Description: This one-day, in-person, interactive leadership session is a hands-on course offering a unique opportunity to hear from EMS leaders across various EMS systems who have developed innovative solutions to common challenges. During the program you will engage in facilitated discussions, classroom instruction, group activities, and personal self-assessment exercises to maximize your learning experience. The course will delve into national guidelines for EMS leaders, including the National EMS Management Association’s Seven Pillars of EMS Officer Competencies, NFPA Fire Officer standards, and the Center for Public Safety Excellence Chief Officer standards. The course will discuss the key attributes of being an effective leader and how to expand your professional network. We will touch on national leadership best practices and dive into how A.I. is changing the future and can help us be more effective EMS leaders.

Join us as we shape the future of initial trauma care! Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death. Hear from top experts on prehospital lifesaving advanced resuscitation and hemorrhage control interventions. Learn ways trauma systems can train and incorporate SPARC teams to deliver lifesaving care treatment.

In this four-hour Cardiology Master Class, Tom Bouthillet, NRP, will guide you through a systematic approach to 12-lead ECG interpretation. You will learn what a normal 12-lead ECG is supposed to look like, the importance of interpreting a 12-lead ECG in clinical context, how to apply the rule of proportionality, decision rules to help identify STEMIs in each infarct location, the rule of appropriate T-wave discordance for right and left bundle branch block, and how to identify the most important STEMI equivalents and STEMI mimics.

Mass casualty incidents are low-frequency, high-acuity events that challenge responders and systems alike. Though uncommon, the potential exists in every village, town, and city in America. Effective triage is the foundation of a successful response, beginning with every provider on scene. This presentation reviews initial triage algorithms, continuous secondary triage, treatment and transport priorities, and the structure and function of the Incident Command System. To reinforce these concepts, this pre-conference session includes a hands-on (1/6 scale) tabletop scenario using Barbie dolls as simulated patients. Each doll is carefully moulaged to represent realistic injuries and triage challenges. Participants will apply triage tags, assign priorities, and discuss decision-making in real time—bridging classroom concepts with practical application in a fun, visual, and memorable way.

The Handtevy EMS Science & Innovation Symposium is a four-hour curated session highlighting the latest advances in shaping prehospital medicine. Each 20–30-minute segment will blend science, field experience, and clinical insights from national experts. Between sessions, attendees can meet the Handtevy clinical and product teams to explore hands-on solutions and discuss implementation questions in real time.

Mechanical ventilation is a powerful tool and one of the most confusing and dangerous treatments we administer to our critically ill patients. Learning the concepts behind good ventilator management is critical in the transport environment and the ICU. Master the concepts of mechanical ventilation from this award-winning (2017 EMS World Innovation Award winner) course taught by best-selling author and mechanical ventilation guru Eric Bauer.

Welcome to a groundbreaking revolution in medical education with our unparalleled course, "Circulating Hope: Managing ECMO Patients in Transport." This pioneering program stands as a beacon in the healthcare industry, offering an unmatched learning experience in the realm of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) transport. Specifically designed for the trailblazers in pre-hospital and critical care transport, this course addresses an urgent and long-felt void, providing vital expertise to those responsible for safeguarding the lives of patients undergoing ECMO therapy. Embark on this unique educational odyssey and immerse yourself in the complex and captivating world of ECMO. With "Circulating Hope," you are not just learning; you are part of a monumental movement, shaping the future of medical transport. This course is more than just a training program; it's a lifeline to countless patients, a testament to innovation, and a shining example of how far we can go when we dare to fill the gaps that have long plagued the industry. Join us on this unparalleled journey of discovery and be part of a transformative experience that stands alone in its field, changing lives and elevating standards across the globe.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is hailed as a revolutionary advancement in bedside diagnosis, rivaling the stethoscope's impact two centuries ago. While it has found a place in various medical specialties, its integration into EMS remains limited, with just 4.1% of U.S. EMS systems utilizing POCUS. In this workshop, you will bridge the gap between more traditional assessment tools and the untapped potential of POCUS. We recognize the critical nature of timely and accurate diagnosis, especially in out-of-hospital scenarios, where every moment is precious. POCUS emerges as a game-changer, mitigating inaccuracies in assessment and elevating patient assessment and care with another tool to help clinicians make better decisions. The results? Better outcomes and more tomorrows for patients!

Cardiac arrest care has no room for myth, momentum, or misplaced meds. This session takes a hard, evidence-based look at the pharmacologic interventions that truly make a difference when the heart stops. This isn’t a review of ACLS algorithms—it’s a deep dive into what the data actually show about epinephrine, antiarrhythmics, vasopressors, calcium, bicarbonate, and emerging agents in both prehospital and hospital settings. Through fast-paced analysis, case-based discussion, and honest critical appraisal, we’ll separate what improves outcomes from what simply prolongs the inevitable. Expect challenging questions, practical insights, and the latest evidence translated into actionable, field-ready takeaways for paramedics, physicians, and critical care teams. Whether you’re leading a resuscitation in the street or the ICU, this session will change the way you think about your drug box—and give you the confidence to use (or skip) medications that actually move the needle on survival and neurologic recovery.

EMS uniforms in the U.S. are seldom designed with safety in mind, and our traditions and culture make these even more unsafe. In Europe and Asia, EMS uniforms are generally safer and unique from other public safety responders. Uniform styles from other countries will be reviewed for safety and functionality The presentation will give examples of specific designs that are safer, improve ANSI/ OSHA compliance, and provide unique methods of identifying personnel in leadership positions. Understanding culture and personnel preferences is important in successful incorporation of safety and changes in uniform.

Description: This session will explore what it took for EMS systems to prepare for one of the largest global sporting events ever brought to U.S. soil. The tournament brought an unprecedented influx of international visitors, cultural diversity, security concerns, and large-scale mass gatherings to North Texas. With millions of spectators across multiple venues, fan festivals, watch parties, and spontaneous celebrations, the event tested the limits of prehospital care. This presentation explores how EMS agencies can prepare for the operational, clinical, logistical, and communication challenges of hosting large mass gathering events like the World Cup. Participants will gain insight into the robust planning efforts across Texas, including interagency coordination involving EMS, fire, law enforcement, public health, federal partners, stadium medical teams, and private medical contractors. The session will break down what “readiness” truly means in the context of a global mega-event: surge planning, crowd medicine strategy, heat-injury preparedness, language and cultural considerations, and maintaining day-to-day EMS coverage despite system strain. The talk will blend big-event planning, operational readiness, interagency coordination, medical intelligence, EMS innovation, and the unique challenges of caring for hundreds of thousands of international visitors over multiple weeks.

Description: Many educators in EMS find themselves quietly wrestling with a nagging internal question: Why me? Despite years of field experience, instructional training, and a genuine commitment to shaping the next generation of providers, moments of doubt still find a way in. Whether it’s the pressure to stay current, the responsibility of preparing students for high-stakes decisions, or the fear of not being “enough” in front of a classroom, these thoughts can undermine even the most seasoned instructor. This session creates a supportive space to talk openly about the realities of self-doubt in EMS education. Participants will explore why these feelings emerge, how they affect teaching quality and professional growth, and how common they actually are in our field. The session will introduce practical, evidence-informed strategies to recognize and manage imposter syndrome, rebuild confidence, and strengthen instructional presence. Through guided discussion, reflective exercises, and shared experiences, attendees will leave with tools to reframe negative self-talk, enhance resilience, and reconnect with the purpose that brought them into education in the first place. EMS instruction is demanding work, but no one has to navigate that internal battle alone.

Today’s EMS agencies demand a rare blend of managerial acumen and visionary leadership. Those at the helm must not only keep their organizations running smoothly but also steer them toward innovation and resilience in an ever-changing landscape. Modern EMS leaders are constantly balancing short-term operational priorities—such as staffing, budgeting, and performance management—with longer-term strategic goals like advancing community paramedicine, strengthening public health integration, and preparing for emerging threats. This dual responsibility can be challenging, especially as EMS continues to evolve at the intersection of healthcare, public safety, and emergency preparedness. Drawing on more than 30 years of EMS experience, Ray Barishansky will explore the realities of walking the fine line between manager and leader. Through real-world examples and practical insights, he’ll offer guidance for those striving to build efficient operations while inspiring the people behind them.

An inconvenient truth: Just because someone is a good field provider does not mean they will be a good teacher. EMS preceptors often limit their role to simply checking boxes, but an effective preceptor should be much more than that. The problem is that many preceptors receive little to no training on how to be effective and even less in adult education. Preceptors should serve as mentors to their students, starting with establishing a trusting relationship. This session will explore strategies for becoming a more effective preceptor, whether you have mentored one or 100 students. We will introduce several concepts of adult education and ways to build upon them. Remember that every student is unique and may be at different stages of learning. It is your duty to guide them into becoming competent providers, hoping that one day, one of your students will become a mentor to the next generation of EMS providers.

EMS professional spend a great deal of time learning to interpret EKGs. This is based upon the fundamental importance of the skill, particularly in accurately assessing for STEMI but also rhythm diagnosis and for such things as cardiotoxicity from toxins. In all of these applications, the assumption is that the EKG itself has been obtained in the prescribed manner, which includes skin prep and proper lead placement. The failure to provide good skin prep is often a reason for artifact; this is sometimes apparent. However lead placement and patient positioning are other critical factors that are not as easily seen on the EKG and, if done improperly can cause a false negative or a false positive STEMI. This talk provides fundamental information on skin prep (alcohol wipes and even a quick scrape with electrode holder are insufficient!) and lead placement that many assume they know but come to find out that their skills could improve.

Demystify cardiology and 12-lead ECGs. What are all the fancy cardiology things paramedics do? Is it voodoo magic? This fun and entertaining session covers Cardiology 101, from basic anatomy to 12-lead interpretation. Will you be an expert in under an hour? Nah. But each audience member will walk away understanding 12-lead basics and why immediate intervention is key. Everyone, from the First Responder to the seasoned Paramedic, will learn something new.

Clinical practice in EMS evolves faster than most curricula can keep up. New research, national measures, and evidence-based guidelines are changing how we treat patients, but many classrooms are still teaching yesterday’s medicine. This session explores how educators and program directors can bridge that gap. Through practical strategies, proven processes, and real examples from the Falck Health Institute, participants will discover how to track emerging evidence, translate it into engaging classroom content, and ensure that what’s taught in the classroom mirrors what’s practiced in the field. From social media to national guideline updates, this session will help you move beyond the textbook and build a culture of clinical currency in your program.

Air medical transport utilization review is a core tenant of mature quality management systems. But, what does a utilization review need to entail, and what determines the appropriate use of limited air medical transport resources? Come join in an engaging conversation that looks at the published clinical data behind use of air medical transport and begin to look beyond "admitted from the emergency department." This presentation will review how one program has developed a blinded regular report that is shared with regional hospital and EMS partners with established over-triage benchmarks and objective criteria determining appropriate helicopter use. Walk away empowered to evaluate transports to split them into appropriate use and over triage categories that will allow your team to determine appropriate and inappropriate over triage. This discussion will review how to establish over-triage rates, and explore how to provide this feedback to transport system partners.

A high-impact, practical session for EMTs, medics, nurses, and early-career clinicians who wonder what comes after their initial certification or degree. This talk blends real-world EMS experience, leadership insight, and career strategy to help attendees maximize opportunities, avoid burnout, and plan for long-term success — whether they stay in EMS or transition into advanced or alternative roles.

Join us for a dynamic session focused on building a culture of inspiration that drives growth, innovation, and excellence in EMS. Learn how EMS agencies — both volunteer and paid — can empower their teams to lead, educate, and inspire. We’ll explore actionable strategies to expand professional opportunities, embrace change, and set providers up for lasting success. Through real-world examples, discover how investing in your team can elevate care delivery and strengthen provider engagement. Walk away motivated, challenged, and equipped to foster a forward-thinking culture within your organization. Together, let’s shape the future of EMS and create a lasting impact for our providers and the communities we serve.

Active shooter events require immediate, coordinated interventions. Current EMS/fire protocols keep responders staged at a distance until a scene is formally declared “safe.” Law enforcement doctrine emphasizes rapid movement to contact to “Stop the Killing, while Rescue Task Forces (RTFs) are expected to “Stop the Dying.” The long-standing practice of delaying medical entry reflects legacy interpretations of operational risk rather than evidence-based analysis. Current threat dynamics, the speed at which casualties deteriorate, and the practical breakdown of rigid warm- and cold-zone distinctions underscore the need for EMS and fire personnel to develop tactically informed operational capabilities. EMS/fire must change the mindset from BSI-Scene safe to a crisis response that relies on responders who can move alongside law enforcement, establish casualty collection points (CCPs), and deliver point-of-injury care within dynamic, still-unfolding environments. This presentation examines the shift from legacy staging practices to proactive tactical integration. Through case studies, doctrinal analysis, and operational mapping, the session presents a framework that empowers EMS/fire responders to safely and effectively form a Rescue Task Force (RTF) and enter hot and warm zones. The goal is not to convert all responders into SWAT medics, but to prepare them to deliver essential lifesaving interventions when seconds matter.

Description: Training and time matters when lives are on the line in the tactical setting. Knowing how to treat casualties in the tactical setting is paramount for SWAT Medics. We will begin the discussion of the three zones of care and how to safely and effectively assess and treat casualties in these three zones. We must neutralize the threat so we can stop the killing before we can stop the dying. Tactical medics are charged with the duties of preventing casualties and treating casualties. Medics must strive to stop the preventable deaths (extremity exsanguination, tension pneumothorax, & airway compromise) in the austere environments in which they work. We will discuss how negotiators and the command staff function alongside the tactical medics and doctors during planned raids and hostage situations. I will finish with a particular case study in which our team made crucial, last-minute decisions to use non-lethal weapons to save the suspect's life after we utilized medics to coach the suspect on how to treat his hostage's injuries through the negotiators. We will also focus on the types of injuries found in the tactical setting and how to assess and treat in the three aforementioned zones of care.

Immersive Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training is essential for preparing first responders to operate effectively in high-stress, multi-victim environments—but it doesn’t have to break the bank. This presentation will explore practical strategies for developing high-impact, high-fidelity, low-cost immersive MCI training programs, using the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Disaster University as a scalable model. Attendees will learn how to leverage local partnerships, repurpose existing resources, and creatively simulate chaos using budget-friendly tools. From scene card development to emergency management coordination and grant opportunities, this session will provide a roadmap for agencies of any size to deliver realistic, repeatable, and mission-critical training experiences.

Description: Emergency Medical Services stands at a critical crossroads. Rapidly scaling innovations, including artificial intelligence, agentic AI, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, and autonomous vehicles, offer unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize emergency care delivery. But these same technologies pose an existential threat to traditional EMS if we fail to embrace them. This presentation delivers a bold examination of EMS's future. Today's patients demand transparency and outcomes-based care. They are increasingly unwilling to accept a model that delivers patients to emergency departments, which is often the wrong destination for optimal care, within an unsustainable financial structure. Healthcare is rushing and implementing AI-driven decision support. Autonomous vehicle companies are entering the medical transport market. If EMS does not lead this transformation, other sectors will, and traditional EMS agencies risk becoming obsolete. The window for proactive leadership is now. This presentation will challenge conventional thinking, present real-world technological capabilities, and provide a roadmap for EMS leaders to position their agencies at the forefront of innovation. Participants will leave inspired, informed, and equipped to lead their organizations into a future where EMS is smarter, safer, and more clinically effective than ever before.

Bradycardias in the prehospital setting are common, high-risk, and often more complex than they initially appear. While transcutaneous pacing (TCP) has long been considered a primary EMS intervention for unstable bradycardia, emerging evidence and field experience suggest that its effectiveness may be far more limited than traditionally believed. Ineffective muscle capture, patient discomfort, poor electrical contact, and delayed decision-making can all undermine pacing success — sometimes giving a false sense of security while the patient continues to deteriorate. This session examines the realities of TCP performance in the field, identifies common pitfalls, and clarifies what pacing can and cannot reliably accomplish. Participants will review best practices for optimizing electrode placement, confirming mechanical capture, minimizing delays, and managing discomfort. Equally important, the talk emphasizes the full spectrum of bradycardia management, including early recognition of high-risk conduction system disease, appropriate pharmacologic interventions, push-dose pressors, airway considerations, and timely consultation or transport to definitive care. Using case examples and physiologic reasoning, we will explore when pacing is appropriate, when alternative strategies may be more effective, and how to build a systematic, paramedic-level approach that prioritizes patient stability, rapid decision-making, and evidence-informed care. Attendees will leave with sharpened clinical judgment and improved confidence in treating bradycardic emergencies.

Description: Geriatric trauma often presents with low-energy mechanisms that appear minor but carry high-acuity consequences. This session challenges the long-standing assumption that older-adult trauma is “gentle trauma” and equips clinicians with practical knowledge to improve recognition, assessment, and prevention. We will examine why routine falls, ground-level impacts, medication factors, and age-related physiology place this population at greater risk for severe injuries, including head bleeds, rib fractures, and spinal injuries. Drawing from real-world field experience, community paramedic home assessments, and trauma outreach education, this presentation highlights the patterns, hazards, and environmental risks that EMS encounters daily. Participants will learn how to refine their trauma assessment, identify red flags early, and integrate prevention strategies that reduce repeat injuries. The session also explores social determinants of health, home safety concerns, cultural factors, and barriers that influence outcomes for older adults. Attendees will leave with practical tools to improve both prehospital trauma care and community-based injury prevention in this growing population.

In a world that demands urgency, grace leadership begins with patience. This session explores the foundational principles that define grace-centered leadership: patience, presence, reflection, and restraint. These are not passive traits. They are intentional disciplines that allow leaders to create space for others to grow while maintaining clarity, accountability, and calm under pressure. Through real-world scenarios and practical insights, leaders will examine the posture and mindset required to lead with strength and grace. Whether responding to conflict, mentoring staff, or navigating a high-pressure environment, grace leadership starts with the ability to pause, observe, and respond rather than react. This session invites attendees to slow down, realign, and build leadership habits that foster growth and trust.

Early use of pelvic binders have been included in the trauma patient care continuum for more than a decade. But do they really reduce fractures, and do they control hemorrhage? Join Kevin Collopy as he discusses what is actually known about pelvic fracture stabilization and why it belongs in your patient care planning. This presentation will highlight why it is important to understand the various types of pelvic fractures, the limitations of physical exams, and what pelvic binding devices actually work! You will walk away understanding when pelvic binders are unnecessary, essential, and need to be exchanged for a superior alternative. Sure, pelvic binding may sound basic, but they are a critical, and often under utilized, intervention in transport systems.

Measuring overall clinical quality in medical transport isn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges is that we often don’t have complete long-term outcome data on our patients. Because of that, programs have looked for other ways to understand how well care is delivered. One of those tools is the GAMUT (Ground Air Medical Quality Transport) or NEMSQA (National EMS Quality Alliance) metric, which looks at key clinical actions we can measure in real time. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) introduced the idea of a Whole System Quality Measure, which looks at performance across an entire system rather than one single metric. That concept has been adapted for medical transport to focus on overall clinical performance. This lecture introduces the idea of an overall clinical quality score (Q score) for transport programs. The Q score brings together multiple high-value clinical measures into one view, helping clinical leaders track trends, spot opportunities for improvement, and make sure we’re consistently delivering the care that matters most to our patients.

Back by popular demand, Drug Wars: High-Stakes Pharmacotherapy Debates in EMS brings together some of the most respected minds in prehospital medicine for an unfiltered, fast-paced showdown over the drugs that define modern EMS care. This isn’t your typical pharmacology lecture — it’s a clash of evidence, experience, and expertise as nationally recognized EMS medical directors and critical care paramedics go head-to-head on the most controversial medications in the field. From push-dose pressors and ketamine to TXA, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate, every round challenges long-held beliefs and forces a re-examination of what truly improves outcomes. The panel dives into the latest literature, guideline updates, and real-world application, balancing science with the pragmatism of the street. Expect passionate debate, sharp wit, and plenty of audience participation as our experts defend their positions and you decide who wins each round. This is the session everyone talks about — high energy, high yield, and guaranteed to make you rethink your drug box.

Dive into the innovative methods for engaging EMS students beyond traditional PowerPoint lectures. Participants will explore hands-on activities, community-building behaviors, and scenario-based learning techniques designed to enhance critical thinking and retention in emergency medical services education. Attendees will gain practical strategies for implementing interactive exercises that mimic real-life situations, fostering a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the demands of the field. Whether you are a new educator or an experienced trainer looking to refresh your teaching style, the session offers valuable insights to make your classroom come alive.

In the high-stakes, high-stress world of EMS management and leadership, logic alone won’t carry you through the toughest calls or the hardest conversations — emotion is always part of the equation. Whether you’re managing conflict, motivating a weary team, or making critical decisions under pressure, your ability to recognize and manage emotions — both yours and others’— can make the difference between success and burnout. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the often-overlooked leadership superpower. Research shows that up to 90% of leadership effectiveness is linked to EQ — not IQ. For EMS leaders, understanding how emotion drives communication, influences decisions, and shapes team dynamics isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Join Ray as he draws on more than 30 years of EMS experience —f rom the back of the ambulance to the upper levels of state government — to share practical tools, candid insights, and real-world scenarios that bring EQ to life. This session will challenge you to reflect, reset, and reframe how you lead through emotion — not around it.

EMS agencies sit at the center of the opioid epidemic, responding to overdose after overdose—often treating the same individuals multiple times. While EMS has mastered overdose reversal, we have not always been positioned to prevent the next one. Narcan distribution programs empower EMS agencies to move upstream, reduce overdose deaths, engage high-risk individuals, and build community partnerships that change the trajectory of opioid use disorder. This presentation will guide EMS leaders through the process of developing and implementing a sustainable, data-driven community Narcan distribution initiative. Attendees will learn how to identify target populations, build partnerships, train responders and bystanders, secure stable funding, measure impact, and avoid common pitfalls. Real-world examples and templates will help any agency—fire-based, third-service, hospital-based, or private—launch a program with immediate lifesaving benefit.

Get ready for the EKG lecture that fills rooms, drops jaws, and finally explains what everyone else makes confusing. This high-energy, judgment-free session breaks down electrocardiography using simple patterns, real cases, and unforgettable “lightbulb” moments. No ego. No shame. No “you should already know this.” Just clear fundamentals, delivered with precision, humor, and heart. You’ll finally understand what each wave is telling you, how to spot a STEMI before anyone else sees it, how to recognize deadly mimics that hide in plain sight, and how to trust your instincts even when the strip looks “normal-ish.” The session teaches EKGs the way frontline clinicians actually need them: fast, practical, and anchored in foundational principles that make everything else make sense. This is the place to ask the questions you’ve been carrying, sharpen the skills you weren’t taught well, and leave with real confidence — the kind that shows up at 3 a.m. when everyone is looking at you to make the call. Come for the clarity. Stay for the fundamentals. Leave reading EKGs like the clinician everyone wants on their shift.

Selecting the right students is one of the most critical decisions an EMS program makes, long before anyone starts measuring Student Minimum Competencies (SMC). Many programs struggle with retention, remediation demands, and uneven cohort performance because they overlook the importance of strong Seat Occupancy Standards (SOS). This presentation explores how thoughtful, data-informed SOS practices can strengthen recruitment, improve student success, and stabilize program outcomes. Participants will examine how SOS fits upstream of SMC, why it matters, and what program directors and educators can do to ensure that the students seated on day one are students who can persist and succeed. The session will review best practices in admissions, program readiness screening, orientation, academic expectations, and realistic workload communication.

In the face of shrinking budgets, complex recruitment challenges, and dwindling reimbursements, the EMS industry must become its own advocate. But how well are we telling our story? Are legislators, the community, and the healthcare industry seeing the complete picture of what EMS does? And how can we flip the script on media interactions? This session will equip you with the tools to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with all your stakeholders. You’ll learn to communicate your struggles and triumphs clearly, ensuring your story is heard and understood.

In trauma care, the scene often tells the story long before monitors and imaging are available. This lecture focuses on recognizing key mechanism-of-injury clues and translating them into meaningful clinical decisions in the prehospital and transport environment. Using real-world cases, we’ll connect energy transfer, patient presentation, and hidden injury patterns to guide assessment priorities and early interventions. Emphasis will be placed on avoiding common cognitive traps, recognizing when “normal” vital signs are misleading, and using mechanism to anticipate what could go wrong next. Attendees will leave with practical tools to sharpen scene awareness and improve trauma decision-making under pressure.

Description: Burnout, anxiety, and silent suffering are widespread in EMS. Traditional approaches to wellness often rely on the flawed assumption that "those who need help will ask." But EMS providers—much like law enforcement—often avoid seeking support due to stigma, time constraints, or fear of judgment. This presentation proposes a transformative, systems-based wellness model that embeds mental, emotional, and physical health into the operational structure of EMS agencies. From routine wellness check-ins to on-duty access to a dedicated wellness space, this model normalizes support, protects privacy, and redefines resilience—not as suppressing stress but as managing it proactively. Drawing on successful case studies from police departments and adapting them for EMS, this session challenges agencies to move from reaction to prevention, and from silence to systemic care.

When we think about burn patients, we often focus on the visible damage, but the true threat is often hidden inside the airway and at the cellular level. Smoke inhalation injury remains one of the most lethal components of fire related trauma, yet EMS providers frequently under recognize or under treat the physiologic cascade taking place behind the soot. This session takes providers beyond singed nasal hairs and hoarse voice to the real killers: thermal airway injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide toxicity, hypoxia, and the dangerous decisions we sometimes make in the rush to manage them. Through a scenario based approach, participants will learn how to rapidly assess, treat, and prioritize smoke-inhalation patients using evidence based strategies that align with current toxicology, airway science, and prehospital reality. Attendees will leave with a practical framework, increased clinical confidence, and a better ability to identify the smoke inhalation patient who might appear stable but isn’t.

It seems there is a pill for every ill. Knowing which medications to use in a prehospital emergency is one thing, but understanding the thousands of medications used at home by patients and their interactions is quite another feat! This session will focus on the mechanism of action of antihypertensive medications by class in order to ensure participants leave with knowledge of the most common meds and most lethal drug interactions in the field. This session has pearls of wisdom for all levels of providers.

If you had the opportunity to design an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system from the ground up—without being constrained by legacy structures, outdated regulations, or historical funding models—what would it look like? This provocative and forward-thinking session invites participants to reimagine the future of EMS delivery in the context of today’s healthcare environment, technology, and community needs. Through guided discussion and scenario-based exploration, participants will consider questions around staffing models, deployment strategies, funding mechanisms, clinical integration, and community partnerships. Attendees will leave with a renewed vision of how EMS could evolve to become a more sustainable, equitable, and impactful component of the healthcare and public safety continuum.

This session looks past the sarcasm and emotional armor providers build over time. This session explores what happens in the moments before first words are spoken on scene. Every provider brings two internal voices: the one that wants to help and the one shaped by fatigue, repetition, and the grind of this work. Every patient brings two voices as well: the voice that needs care and the voice shaped by fear, shame, or past experience. This session brings those realities into one shared space and shows why that convergence matters. Through personal reflection, unseen patient perspectives, and frontline realities, attendees learn how stress, bias, and repeated exposure influence presence and reactions on scene. A focused interview with an experienced paramedic adds the provider view, highlighting emotional erosion, compassion under pressure, and a call that changed two lives. Practical tools help providers steady themselves, manage internal pressure, and build stronger connections with patients whose situations are often complex or challenging. This session offers a deeper understanding of what shapes provider reactions and how those reactions influence patient trust, safety, and outcomes. Attendees will leave with clear, functional strategies to carry into their next shift.

Description: Radio consultations are a cornerstone of prehospital care, yet many EMS clinicians report anxiety and uncertainty when communicating with medical control. Despite being essential for complex decision-making, medication orders, and protocol deviations, radio consults often suffer from unclear communication, incomplete information transfer, and missed clinical details. This communication breakdown can delay critical interventions, compromise patient safety, and erode confidence between field providers and receiving physicians. The challenge isn't just technical—it's about building structured, confident communication skills that ensure patients receive optimal care when protocols alone aren't sufficient. Effective radio consultation requires more than medical knowledge; it demands clear articulation of clinical findings, concise presentation of relevant information, and confident advocacy for patient needs. This session addresses common barriers to successful radio communication, including fear of judgment, unclear presentation structure, and uncertainty about when consultation is appropriate. Using the framework "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, Get What Patients Need," participants will learn proven strategies for organizing clinical information, presenting cases confidently, and ensuring their communication translates into actionable medical direction. Through interactive scenarios and practical tools, this session transforms radio consultation from a source of stress into a powerful clinical resource that enhances patient care and professional confidence.

EMS has long been defined by lights, sirens, and rapid response. But in today’s healthcare landscape, EMS is increasingly serving as the front door to American healthcare — the first point of contact for millions of patients navigating urgent, chronic, and social health needs. This session will explore how EMS is evolving from a reactive model to a proactive, integrated system that connects patients to the right care, at the right time, in the right place. We’ll examine the role of EMS in low‑acuity call management, community paramedicine, telehealth integration, and system efficiency. Attendees will leave with a clear vision of how EMS can redefine its identity as both a safety net and a healthcare access point in a changing world.

The effectiveness of an EMS clinician depends greatly on the ability to formulate a differential diagnosis and provide diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment in a timely manner. This is referred to as clinical judgment and comes easier to some than others. This session will explore the function of the differential diagnosis as a foundation for paramedicine evaluation and treatment. Using standard questioning techniques, pattern recognition and their significance will be highlighted. Factors that influence differential development will be discussed and case studies highlighting common EMS calls and the differential diagnosis development will be used.

Description: Moral injury is a lesser-known but significant and often overlooked challenge for EMS Providers. Unlike Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which stems from exposure to life-threatening or overwhelming events, moral injury arises when individuals are placed in situations where their actions, or inactions, conflict with their deeply held values or sense of what is “right.” These experiences may create deep emotional and moral wounds that challenge a person’s core values and identity, as well as increase the risk of suicide. This lecture explores the distinct nature of moral injury, how it differs from PTSD, and why understanding this difference matters for both personal and professional wellbeing. Through real-world examples and practical insights, participants will learn to recognize the presence of moral injury and gain strategies to respond to and mitigate its impact within first responder communities.

Artificial intelligence isn't replacing EMS leaders — it's augmenting them. This session explores how augmented intelligence can empower today's EMS executives, managers, and field leaders to make faster, smarter, and more data-driven decisions. Participants will learn how AI tools can enhance situational awareness, streamline operations, optimize resource deployment, and uncover patterns hidden in data that drive operational and financial performance.

Strangulation is a high-risk, often subtle form of violence that frequently presents with minimal external injury and significant delayed morbidity. This focused EMS lecture equips responders with the knowledge and skills needed to rapidly recognize both obvious and occult signs of strangulation, including neurologic deficits, voice changes, respiratory compromise, vascular injury patterns, and red-flag symptoms that indicate potential airway collapse or stroke. Participants will learn why early identification by EMS is critical, not only for timely medical intervention but also for preserving crucial forensic evidence and enhancing patient safety in domestic violence and assault cases. The session provides practical, field-ready strategies for documentation, including phrasing that captures patient statements, mechanism of injury, physical findings, and clinical decision-making. Case studies illustrate how small details in the prehospital record can influence emergency department management, imaging decisions, legal proceedings, and victim advocacy. This course empowers EMS professionals to recognize danger, treat patients appropriately, and communicate findings clearly and accurately.

Admit it. You read that title in the voice of Thomas Dolby, didn't you? Do you run your cardiac arrests according to ACLS? How up-to-date are those guidelines? Want to know what the literature says about how well interventions work in cardiac arrest resuscitation? Dr. Jeff Jarvis will provide a high level review of the literature on topics such as intubation, epinephrine, anti-arrythmics, apneic-oxygenation, automated CPR devices, and ventilation in this fast-paced walk through resuscitation science.

OSHA states: Employers must have an Emergency Response Plan that explains what steps are being taken to be sure that all of their EMS responders: — Are adequately trained for their intended job duties — Are capable of responding in a safe manner — Are managed by competent leaders If you respond into an industrial setting, do you know the hazards and capable of staying safe in the industrial setting?

Description: Guidelines and recommendations provide structure, but they don’t always align with what truly works in the field. Progress in EMS demands leaders who can interpret emerging science, adapt it responsibly, and design protocols that reflect both evidence and operational reality. This session highlights how Palm Beach County Fire Rescue advanced prehospital medicine through Double Sequential External Defibrillation (DSED) for ventricular fibrillation, prehospital whole blood and plasma programs for trauma and isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI), and new approaches to burn resuscitation and sepsis care. Chief Coyle shares lessons learned in building defensible, evidence-informed protocols while maintaining trust and accountability across field providers and hospital partners. The session will review how to navigate the struggles of being progressive within the broader medical community, where innovation can be met with hesitation. Attendees will leave with a leadership framework for balancing science, safety, and system culture—where practicality meets progress.

We all know mechanical compression devices such as the LUCAS or AutoPulse save lives. Why else would we be using them, right? Would you believe that isn’t at all what the actual evidence shows? Join Dr. Jeff Jarvis as he reviews the literature on both LUCAS and AutoPulse, including both randomized controlled trials and real-world observational evidence on these devices. Then he'll provide a summary and a use case that is consistent with both the literature and real-world pragmatic concerns.

Description: If you had the opportunity to design an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system from the ground up—without being constrained by legacy structures, outdated regulations, or historical funding models—what would it look like? This provocative and forward-thinking session invites participants to reimagine the future of EMS delivery in the context of today’s healthcare environment, technology, and community needs. Through guided discussion and scenario-based exploration, participants will consider questions around staffing models, deployment strategies, funding mechanisms, clinical integration, and community partnerships. Attendees will leave with a renewed vision of how EMS could evolve to become a more sustainable, equitable, and impactful component of the healthcare and public safety continuum.

The University of Texas at Houston Health is studying EMS providers' mental health in a way few institutions are doing. The results of a 630-person questionnaire provided insights into mental health and substance use concerns amongst our peers. The scope of questions asked and the accurate breakdown by first responder occupation is uncommon in much of the available research. Though this is raw data, it could help individuals and leaders alike reassess their approaches to mental health concerns.

Frightened parents often call 9-1-1 for their infant’s sudden change in breathing, color, tone, or responsiveness. When EMS arrives, the infant looks totally fine. While tempting, a non-transport decision for this well-appearing infant can be deadly. Why is the old “ALTE” now called a “BRUE” (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event)? Can EMS clinicians even diagnose a “BRUE”? What are the key history and physical exam clues? How should we document them? Does every infant need EMS transport? If so, where? What happens in the ED? This presentation explains why a possible BRUE matters, and the current, science-based EMS care for these pint-sized patients.

While our management of diabetes in the field is fairly limited, the medications patients may be taking at home for diabetes and weight management has exploded recently. These drugs can lead to complications requiring EMS intervention. By focusing on the mechanism of action of these medications, participants in this session will be better prepared to recognize and manage symptoms associated with side effects or untoward effects of these popular medications.

This presentation expands on the foundation established in "The Great Affect," shifting the focus from teaching emotional intelligence to leading with it. This session examines the emotional weight leaders carry in EMS and how their influence shapes team culture, resilience, and patient outcomes. Through real experiences, including a pivotal encounter that reshaped the presenter’s path, HEAVY shows the lasting impact emotionally intelligent actions have on patients and providers. Attendees and the presenter will explore how leaders recognize emotional drift, guide teams through stress, and reinforce compassion in demanding environments. Attendees learn practical strategies to strengthen self-awareness, improve communication and embed emotionally intelligent behaviors into daily operations. An interview with an experienced paramedic offers insight into how compassionate presence shapes decisions and models the affective skills leaders want to build. Her perspective guides the audience toward a deeper understanding of why these behaviors matter and sets the stage for an important revelation. Grounded in research and lived experience, HEAVY provides leaders tools to elevate morale, psychological safety, and quality of care. Participants leave prepared to model the compassion they want in their teams. Leadership sets the tone. The care we deliver begins with how we lead.

Description: EMS providers are taught to move on quickly, but many calls don’t stay at the station—they come home with us. This presentation examines how emergency work affects providers long after a shift ends, focusing on cumulative trauma, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, and the emotional fallout that quietly shows up in relationships, parenting, and daily functioning. Drawing from eight years on the street and my current graduate training in mental health counseling, I break down why the brain and body cannot simply “shut off,” especially after high-acuity or emotionally charged incidents. We will explore how unresolved stress manifests as irritability, numbness, withdrawal, or chronic exhaustion, and how EMS culture often shames providers into hiding these reactions instead of addressing them. This session offers a realistic look at why the job follows us home and provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for decompression, boundary-setting, and recognizing early warning signs before they escalate into burnout or moral injury. Participants will leave with language to describe what they’re experiencing, permission to acknowledge their emotional load, and tools to reduce the personal cost of carrying this work into their off-duty lives.

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. Defined by an elevated core body temperature and CNS dysfunction, it can be categorized as classic or exertional in nature. In either form, it's a life-threatening emergency that can be rapidly fatal if not recognized and treated quickly. Much has been studied and reported on in the athletic world. However, laborers in the heat are also vulnerable. Exertional heat illnesses, specifically exertional heat stroke (EHS), is the leading cause of exertional (nonaccidental) related deaths (87.6%) in laborer populations. Despite the successes of cold-water immersion (CWI) in the treatment of EHS reported in athletics, there is a paucity of best-practices knowledge in EMS. Several studies have shown that protocols are lacking or nonexistent, educational literature is outdated, and many EMS providers lack the necessary equipment to assess and manage these patients. This presentation will review the successes of CWI in athletics and the incorporation of this standard into EMS protocols. The presentation will provide a new paradigm for EMS to minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with EHS: Recognition, Assessment, Cooling, and Emergency care (R.A.C.E.) for the prehospital treatment of EHS.