Brian Ekey

This presentation explores the unique and challenging subspecialty of underground medicine and cave rescue. Attendees will gain essential knowledge about the cave environment, common caving injuries, and the massive logistical difficulties of providing prehospital care and prolonged evacuation in austere, subterranean settings. The presentation will contrast cave rescue with wilderness medicine, highlighting the specialized equipment, communication strategies, and medical kits required for these extended operations.

The presentation emphasizes recognizing the often-underestimated dangers of caving and learning crucial preventative steps. Attendees will be equipped with actionable information on austere prehospital management and the critical importance of a "sign out" safety protocol, which they can take back to their departments to enhance their understanding of prolonged and remote cave rescue environments.

Ever wonder what it means to have an advanced critical care program? Why does every airway study always have a carve-out for "specially trained advanced practitioners"?

This course addresses the critical considerations for establishing and maintaining a high-quality critical care rapid sequence intubation (RSI) program. While studies increasingly question the benefit of routine pre-hospital RSI, a consensus exists that specialized, high-performing programs can offer significant value. This presentation moves beyond anecdotal practice to provide a clear, evidence-informed pathway for agencies.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific debate, the complexities of RSI using paralytic agents, and the essential agency-level programmatic components required for success. The material is designed to equip ALS providers, administrators, and medical directors with the actionable knowledge to define, implement, and rigorously oversee an RSI program worthy of the critical care title in their own service.