CE: Clinically Related Operations or Medical, 16 hours

Our courses give the EMS provider the options needed to recognize a developing threat of assault, deflect if possible, escape if practicable, and to defend if necessary. This non-violent system of prevention and avoidance takes a realistic approach to the subject, eschewing “idealistic” training concepts and methods providing your practitioner with concepts that work in the classroom with cooperative subjects following a script. This class addresses real-world crises where diabetic reaction overcomes reason, the mentally disabled act upon their delusions, those under the influence act with superhuman strength, and law breakers lash out at first responders and ER personnel even as they are engaged in life-saving efforts. The unwise advice to many EMTs in the back of an ambulance to “hit ‘em with the O2 bottle” is something that this training will help to prevent. For more information on class content, contact Jason Brooks at jbrooks@dt4ems.com.

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Austin Convention Center

CE: Administrator or CRO, 7 hours

New year, even more great content! We open with one of the most well-known names in EMS law in the U.S., attorney Steve Wirth of Page, Wolfberg and Wirth, LLC who will bring an EMS litigation update and discuss recent HOT topics to help you avoid legal pitfalls. From medication errors to ketamine administration, to delays in dispatching and responding to 911 calls, to patient neglect and abuse, paramedics, nurses and dispatchers have recently come under the judicial system spotlight. In this lively discussion, Steve will review recent negligence cases where EMS has been on the hot seat and the trend toward “criminalization” of medical errors and the latest situations landing paramedics and EMS agencies in court. He will discuss steps to reduce risk and to avoid the potential legal pitfalls impacting prehospital care. If that is not enough, State EMS Director Joe Schmider will follow with a two-part session that breaks down Senate Bill 8 which provides funding to support recruitment and retention projects to increase the valuable Texas EMS workforce. He will discuss options and opportunities provided by this funding and review new research focused on what current EMS personnel and the public know about our EMS system. You won’t want to miss this valuable information designed to support your organization in building a strong recruitment and retention program. The course will conclude with Steve Wirth providing the latest information on what is happening in the world of ambulance reimbursement and compliance – what you need to know now to better plan for the future. He will cover numerous topics in a “rapid fire” approach to give you the most information possible. He’ll address – among other things – the hot topics of ground ambulance cost data collection, the federal “no surprises act”, changes to the physician fee schedule and impact on PCS forms and documentation, recent enforcement activity by the government and non-government payers, and what’s on the horizon for potentially new payment models. He will also discuss the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and the expiration of the many ambulance “waivers” that have been in place for the last three years, and the impact on your ambulance service. This is a vital class for any EMS administrator! For more information on course content, contact Joe Schmider at  joseph.schmider@dshs.texas.gov.

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Medical or Patient Assessment, 8 hours

If anyone told you that you could take a 12-lead class and have fun, would you believe them? Believe it now! Presented by Bob Page, author of the book 12 Lead ECG for Acute and Critical Care Providers, this highly motivating, non-stop interactive course on 12-lead ECG includes proper lead placement, axis and hemiblock determination, bundle branch blocks, differentiating wide complex tachycardia and myocardial infarction recognition. Also included is the use of a 15-lead ECG for increased sensitivity for STEMI. Participants in the program will read approximately 200 12-lead ECGs, gaining both experience and confidence in their newly learned skill. This is a great course for EMS and hospitals implementing STEMI programs or for continuing professional development. Page’s textbook is not included or required, but it might help your understanding of the class. New, used and electronic editions are widely available at booksellers, including Amazon. For more information on course content, contact Bob Page at lead2noclue@me.com.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Preparatory, 6 hours

Limited to 32 participants

This thrilling, step-by step, human anatomy based program literally promises to turn your medical education and training inside out with fresh, non-fixed, and fixed human specimens as your personal guide. Participants in this class actively visualize, mobilize, and explore the anatomy of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities to appreciate the medical and traumatic disease processes we frequently encounter. Participants will further compare and contrast today’s medical procedures with the science and truth of our own mortality. Engaging in this hands-on effort will completely immerse you within emergent procedures and human anatomy while working side-by-side with highly experienced medical professionals. And YES, we will do ALL of that and STILL give you enough time to GET to Austin to experience the afternoon and evening activities at the 2023 exhibit hall.

What should you wear? Suggested attire includes scrubs and running shoes but “professionally comfortable” clothing is fine. Participants are not permitted to wear shorts or open-toed shoes. Who should register for this exciting preconference course? Paramedics, EMTs, nurses, mid-levels, physicians, and medical educators. This program is a hands-on effort involving human specimen—all PPE is provided.

NOTE: This course involves six SOLID hours of active engagement with a tremendous amount of standing and moving. With that in mind, participants are strongly encouraged to come well rested and prepared to learn. Participants should expect to be intellectually stimulated, yet physically exhausted at the conclusion. For information on course content, contact Ali McCully at alison.mccully@hiscentre.com.

7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Breakfast and lunch included

Course held at the Healthcare, Innovation and Sciences Centre within the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences (Travel on own to 353 Rodeo Drive, Spring Branch, Texas 78070; Nearby hotel accommodations available).

CE: Medical or Trauma, 8 hours

The best EMS clinicians don’t just know what to do, but rather, they know why to do it. A solid clinical foundation begins with an in-depth understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Join RockStar University and let our Masters show you the ways of the “Force”, the life force that is. Participants will split time between lectures, discussions, and hands on activities to tie pathophysiology and anatomy content to clinical application. For more information on course content, contact Reuben Farnsworth at rockstareducation@gmail.com.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 ½ hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Special Considerations or Trauma, 3 hours

Come join Ken Bouvier as he presents a unique look at managing EMS response involving mass casualties with a focus on school bus incidents. Each day an average of 480,000 yellow school buses, transport approximately 25 million students to and from school across the United States. Using a unique power point presentation, participants will explore the frequency of school bus incidents, discuss school bus designs, the types of injuries you can expect, how patients are triaged, patient tracking, and crash management. Discussion will also include important information designed to help you respond to and manage a Mass Casualty Incident. For information on course content, contact Ken Bouvier at kenbouvier@cox.net.

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Hilton Austin

CE: Additional, 24 hours

NAEMSE presents the EMS Instructor Course, which has been designed and developed by the same individuals who produced the DOT/NHTSA 2002 National Guidelines for Educating EMS Instructors. The NAEMSE Instructor Course represents the didactic and practical application components needed to become an EMS instructor. The content of this 40-hour course (16 hours online completed prior to arrival onsite) aligns NAEMSE developed modules with the curriculum objectives of the 2002 National Guidelines and complies with EMS rules for lead instructors in more than 40 states, including Texas. This course provides an introduction to a broad span of educational theory that is heavily reliant on brain-based learning and evidence-based best practices for all levels of experience as an EMS educator. Individuals who attend the entire course and pass the post-test receive a Certificate of Course Completion from NAEMSE and are eligible for Texas instructor certification. Continuing education hours have been applied for through NAEMSE, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). For more information on class content, contact Jarred Kallmann at j.kallmann@naemse.org or 412-343-4775.

Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Special Considerations, 16 hours

Verbal Judo also known as the “Gentle Art of Persuasion”, provides participants opportunities to improve their ability and confidence to prevent, manage, and de-escalate tension and interpersonal conflict when interacting with patients, their families, guests, and colleagues. Participants will be able to identify potentials for conflict early and take the appropriate proactive actions to keep them from happening. In other words, participants will be able to identify and change behaviors early and create the conditions for a collaborative, rather than adversarial relationships with their contacts. The primary objective of Verbal Judo training is to improve both staff and patient safety. Other important goals include enhanced staff professionalism, decreased vicarious liability, decreased complaints and grievances, lessen stress in the workplace, improved clinical and organizational outcomes, and improved staff morale. VJI prides itself in creating an experiential training milieu that includes didactic lecture, large and small group discussions, videos, and scenario-based role-play. For more information on class content, contact Latisha Balogh-Robinson at latisha@verbaljudo.com.

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Clinically Related Operations or Medical, 16 hours

Our courses give the EMS provider the options needed to recognize a developing threat of assault, deflect if possible, escape if practicable, and to defend if necessary. This non-violent system of prevention and avoidance takes a realistic approach to the subject, eschewing “idealistic” training concepts and methods providing your practitioner with concepts that work in the classroom with cooperative subjects following a script. This class addresses real-world crises where diabetic reaction overcomes reason, the mentally disabled act upon their delusions, those under the influence act with superhuman strength, and law breakers lash out at first responders and ER personnel even as they are engaged in life-saving efforts. The unwise advice to many EMTs in the back of an ambulance to “hit ‘em with the O2 bottle” is something that this training will help to prevent. For more information on class content, contact Jason Brooks at jbrooks@dt4ems.com.

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Austin Convention Center

CE: Medical or Pediatric, 8 hours

Recent advances in medical technology allow more children and youth with special health care (CYSHCN) needs into the mainstream. Emergent assessment of these children can be very difficult due to the fact their “baseline” is very different than other children and unique physical and mental conditions are unfamiliar to the provider and often pose barriers to the routine assessment and management. This class is designed to provide EMS personnel with cognitive knowledge and practical, hands-on training to prepare them for the assessment and management of children and youth with special health care needs. The course is designed for all levels of EMS provider and focuses primarily on basic assessment and management. However, equipment will be available in the appropriate skills stations to demonstrate troubleshooting home ventilators and Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) and advanced airway management using tracheostomy and/or stoma for advanced level providers. The program brings together EMS professionals with special needs children and/or their parents or caregivers from Texas Parent to Parent, to provide a unique perspective to the challenges and common misperceptions of emergency assessment and management of CYSHCN. For information on course content, contact Sam Vance at spvance@bcm.edu.

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lunch Provided by Dell Children’s

Dell Children’s Medical Center, Signe Auditorium, Austin, TX

Travel on your own to Dell Children’s Medical Center, Signe Auditorium, 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723; roughly 4 miles from the Austin Convention Center and conference hotels.

CE: Preparatory, 8 hours

Limited to 48 participants

The Critical Care Skills – procedural anatomy course, is a nationally respected offering with a well-earned reputation for excellence. The Centre’s program specifically focuses on high-value, low-frequency, evidence-based emergent interventions. Participants engage in a comprehensive hands-on experience that gracefully blends fresh (non-fixed, non-frozen), as well as embalmed (fixed) human specimens, highly experienced medical professionals, and the most demanding procedures. This course is orchestrated to dissect, explain, and train through: bleeding control (digital; wound-packing; tourniquets; junctional bleeding, pelvic binding, and REBOA), airway and ventilation management (BLS – all fundamental management and supraglottics; ALS – video and direct laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and cricothyroidotomy), vascular access (IV – peripheral, cut-down, and exchange; IO – manual, mechanically assisted, powered, and central venous access techniques and exchange), thoracic injury management (open and closed – to include anterior and lateral needle decompression, simple thoracostomy, chest tube placement, pericardiocentesis and resuscitative thoracotomy), fundamental suturing and securing, basic ultrasound usage and more as time and desire permit. Participants actively locate, visualize, mobilize, and explore the freshly dissected anatomy of the neck, chest, abdomen and extremities to better appreciate the efficacy and impact of interventions on the human body (while simultaneously defining the common medical and traumatic disease processes we frequently encounter). The goal of this course is to improve indication and anatomic recognition while simultaneously offering hands-on experience that evidence proves matters most.

What should you wear? Suggested attire includes scrubs and running shoes, but “professionally comfortable” clothing is fine. Participants are not permitted to wear shorts or open-toed shoes.

Who should register for this exciting pre-conference course? Paramedics, EMTs, nurses, mid-levels, physicians, and medical educators. This program is a hands-on activity and involves human specimens—all PPE is provided.

NOTE: This course involves a full day of active engagement and a tremendous amount of standing, moving, and skills refinement. Participants should expect to be intellectually stimulated, yet physically exhausted at the course’s conclusion. Participants are strongly encouraged to come well rested and prepared to learn. For information on course content, contact Ali McCully at alison.mccully@hiscentre.com.

7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Breakfast and lunch included

Course held at the Healthcare, Innovation and Sciences Centre within the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences (Travel on own to 353 Rodeo Drive, Spring Branch, Texas 78070; Nearby hotel accommodations available).

CE: Medical or Patient Assessment, 8 hours

NAEMT’s Psychological Trauma in EMS Patients (PTEP) course gives EMS practitioners the resources to help alleviate patients’ hidden wounds – intense fear, stress, and pain – during a medical emergency. PTEP educates participants about the biological underpinnings of psychological trauma, the short and long-term impact on the brain and body, and warning signs that a patient is experiencing extreme psychological distress. Participants are also taught strategies and techniques to alleviate patients’ distress and help patients cope with what they’re experiencing to ward off lingering effects. For more information on course content, contact Macara Trusty at macara@trustyit.net.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Medical or Patient Assessment, 8 hours

Capnography: It’s not just for confirming tube placement! Join Bob Page, for the first nationally presented comprehensive course (since 1998) on capnography guaranteed to be an eye-opening experience as participants learn the incredible benefits gained from full ETCO2 monitoring and waveform assessment. In this exciting and informative session, Bob reviews the related A&P of the respiratory system and explains with multi-media and audience involvement, the role of capnography in all aspects of emergency and critical care. Using examples of cardiac arrest to airway and ventilation management the case is made for using capnography as a key patient assessment and ongoing monitoring tool for every patient. In fact, anyone with a problem with ABC’s should have continuous monitoring of ETCO2 and waveform. Be a part of this comprehensive course that explains in detail why you measure CO2, how the machine measures it, how the waveforms are made and real cases from A-Z. Come and learn how to fully integrate this session into your practice and utilize it to its fullest potential! For more information on class content, contact Bob Page at lead2noclue@me.com.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Administrator or CRO, 7 hours

New year, even more great content! We open with one of the most well-known names in EMS law in the U.S., attorney Steve Wirth of Page, Wolfberg and Wirth, LLC who will bring an EMS litigation update and discuss recent HOT topics to help you avoid legal pitfalls. From medication errors to ketamine administration, to delays in dispatching and responding to 911 calls, to patient neglect and abuse, paramedics, nurses and dispatchers have recently come under the judicial system spotlight. In this lively discussion, Steve will review recent negligence cases where EMS has been on the hot seat and the trend toward “criminalization” of medical errors and the latest situations landing paramedics and EMS agencies in court. He will discuss steps to reduce risk and to avoid the potential legal pitfalls impacting prehospital care. If that is not enough, State EMS Director Joe Schmider will follow with a two-part session that breaks down Senate Bill 8 which provides funding to support recruitment and retention projects to increase the valuable Texas EMS workforce. He will discuss options and opportunities provided by this funding and review new research focused on what current EMS personnel and the public know about our EMS system. You won’t want to miss this valuable information designed to support your organization in building a strong recruitment and retention program. The course will conclude with Steve Wirth providing the latest information on what is happening in the world of ambulance reimbursement and compliance – what you need to know now to better plan for the future. He will cover numerous topics in a “rapid fire” approach to give you the most information possible. He’ll address – among other things – the hot topics of ground ambulance cost data collection, the federal “no surprises act”, changes to the physician fee schedule and impact on PCS forms and documentation, recent enforcement activity by the government and non-government payers, and what’s on the horizon for potentially new payment models. He will also discuss the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and the expiration of the many ambulance “waivers” that have been in place for the last three years, and the impact on your ambulance service. This is a vital class for any EMS administrator! For more information on course content, contact Joe Schmider at  joseph.schmider@dshs.texas.gov.

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Medical or Patient Assessment, 8 hours

If anyone told you that you could take a 12-lead class and have fun, would you believe them? Believe it now! Presented by Bob Page, author of the book 12 Lead ECG for Acute and Critical Care Providers, this highly motivating, non-stop interactive course on 12-lead ECG includes proper lead placement, axis and hemiblock determination, bundle branch blocks, differentiating wide complex tachycardia and myocardial infarction recognition. Also included is the use of a 15-lead ECG for increased sensitivity for STEMI. Participants in the program will read approximately 200 12-lead ECGs, gaining both experience and confidence in their newly learned skill. This is a great course for EMS and hospitals implementing STEMI programs or for continuing professional development. Page’s textbook is not included or required, but it might help your understanding of the class. New, used and electronic editions are widely available at booksellers, including Amazon. For more information on course content, contact Bob Page at lead2noclue@me.com.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 1/2 hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Preparatory, 6 hours

Limited to 32 participants

This thrilling, step-by step, human anatomy based program literally promises to turn your medical education and training inside out with fresh, non-fixed, and fixed human specimens as your personal guide. Participants in this class actively visualize, mobilize, and explore the anatomy of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities to appreciate the medical and traumatic disease processes we frequently encounter. Participants will further compare and contrast today’s medical procedures with the science and truth of our own mortality. Engaging in this hands-on effort will completely immerse you within emergent procedures and human anatomy while working side-by-side with highly experienced medical professionals. And YES, we will do ALL of that and STILL give you enough time to GET to Austin to experience the afternoon and evening activities at the 2023 exhibit hall.

What should you wear? Suggested attire includes scrubs and running shoes but “professionally comfortable” clothing is fine. Participants are not permitted to wear shorts or open-toed shoes. Who should register for this exciting preconference course? Paramedics, EMTs, nurses, mid-levels, physicians, and medical educators. This program is a hands-on effort involving human specimen—all PPE is provided.

NOTE: This course involves six SOLID hours of active engagement with a tremendous amount of standing and moving. With that in mind, participants are strongly encouraged to come well rested and prepared to learn. Participants should expect to be intellectually stimulated, yet physically exhausted at the conclusion. For information on course content, contact Ali McCully at alison.mccully@hiscentre.com.

7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Breakfast and lunch included

Course held at the Healthcare, Innovation and Sciences Centre within the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences (Travel on own to 353 Rodeo Drive, Spring Branch, Texas 78070; Nearby hotel accommodations available).

CE: Medical or Trauma, 8 hours

The best EMS clinicians don’t just know what to do, but rather, they know why to do it. A solid clinical foundation begins with an in-depth understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Join RockStar University and let our Masters show you the ways of the “Force”, the life force that is. Participants will split time between lectures, discussions, and hands on activities to tie pathophysiology and anatomy content to clinical application. For more information on course content, contact Reuben Farnsworth at rockstareducation@gmail.com.

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

1 ½ hours for lunch on own

Hilton Austin

CE: Special Considerations or Trauma, 3 hours

Come join Ken Bouvier as he presents a unique look at managing EMS response involving mass casualties with a focus on school bus incidents. Each day an average of 480,000 yellow school buses, transport approximately 25 million students to and from school across the United States. Using a unique power point presentation, participants will explore the frequency of school bus incidents, discuss school bus designs, the types of injuries you can expect, how patients are triaged, patient tracking, and crash management. Discussion will also include important information designed to help you respond to and manage a Mass Casualty Incident. For information on course content, contact Ken Bouvier at kenbouvier@cox.net.

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Hilton Austin