and others, professionalism, and commitment to the promotion of EMS activities and
education.
To submit a nomination, please submit a letter with your nominee’s name and address. This letter should be accompanied
by a narrative, describing in detail the contribution your nominee has made to EMS and why this person deserves this
award.
Entries must be received by February 24, 2015. Questions can be answered by calling EMSI at 412/494-5572.
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SPONSORED BY AGH-LIFEFLIGHT
The Friday Night Social Event is
Their show features the greatest popular
songs from the 50's through today in a variety of musical genres. Along with all of the
traditional classic sing-a-long songs such as
"Brown Eyed Girl", “Piano Man”,
"Margaritaville", "Sweet Caroline",
"American Pie", "Don't Stop Believin'", and
"Old Time Rock and Roll", they also have an
extensive repertoire of country, R&B, modern rock, polka, disco, classic rock, dance,
alternative, hard rock, and even rap music.
The "T" and Rich Dueling Piano Show is not just your typical
party band!!! Non-stop audience participation and interaction
is the cornerstone of their show! They encourage the audience
to sing-a-long, clap-a-long, and submit requests of their favorite
songs and artists.
We anticipate the following entertainment venues to be open on Saturday night.
SOCIAL EVENTS
This social event is for registered students and their guests only. We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone. You must
have an official admission pass to attend the LifeFlight sponsored social event in the Grand Ball Room on Friday night.
As per Pennsylvania law, only those persons 21 years of age and older are permitted to join us Friday night in the Grand Ball
Room. Identification will be checked at the door and throughout the evening by resort security staff.
All paid conference attendees automatically receive a complimentary admission pass to the Friday night social event. Additional
passes, while they last, are available for $10/person. Note that lost admission passes for the social event WILL NOT BE REPLACED.
There are also no refunds for admission passes to the social event.
All attendees, regardless of age, must show proper identification to be permitted entrance to our social events and at all entertainment venues at the resort. Springs Resort reserves the right to remove people from the resort with no refund. Seven Springs prosecutes those people misrepresenting themselves or producing false and/or altered identification. Undercover security agents monitor the social events for persons buying and supplying alcohol for minors. No alcohol may be brought into the social events.
An admission pass is mandatory to enter the LifeFlight sponsored Dueling Piano social event in the Grand Ball Room on Friday.
Preference for the limited number of passes available is given to those registered for the conference. Due to fire marshal regulations, only a limited number of passes are available for sale.
During Friday night’s event in the Grand Ball Room—soft drinks are free (courtesy of EMSI). All other beverages are available at
resort bar prices.
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Early registration is recommended.
Attendees are encouraged to register online at: www.emsupdate.com
If unable to register online, the registration form on page 23 will be accepted by mail or fax. Photocopies of additional forms are acceptable.
1) PRINT CLEARLY or type your information. Please fill out the form completely.
2) Make checks payable to WREMS.
WREMS c/o EMS Update 2015
1002 Church Hill Road
Pittsburgh PA 15205-9006
For credit card payments, REGISTER ONLINE @ emsupdate.com or fax your registration form to 412-787-2340
Phone orders are not accepted. Payment must accompany registration form. We accept cash, check, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. NOTE: We will not be able to accept personal checks at Seven Springs. We
cannot accept purchase orders.
If there are any questions on the registration process, please email us at info@emsi.org or call 412/494-5572.
Please do not mail any registrations after March 20, 2015. Please bring your conference registration information
with you and register on-site at the conference (there is no additional fee). We are unable to accept and/or process personal checks after March 13, 2015.
The entire brochure and registration form is located @ emsupdate.com
Special Accommodations: If you have any dietary requirements or other special needs requiring assistance (hearing
or visually impaired, wheelchair accessible, etc) in order to fully participate in the event, please call 412-494-5572
prior to March 1, 2015.
REFUND POLICY
If you must cancel, your request for a refund must be made in writing and emailed/mailed/faxed to WREMS. Substitute attendees are encouraged and accepted at any time. Phone call cancellations cannot be accepted.
If a cancellation is received:
Prior to March 10, 2015, refund is 90%
March 11 - March 18, 2015, refund is 45%
March 19, 2015 and after, no refund
Conference attendees assume all risk incidental to participation in all activities, loss or damage to property, and release WREMS/EMSI, General Expositions, and Seven Springs Mountain Resort against any claims.
REMINDER: Cash and Credit card on
site only. We cannot accept personal
checks at Seven Springs.
Register online at
www.emsupdate.com
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EMS UPDATE 2015 REGISTRATION FORM
First Name
Last Name
Company (optional)
Mailing Address (Line 1)
Mailing Address (Line 2)
City
PA EMS Certification Number
State
Zip
Daytime Telephone Number
Date of Birth
Certification Level
- 1 9
E-Mail Address (confirmation will be sent to this e-mail address)
ITEM
3 Day Registration (Thursday AND Friday AND Saturday)
Cost
$200
Total
_______
2 Day Registration (Thursday AND Friday)
$140
_______
2 Day Registration (Thursday AND Saturday)
$140
_______
2 Day Registration (Friday AND Saturday)
$140
_______
1 Day Registration (Thursday)
$ 80
_______
1 Day Registration (Friday)
$ 80
_______
1 Day Registration (Saturday)
$ 80
_______
Pig Lab Fee (only if you attend the Pig Lab on Saturday)
$35
_______
TOTAL DUE:
_______
I will attend community paramedicine workshop ___ Yes
Charge to: [ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard [ ] DISCOVER
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO WREMS
Complete this form and mail to:
Western Regional EMS Inc
Card Number _____________________________
Expiration Date __________________ Security code from back of card ________
Attn: EMS Update 2015
1002 Church Hill Road
Pittsburgh PA 15205-9006
Signature_____________________________
Zip Code ___________ (card mailing address)
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Non Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh PA
Permit No. 2304
Emergency Medical Service Institute
1002 Church Hill Road
Pittsburgh PA 15205-9006
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