Back to Faculty
Faculty

Bill Worden

DO, MEd.
Medical Director
Heartland Medical Direction

Dr. Worden has been practicing emergency medicine for over 15 years. As the founder of Heartland Medical Direction, he leads a dedicated team providing medical direction, training, and education. These professionals share their expertise across the state empowering member agencies with the latest advancements and best practices in emergency care.

Education is a cornerstone of Dr. Worden's endeavors. When not in the emergency department, he can often be found lecturing to first responders. Additionally, Dr. Worden has pursued advanced training in the recognition of near-fatal strangulation. He holds certifications from the Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and now shares his expertise by teaching courses to EMS, law enforcement, and medical professionals. Dr. Worden also serves as a valued member of both the Advisory Boards to the Institute on Strangulation Prevention.

2026 Sessions

Near Fatal Strangulation: What does EMS Need to Know?

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.

Speaker

Friday, May 29 11:20–11:50 AM
Room Waller Ballroom B
Faculty

Bill Worden

DO, MEd.
Medical Director
Heartland Medical Direction

Dr. Worden has been practicing emergency medicine for over 15 years. As the founder of Heartland Medical Direction, he leads a dedicated team providing medical direction, training, and education. These professionals share their expertise across the state empowering member agencies with the latest advancements and best practices in emergency care.

Education is a cornerstone of Dr. Worden's endeavors. When not in the emergency department, he can often be found lecturing to first responders. Additionally, Dr. Worden has pursued advanced training in the recognition of near-fatal strangulation. He holds certifications from the Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and now shares his expertise by teaching courses to EMS, law enforcement, and medical professionals. Dr. Worden also serves as a valued member of both the Advisory Boards to the Institute on Strangulation Prevention.

Protocols vs. Reality: When the Algorithm Doesn't Fit the Patient

You followed the protocol - so why are you still in trouble? While protocols are essential for standardizing care and improving outcomes, they cannot account for every patient or every situation. This session focuses on the critical moments when EMS providers must move beyond the algorithm and rely on clinical judgment. Attendees will explore common scenarios where protocols break down, learn practical strategies for safe and appropriate deviation, and develop documentation techniques that clearly explain and defend their decision-making in high-risk situations.

Presenter (1 Presenter)

Friday, May 29 3:20–3:50 PM
Room Waller Ballroom B
Faculty

Bill Worden

DO, MEd.
Medical Director
Heartland Medical Direction

Dr. Worden has been practicing emergency medicine for over 15 years. As the founder of Heartland Medical Direction, he leads a dedicated team providing medical direction, training, and education. These professionals share their expertise across the state empowering member agencies with the latest advancements and best practices in emergency care.

Education is a cornerstone of Dr. Worden's endeavors. When not in the emergency department, he can often be found lecturing to first responders. Additionally, Dr. Worden has pursued advanced training in the recognition of near-fatal strangulation. He holds certifications from the Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and now shares his expertise by teaching courses to EMS, law enforcement, and medical professionals. Dr. Worden also serves as a valued member of both the Advisory Boards to the Institute on Strangulation Prevention.
Back to top