2022 Course Descriptions – Monday

When those outside our profession think EMS, they visualize an ambulance with lights and sirens, rushing towards some unseen catastrophe. We know it’s so much more. You are leading the way: the first responder and the first line of defense. But what happens when your tank runs dry? We endeavor to help you find that balance between giving and giving out. You cannot pour from an empty cup. So, let’s fill your cup in order to balance service and self.

This session will help EMR’s, EMT’s, paramedics, nurses, and physicians better understand kid’s sports injuries that occur in neighborhood ballparks. During this session we will look at some of the most common types of sports injuries to kid’s and teenagers from little league through high school. We will discuss the treatment for sprains, strains and injuries caused by repetitive sports and will also discuss sports related trauma calls such as fractures, head injuries and blunt trauma. Both BLS and ALS treatment for specific sports injuries will be reviewed. Objectives: understand kid sports injuries / review the most common sports injuries and how they occur / review both basic and advanced treatment for common sports injuries / review the types of EMS calls for service involving spectators.

In this interactive lecture the presenters will discuss various cardiac case studies including STEMI, cardiac arrest, and tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. The lecture will include pre-hospital and hospital treatment and best practices. Objectives: identify interesting and/or challenging STEMI cases / identify interesting and/or challenging cardiac arrest cases / discuss pre-hospital assessment, treatment, and best practices / discuss hospital assessment, treatment, and best practices.

EMS plays a role in saving lives, but many patients who encounter EMS at the end-of-life have different goals. Increasingly, EMS can help patients with their end-of-life goals of care by understanding palliative and hospice approaches. Sometimes treatment-in-place is best for the well-being of patients at end-of-life. This session will explore patient wishes and alternatives that focus on well-being for patients at end-of-life. Objectives: discuss the morbidity of aggressive care at the end-of-life / describe treat-in-place programs for elderly fall victims / describe the role of EMS in hospice care / describe the role of EMS in palliative options and treatments.

We often start with an emergent diagnosis and teach from there – for example congestive heart failure and asthma are common shortness of breath educational topics. But, how to get to that final diagnosis is often a process that all levels of emergency providers struggle with. To go from a chaotic respiratory failure scene with unstable vitals then filter to a differential of #1 pulmonary embolus, #2 acute pulmonary edema, #3 asthma is often quite challenging. The “Serial Killer Series” is going to target chest pain and shortness of breath and the killer diagnoses that you should always consider. We’re not going to spend time with non-emergent/chronic diagnoses, just the ones that are deadly when missed. That’s where we, as emergency providers, must begin. Objectives: recognize specific clinical exam findings in thoracic aortic dissection / explore three pulmonary embolism risk factors / differentiate between the five dyspnea killer diagnoses / explain why metabolic acidosis can lead to shortness of breath.

EMS agencies are faced with a wide variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations which affect their operations. Employment laws are no different. Often, the unique characteristics of EMS operations make it challenging to apply those employment laws. Objectives: present an overview of federal discrimination law / outline the EMS-specific wage issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act / examine when employees must be paid when attending training, conferences, etc. / discuss current issues and litigation regarding the use of background checks / explore recent NLRB rulings affecting policies and procedures / describe how to handle volunteer “pay”.

The Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) State Partnership, Texas is a statewide collaborative project funded through the Health Resource and Services Administration’s EMS for Children Program. Baylor College of Medicine is the site of the Texas EMSC office and is working in partnership with the largest children’s hospitals in Texas, their affiliated colleges of medicine, and representatives of the Texas Department of State Health Services. This lecture introduces the participant to the Texas Emergency Medical Service for Children Program; the mission and history, why the program is needed, national, federal, and state program activities, and the National EMSC performance measures. Objectives: recognize the EMS for Children Program and its role in pediatric emergency care / identify the roles and responsibilities of a prehospital pediatric emergency care coordinator / describe a process that requires EMS providers to physically demonstrate the correct use of pediatric specific equipment / explain the components of the Texas EMSC EMS Recognition Program.

Every call, ALS or BLS, starts out with BLS assessment. The quality of that assessment often determines how well the patient will do while being treated by EMS. In this presentation we will look at keys assessment points during the first phase of patient contact. We will review important assessment skills for all levels of providers. Nothing presented will require ALS level knowledge, skills, or equipment, and can be performed by providers of every level. Objectives: list priorities during the initial assessment phase / discuss key clinical signs and how they reveal potential illnesses or injuries / formulate a treatment plan based on findings / describe why the first five minutes are key to good patient outcomes.

By using a selection of case studies of high-rise fires and similar incidents, we will look at how EMS responds to fires in high rise buildings. The presentation will look at dealing with acute injuries, firefighter welfare, dealing with evacuees and integrating with the wider health service. Can one response deal with all these needs? Objectives: state the risks associated with high rise fires / identify the problems with large scale evacuations / discuss the differing priorities of diverse patient groups / describe how interactions with other health providers can make these tasks easier.

This one-hour lecture discusses providing care to trauma victims while they are still pinned or trapped in the vehicle. Prompt trauma care is essential and five key steps that can be initiated before extrication can improve your patient’s chance of survival. Objectives: understand the demographics of MVC related trauma death in modern day Texas and the US / discuss how hypoxia, hypothermia and hypovolemia contribute to trauma mortality / identify key interventions that can help prevent death / through pictures, video and discussion learn how these interventions can be done with a victim inside a vehicle.

For the children of the 80’s and 90’s, this will be right up your alley! The focus of this session is to develop clinical decision making through the use of a Choose Your Own Adventure case review. The audience will lead the direction of patient care by answering pole questions prompting discussion about scene management, the treatment of hyperkalemia, vasoactive agents, unexpected laboratory values, ventilatory management, and Hail Mary treatments in the care of a 44-year-old male whose atrial fibrillation quickly decompensated into requiring multiple vasopressors and intubation. Objectives: develop a treatment plan and goals for a complicated peri-arrest patient / compare appropriate pharmacologic agents in the treatment of an intubated, hypotensive, hyperkalemic patient / describe appropriate ventilatory management of an acidotic patient / review the mechanism of action for digoxin, the theory of Stone Heart, and the literature evaluating the correlation between digoxin toxicity and calcium administration.

How much did you pay for your stethoscope? How much training did you get on how to use it? This will fill the gap. In this session, participants are provided down to earth “for dummies” information on various types of stethoscopes and how to use them to get the most out of patient assessment. In this “Ear Opening” session, new and improved methods and techniques are presented and breath sounds are presented via stethoscopy sounders, so that participants can hear the sounds with their own stethoscopes. That’s right! In this session, participants MUST bring their own stethoscopes with them. Bob brings simulators for all participants to use their own stethoscopes to hear the various sounds. This is the class you should have got way back in EMT class but did not. Objectives: describe the parts of the stethoscope and the proper way to wear it / describe the difference in the bell vs the diaphragm and the use for each / identify by sound, common lung and heart sounds / describe a technique for identifying consolidated lung tissue. (Attendees will need to bring their own stethoscope.)

There are some things we do in EMS that are more likely than others to lead to a lawsuit. Using actual case studies, this fascinating session will cover six essential areas of liability ranging from inadequate patient documentation to improper treatment of a patient. Objectives: list the top three areas of liability for EMS agencies / discuss leadership steps to reduce liability in EMS / discuss the importance of accurate documentation in reducing EMS agency risk / list steps that EMS practitioners can take to improve patient satisfaction and reduce likelihood of patient complaints.

Like Lazarus in the Biblical story, there are well documented case reports of patients spontaneously “coming back to life” after resuscitation has been terminated. We’ll examine several thought-provoking examples of patients who have spontaneously regained vital signs and consciousness 5, 10 or even 20 minutes after being declared dead and examine the published research and case reports. These are not cases where patients were mistakenly declared dead, but rather events where the decision to terminate resuscitation was consistent with current guidelines. We’ll discuss the possible pathophysiology behind these events and the implications for care and for the decision to terminate resuscitation. Objectives: develop clinical awareness that patients may experience spontaneous ROSC after termination of resuscitation / understand the possible pathophysiology of spontaneous ROSC after termination of resuscitation / discuss the impact of the possibility of spontaneous ROSC on treatment guidelines / explore termination of resuscitation guidelines designed to address spontaneous ROSC.

What was once called acute life-threatening events (ALTEs) is now known as brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs). The condition involves an episode that is frightening to the observer and is characterized by some combination of apnea, color change, marked change in muscle tone, choking, or gagging. This case-based presentation will examine the relationship between SIDS and BRUE, some common causes of BRUE, and recommendations for the field management of infants who present with BRUE. Objectives: describe the incidence of BRUE / differentiate BRUE from SIDS / list two causes of BRUE / formulate a treatment plan for a patient with BRUE.

The number of mental health patients who seek emergency medical care continues to rise. Interacting with this population can be challenging and requires a skillset beyond traditional first aid. To effectively and safely care for these individuals, first responders must be able to identify patients in crisis and develop an immediate trusting relationship with them. The emergency care provider and mental health patient both experience fear as a predominant emotion during their initial interaction. The first responder must acknowledge this fear in order to effectively defuse a potential escalating situation. This presentation will provide an overview of behaviors exhibited by a patient in crisis, explore the underlying fear response, and provide the learner with strategies to implement during the initial encounter of a mental health patient in need of emergency care. Objectives: identify specific behaviors that indicate a patient is in crisis / explain the fear response underlying the patient’s explicit actions / describe the fear response experienced by the healthcare professional / demonstrate de-escalation techniques and tactics for developing a safe and trusting relationship with patients in crisis.

What can we do when seconds count and everything “matters,” but not everything makes a difference? This presentation reviews a half-dozen honest-to-goodness emergencies to consider and to treat in the first minute of emergency patient care to help prevent a full-blown arrest. A minute well spent on the short list may well afford the team more time to consider the full differential diagnosis and definitive care. Let’s see what you think about these six big-ticket conditions. Objectives: describe recognition and treatment of one critical airway emergency / describe recognition and treatment of one critical breathing emergency / describe recognition and treatment of three critical circulatory emergencies / describe recognition and treatment of one critical metabolic emergency.

Distance, time, and resource availability plague rural providers. When a small ER which doesn’t have what the critical patient needs, is transfer to a better facility an emergency? Or is that trip a non-emergency? Often rural ground transports need to connect with air providers – what needs to be noted in trip reports for those transports? Documentation compliance is important whether a rural or urban provider. Good billing follows good documentation and leads to better billing decisions. This session addresses the unique issues faced by rural services and provides tips on quality documentation and billing to maintain compliance. Objectives: identify the unique documentation challenges for rural EMS / discuss ALS vs BLS in the rural setting / review what makes a transport emergency / understand the issues of documentation and forms when dealing with rural facilities.

This lecture provides EMS and emergency workers with a foundation to improve assessment and treatment for patients with autism. The population of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to grow each year but has had a lack of response in providing clinicians with education and resources to effectively treat these patients. This class is suited for all emergency clinicians from EMT-B to physicians. Objectives: discuss scientific updates and facts about ASD / explain characteristics linked to patients with ASD / discuss injuries and illnesses associated with ASD / recommend plans to improve communication and assessment.

Since 9/11 questions about the possibility of a “dirty bomb” strike have swirled about the public’s consciousness. Movies like the Peacemaker and the Sum of All Fears have provided us with a Hollywood glimpse into what might happen, and TV news covered with great intensity the issues of both Chernobyl and more recently Japan’s nuclear issues. While America has not suffered a major issue in nearly forty years, the threat looms large. This basic class will cover the foundation of response to both conventional and terrorism-based attacks. Topics will include the physics of blast waves and a basic physiologic overview of radiation sickness. Additionally, specific decontamination methods will be introduced that are peculiar to radiologic contamination. Objectives: describe what radiation is, the terms to describe types of radiation, and the units of measurement / discuss the relative threat of radiation / describe principles of personal protection during a radioactive event / describe radiation injury signs and symptoms.

Do you like your science served up with a bit of snark? Perhaps a nice, academic no-holds-barred debate on the literature guiding our clinical practice? If so, come see a panel of highly opinionated EMS physicians in a wide-ranging discussion of the key topics of the day. Topics are likely to change to assure they are “hot-off-the-presses” current, but are likely to include cardiac arrest management, medications, and airway management. Objectives: describe the main findings of relevant peer reviewed papers on TXA in brain injuries / describe the main findings of relevant peer reviewed papers on heads up CPR / describe the main findings of relevant peer reviewed papers on COVID vaccines and rapid testing / describe the main findings of relevant peer reviewed papers on rapid sedation of violent, agitated patients.

Going through the courses and memorizing the parameters in labs and hemodynamics just aren’t enough. Being able to apply this knowledge to actual cases will help reinforce your knowledge and help “work out the kinks” of critical thinking and application. In this presentation, you will see actual case studies of patients, some with a lot of detail and some with very little detail for you to go on. From this, you must decide what is wrong with the patient, what the medical team did right or wrong and what YOU need to do to improve the patient’s outcome. Lab results, hemodynamics, misdiagnosis, shock states and ABGs’ with vent settings adjustments are reviewed. Objectives: list the normal parameters for CVP, SVR, PAWP and PA / understand the normal parameters for lab values and identify those which are abnormal / recognize the different shock states and what hemodynamic findings you will see with each state / differentiate between various vasopressors and which ones are ideal in some situations but may actually increase mortality in others / interpret ABGs and what interventions would be required on a vent to correct the problem.

Research shows that more often than not, EMS providers have trouble ventilating patients. In this eye-opening hands-on workshop, Bob shows participants how to ventilate patients by BVM, via Mask, ET tube, and supraglottic airways using state of the art computerized simulators that measure pressures, volumes, and ventilatory rates. You will be gain valuable insight, skills and improve your ventilation ability using this valuable feedback and coaching system. This lab will also simulate pathology and diseased lungs creating special ventilation scenarios. Objectives: describe the normal tidal volume, minute volume and pressure values for an adult patient / using an BVM with a manometer, demonstrate proper timing, volume, and pressure while ventilating a simulated lung / on a ventilation simulator, demonstrate the difference in ventilation through various airway adjuncts / using a ventilation simulator, demonstrate ventilation of a diseased lung and describe the differences with normal lungs.

The National TIM Responder Training Program was developed by responders for responders and was designed to establish the foundation for and promote consistent training of all responders to achieve objectives of the TIM National Unified Goal (NUG). This course will cover topics such as notification and scene size up, safe vehicle positioning, scene safety, and traffic management among others. Objectives: increase responder safety, explore safe/quick incident clearance, discuss prompt, reliable, interoperable communications.

In this session, we will discuss the current state of federal ambulance reimbursement and how the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is impacting future reimbursement initiatives. From reimbursement for transporting patients to alternative destinations to reimbursement for treating patients in the home, what reimbursement trends should ambulance service agencies expect in the next 18 months and beyond. Preparation is key for sustainability. Objectives: gain an overview of the current state of federal ambulance reimbursement / understand upcoming reimbursement trends that ambulance service agencies should prepare for / learn steps to take to sustain their business in a mutable industry.

First responders are often involved in treating a victim of a crime, but we were never formally taught how to help out the crime scene staff in gathering evidence that would help in identifying and prosecuting the assailant. Many times, as it is reported by law enforcement, EMS and fire actually make their jobs a lot harder, without even realizing it. Safety is always first, patient care is second, but being able to help out other agencies while still providing patient care should be a priority also. In this session we will look at some simple things we can do to ensure evidence collection isn’t compromised and how to handle evidence we come across while caring for a patient when law enforcement isn’t nearby. Objectives: justify why using paper bags instead of plastic for evidence collection is important when dealing with the victim of a crime / explain why cutting along the seams of clothing is the best method of preserving evidence / list at least two things you should do (if possible) to ensure chain-of-custody isn’t breached during evidence collection / list the two things you should do when your patient has a firearm in his/her possession prior to transporting him/her / explain the importance of not disposing of any medical equipment /supplies used during a call without consent of LEO.

This session will review the basics of lightning and then we will discuss the effects of lightning exposure to the various bodily systems. We will also explore the various myths surrounding lightning injuries. Lastly, we will illustrate and bring it all together with case presentations of actual lightning strike patients. Objectives: identify the pathophysiology behind lightning strike injuries / compare and contrast the modes of injury including direct strike, side flash, step voltage, and flashover / discuss the clinical effects of lightning exposure and the pathophysiological responses / explain the reverse triage methodology / formulate treatment strategies for patients exposed to lightning.

The process of writing a complete, accurate and defensible clinical narrative is an art and a science. This session focuses on the process of producing a good clinical narrative so that ambulance revenue cycle professionals can gather all the information they need – the first time – to make timely and accurate billing decisions. We will focus on how field personnel should be constructing the ideal PCR narrative. This session will also cover the importance of clinical narratives in the age of electronic patient care, reporting, and discuss the SOAP and other formats for preparing a well-organized and chronological narrative. And we will provide practical strategies for improving the specificity of documentation so that a more accurate and descriptive picture of the patient is painted on the PCR. Objectives: describe the key elements of the patient care report (PCR) / discuss the difference between data fields and clinical narratives / list 3 reasons a clinical narrative is so essential to an effective PCR / describe formats for creating the clinical narrative and the essential elements of those formats.

EMS use of sedatives for acute agitation is under tremendous scrutiny in the US. This talk with summarize the spectrum of acute undifferentiated agitation, the top differentials for EMS and the techniques and medication therapy for successful management of these patients. In addition, we will describe the process and impact of implementing a sedation protocol for agitation in Houston and Williamson County, Texas. Objectives: summarize the current environment we practice in daily / introduce the data for different sedatives (Midazolam, Droperidol and Ketamine) along with indications for each / discuss the RASS score as a means to quantify a patient’s level of agitation / review the data surrounding implementation of a novel protocol introducing Droperidol in our EMS system.

A systematic approach to managing patients with severe burns leads to the best patient outcomes. How is that affected when resources may be limited, and the nearest burn center is hundreds of miles away? Learn how to overcome these and other challenges to provide safe, reliable, and effective emergency care to patients with burn injuries. Objectives: describe the demographics and etiology of burn injury / evaluate assessment and treatment priorities / discuss alternative interventions when resources are limited / discuss transport challenges and priorities.

A smart uniform, shiny badges, and a patch or two. Why do we wear uniform, and what makes it a good one? Using a few case studies this presentation will look at practicality versus showcasing, utilitarian versus smart. Do we have a tradition, or something functional? Can we do both? What are the basic requirements of uniform? Objectives: identify the purpose a uniform serves / explore whether badges are necessary / discuss corporate identity and what it means.

Almost 50% of human trafficking victims encounter a healthcare provider during their exploitation. It is essential for healthcare workers to equip themselves with knowledge in this space to help prevent further victimization and create a safe and trusting environment for victims. In this course you will learn key indicators to identify victims of human trafficking, demonstrate how to start the conversation with patients using an evidence-based tool, and maintain safety and trust with this delicate patient population. Objectives: define human trafficking and verbalize the prevalence in society / identify key indicators that someone may be a victim of human trafficking / describe an evidence-based tool for communicating concerns with patients / demonstrate effective communication with victims to create a safe and trusting relationship.

Medical directors on the forefront, using a panel style discussion will explore the latest trends in EMS innovation with overviews focusing on ET3, care/treatment in place, hospital at home care, nurse navigation, and other waves of the future in EMS as part of the larger care continuum. Objectives: explore innovations in hospital at home care / describe innovations for care and treatment of patients in place / discuss innovations in ET3.

A patient presents with altered mental status and an elevated core temperature. As the emergency care provider, how will you manage this patient? What are your differentials? Is it a fever, environmental exposure, or perhaps an adverse medication reaction? These are some of the aspects which will be covered as we review the differentials and management options for the hyperthermic patient in transport and emergency care settings. Objectives: formulate differentials for the hyperthermic patient / identify those at risk for hyperthermic emergencies / describe non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for reducing the core temperature / describe the indications, contraindications, benefits, and risks of cooling techniques.

The Critical Care 101 series is intended to review critical concepts necessary to manage straightforward critical care patients. If you are a new or inexperienced critical care paramedic or nurse, or one with little formal training who is required to occasionally manage medically complex patients, this series is for you. Join Kelly Grayson as he explains how to avoid killing your patient with your ventilator settings. Objectives: compare and contrast the physiology of normal and artificial ventilation / discuss common mechanical ventilator modes, such as AC, SIMV, IMV, and CPAP/BiPAP / discuss common ventilator settings such as tidal volume, frequency, FiO2, I:E ratio, PIP and PEEP / discuss common ventilator alarms and troubleshooting strategies / describe disease management strategies in regard to ventilator therapy.

Dealing with and transporting patients on mechanical ventilation is becoming more commonplace in EMS. This lecture will present basic parameters used when setting up or overseeing the use of a ventilator along with the proper steps and hazards of transferring a mechanically ventilated patient. Objectives: describe when and why mechanical ventilation is used / describe the basic parameters used on a ventilator / describe step to make a safe transfer of a mechanically ventilated patient / describe the steps to clear the airway of a mechanically ventilated patient.

EMS can’t afford to adhere to outdated practices simply because of “tradition”. We must ensure that all our practices – operational, clinical, and administrative – keep pace with science, evidence, emerging best practices, and ethical standards. This eye-opening session will take a critical look at seven “sacred traditions” in most EMS systems that are not only outdated, but hold us back financially, and limit our ability to become full players at the healthcare table. Objectives: list seven operational practices that have become ineffective and outdated / discuss the risks and benefits of running RLS to all responses and the impact on risk management / discuss trends and operational procedures that can improve the safety and efficacy of EMS into the future / list the top three areas of liability for EMS agencies and how to reduce them.

EMS clinicians strive to have the highest possible rates of survival from cardiac arrest in their communities, but despite this, most patients will still die of this entity. For patients who will not survive, field termination of resuscitation is usually most appropriate. The skill of communicating bad news during a field termination requires specific training and understanding like all other EMS skills. This session will discuss the grieving process and how interventions during field termination can reduce the chance of abnormal grief. Dr. Kupas will provide specific skills and techniques that can help the survivors. He will use the GRIEV_ING mnemonic to describe specific communication skills. Objectives: describe the types of grief reactions / list and discuss the elements of the GRIEV_ING mnemonic / discuss specific phrases to use and avoid during field termination communications / give specific examples of processes and timeline that leads to successful field termination communication.

EMS gets a special look into patient’s lives, living conditions and the people that are supposed to be helping the elderly/adults. As pre-hospital providers, we are mandatory reporters of adult/geriatric abuse, but what does that look like? Can you identify self-abuse, financial abuse, phycological abuse or neglect? Join us as we look at the signs & symptoms of adult abuse and when we need to report it to the authorities. Objectives: identify self-abuse/neglect, psychological and financial abuse of the elderly / determine when abuse/neglect needs to be reported and to whom / describe and document the various forms of abuse and neglect / articulate how to report adult abuse.

EMS services struggle to convince crews to document well. The stresses of COVID did not diminish the need for compliant documentation and payment for trips. But crews don’t need to write more; they need to capture the right information. Attend this informative session to learn the common missteps of documentation and tips to help crews stay on the “right” track. Objectives: identify three common documentation problems / review the importance of documenting why patient needs trained personnel / discuss easier ways to deal with forms needs / remember essential clinical notes.

Not all calls go according to plan, sometimes things go wrong. In this presentation we will look at some calls “that could have gone better” to see what went wrong, what lessons can be learned, and how providers can improve their care by reviewing “trainwreck” cases. Objectives: identify common assessment errors / identify common treatment errors / recognize why providers can benefit from call reviews / utilize the knowledge gained to improve their own practice.

Scenes size up and general impressions and the primary assessment all often initiated prior to actually reaching the patient in a trauma. Can’t this also be done with medical patients? This interactive presentation will allow the audience to perform patient assessment, form differential diagnoses, determine transport criteria, and begin to outline patient management using an “aerial view’ from scene descriptions and photos from incidents. Objectives: discuss the use of the patient assessment triangle in both pediatric and adult patient interactions / describe how mechanism of injury and nature of illness can set the path to differential diagnosis / explain visual assessment vs physical assessment techniques /explore scenario photos to begin patient assessment and determine differential diagnoses.”

High performance teams bring about desired results in clutch situations through a variety of leadership and communication techniques. How this team parses tasks, simplifies task bundles, communicates in clipped closed loops, uses attention-getters, and limits cognitive overload allows them to get things done quickly while reducing errors and missed or duplicated tasks. We will discuss these techniques in the setting of a resuscitation scenario of a critical patient. Objectives: identify the importance of the “sterile cockpit” and when and how to say something in the most demanding situation / identify crew resource management and the five-step method to communicate a possible problem or concern under pressure / identify strategies to cognitively offload team members to improve mental and physical performance / list ways to get your resuscitation team working as a team rather than several competent individuals.

The two most critical situations in OB in the field are breech and shoulder dystocia of the newborn during delivery. We provide the education to help EMS get through these situations in a calm and timely manner by showing them these scenarios with SIM Mom capabilities. We also discuss cord prolapse and what to do in this situation. Objectives: demonstrate safe delivery in high-risk situations / recognize when these situations are happening / present an algorithm and medications that would be used in these situations / show real life scenarios that EMS would experience.

This session is designed to help EMR’s, EMT’s, Paramedics, Firefighters, Nurses & Physicians better understand diabetes at a basic level and how to properly care for and assist the Diabetic patient. Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects the way your body uses blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar.  Glucose is your main source of energy for the cells that make up muscle and tissues. “Glucose is the bodies main fuel”! During this session we will review diabetes and how it affects patients differently. Maintaining your diabetes is a full-time responsibility. Diabetics who are non-compliant with their diet and medication often become patients and require Diabetic Emergency Care. Diabetes can lead to serious life-threatening complications. During this session we will use a unique slide show to explain in a very basic and easy way to understand diabetes.  We will also explain how obese, and bed bounded patients are at a higher risk. We will discuss the treatment and care for diabetic patients at the basic and advanced level. Objectives: explain diabetes from a basic level / explore how diabetes affects patients / discuss the risk of diabetes / review basic and advanced emergency care for diabetic patients.

The first responder community is classically used to dark humor, tough love, and being asked to do more with less and rising to the occasion- but have they reached a tipping point or been asked to sacrifice too much? We will examine the current state of literature on burnout, substance abuse, and mental health problems within the first responder population, evaluate evidence on current interventions and their effectiveness, and identify areas of ongoing and future research. Objectives: assess the current state of literature regarding burnout, substance use, and mental health within the first responder community / assess available interventions and their effectiveness / describe the value of addressing these problems within the first responder community / discuss ongoing and future research targets/plans.

Most causes of syncope are relatively benign and self-resolving. But there are more sinister causes of syncope that can be difficult to distinguish and require different management. Using real-life cases and interesting video segments, we’ll explore the causes of syncope and how to distinguish benign causes of syncope from potentially deadly cardiac causes. We’ll also discuss how to distinguish syncope from other causes of transient loss of consciousness such as seizure. Objectives: identify the classifications of syncope, including vaso-vagal, orthostatic and cardiac syncope / review the pathophysiology of vaso-vagal syncope / understand how to distinguish dangerous cardiac syncope from more benign vaso-vagal syncope / develop knowledge of the most common 12 lead ECG presentations of cardiac syncope, including WPW, prolonged QT and HCM.

Using a series of case studies, Dr. Jarvis will discuss the most lethal and most common causes of shortness of breath. He will discuss what a differential diagnosis is, will shatter the myth that medics “don’t diagnose”, will present a cognitive framework for approaching the assessment of patients with respiratory distress. He will also discuss some of the pathophysiology and management of these conditions. The intent of this lecture is to offer the provider an advanced look at a common presentation.

Objectives: discuss the importance of forming a differential diagnosis / list several of the most common causes of shortness of breath / describe the pathophysiology of COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax and myocardial infarction / describe the historical and exam findings consistent with COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax and myocardial infarction.

One in 12 adults in the United States are either alcohol dependent or abuse alcohol. Often, these are our “frequent fliers,” and they inspire irritation among us rather than compassion. This session will describe the disease of alcoholism, its co-morbid diseases, and typical treatments. We will also cover binge drinking and other alcohol related presentations EMS providers might encounter. Conversation about societal and EMS perceptions of alcoholics will also be included. Objectives: understand the disease of alcoholism, its co-morbid diseases, and typical long-term treatment options / recognize typical related emergent presentations EMS providers might encounter / discuss how society at large and EMS culture views alcohol related illness / discuss prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol abuse in first responder communities.

Healthcare is flooding with older adults as the population in the United States continues to age. Older adults are not only complex with multiple comorbidities, but often do not present with typical symptoms. This presentation will explore atypical presentations of geriatric patients, review common geriatric syndromes, and enhance your knowledge on emergency management of this unique population. Objectives: explain the pathophysiology of aging and implications for practice / identify and list risk factors for common geriatric syndromes / recognize atypical presentations of older adults / describe special considerations when caring for older adults.

This will be a fast-paced series of selected speakers that submitted the five best abstracts submitted for the Texas EMS Conference Research Forum. You will hear directly from the investigators that are at the forefront of EMS Innovation. You will see the latest science, and maybe get an idea to bring back to your organization. Objectives: gain insight into current research projects being conducted by Texas EMS Researchers / learn how current research projects are designed to ask questions / demystify EMS Research / build relationships for the responsible conduct of Texas EMS Research.

The role of EMS continues to dramatically evolve. Agencies and practitioners are implementing new services that enhance the value EMS bring to patients, payers, hospitals, home care and hospice agencies. This session will provide an overview of the programs implemented over the past year and the ways they are generating value to their key stakeholders. Objectives: understand the ways the role of EMS continues to evolve / learn 5 new programs that have been implemented over the past year / understand the ways value is being determined for these new programs / learn how to partner with others to change the environment to facilitate transformation.

Crashing congenital heart disease kid! Unresponsive newborn! Hypotensive pediatric trauma patient! How do I quickly and comfortably resuscitate these scary patients? This isn’t your typical pediatrics lecture. You’ll come away from this fast-paced hour with key numbers, core principles, and catchy pearls to help you feel more confident in caring for this frightening population. Objectives: understand the role of weight-based management / be able to list three key principles that will guide pediatric resuscitation / discuss the role of whole blood in pediatric trauma resuscitation / identify how patient assessment is different in pediatrics versus adults.

Medical advances have allowed patients born with congenital heart defects to live well into adulthood. These patients possess unique anatomy/physiology that could prove difficult to manage during times of cardiac stress. This discussion will explore the challenges associated with adult CHD patient care. Objectives: identify the types of congenital heart defects (CHD) / discuss corrected congenital heart defects encountered in adults / describe Fontan physiology / evaluate physiological factors that make patient management more difficult.