ETR Influenza Guidelines

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:35:30 -0400

Here are the Emergency Training Resources infection control guidelines for the 2009/2010 flu season. These recommendations and polices have been updated and amended to concern the H1N1 virus. They are presented in Q&A format to make them the most fun and entertaining set of influenza recommendations that you’ve ever read! :-)

Q) What time frame are we currently considering "flu-season"?

A) Seasonal flu season has already begun and is at peak from November to Feb.
H1N1: Possibly will persist through Spring / Summer 2010.

Q) Are there any restrictions for our large-gathering classes such as EMT and ACLS?

A) There are no special restrictions on large gatherings such as EMT or ACLS classes. Normal precautions for flu / illness apply: Don’t come to class if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms in combination such as FEVER, fatigue, body aches, chills, cough or G.I upset. Before returning to class students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours (without use of anti-fever medicines such as Tylenol). Before working in a patient care setting (clinical rotations) students MUST be symptom-free for 7 days and fever-free for at lest 24 hours.

Q) Are there any special restrictions for our students who are under 19 years old?

A) Students who are under 18 years old or younger are RESTRICTED from all patient care areas (clinical rotations) until they provide PROOF of H1N1 vaccination, or have PROOF of a positive titer. No restrictions on classes held in NON-patient care areas. At this time the H1N1 vaccine is only being distributed to priority groups. ETR is in contact with OEMS to ascertain the time frame the availability of the H1N1 vaccine for EMT-students.

Q) If I miss class because of flu-symptoms, will it be considered an “excused absence”?

A) ETR has does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences per-se. Student who miss a whole or part of class are missing course content. This is addressed in the policies for each individual program. Examples: EMT-Basic – Students may not miss more than three classes for any reason. ACLS – Students may not miss any portion of the course. Students may, of course, register to continue their program with another class.

Q) Any other thoughts or guidance to stay healthy this flu season?

A) Wash your hands. Sneeze into your elbow. Use hand sanitizer. Additional information is available in class. As further guidelines become available, we will alert our students and update our recommendations.

Please contact either DHCA EMS Infection Control Officer Jim Stead or myself if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Rommie L. Duckworth
Emergency Training Resources
Training Coordinator

CME/CEU offerings begin to rise!

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:22:27 -0400

As we get ready for the 2010 classes (only two months away) we settle in with a hot cup of cocoa and a warm blanket and listen to tales from old grandad of how, as a young interventional cardiologist, he would stop the progression of S-T elevation myocardial infarction with percutaneous coronary interventions.

That’s right, it’s time to sit in on those CME classes that you may have been putting off all year. We have them in all shapes and sizes. We have them for nurses and PAs, we have them for Paramedics and EMT’s, we have a little bit of something for everyone. From one night American Heart Association certification courses to full day comprehensive EMT-P / EMT-I CME programs to 2-hour, one-shot lectures, you’ll find everything you need under our Refresher / CME page.

E.S.T.C. marches on!

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:07:03 -0400

Click above for a video of the E.S.T.C. in action!

For more information on this event, click HERE to see our NEWS entry for June, 22nd, 2009.

The Emergency Services Training Corps has remained active throughout the Summer and is gearing up for a Fall season of training, drills and disaster simulation in towns around the Danbury area.

If you don’t have a medical background, this “volunteer victim” branch of Emergency Training Resources is a great way to dip your toe into the big pool of healthcare and emergency services without getting soaked.

If you have training as an medical care provider, the E.S.T.C. is a great way to help train emergency responders, practice important skills, volunteer and give back to your community and move up the ladder of healthcare education.

Click on the Volunteering section to get involved. You’ll find information on getting involved with the E.S.T.C. as well as archived copies of our monthly newsletter. Get started today!

Successful Collaboration of EMS and Hospital Healthcare Providers

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:51:54 -0400

More than eighteen months ago I began working on an EMT-Intermediate program that that would focus on the integration of EMS with hospital based healthcare, beyond the emergency department. The success of this program would depend upon the dedication of the EMT-I students to a standard that demanded the understanding of the clinical goals of the hospital departments that will ultimately receive our patients.

On the other side of the coin, I also needed the cooperation and enthusiasm of those same departments. We were able to secure clinical rotations that would normally be reserved for paramedic program in departments like the Cardiac Cath Lab, Neonatal ICU, Cardiac Care Unit, Pediatrics Department, and others in addition to the usual suspects of the ED and ambulance rotations.

We had hoped for excitement from the EMT-I students in getting to see how pre-hospital care affects patients two or three steps down the continuum of care. We had hoped for excitement from hospital staff in getting to understand what EMS does and getting EMS to understand why they issue some of those crazy memos and requests that you hear tell about in CME classes. We got all of that and more, but I’ll let our article speak for itself.

So what does this say to me? It says that the future is bright for EMS and those dedicated to working as partners in healthcare. It says that if you’re looking to take a class like this, I’m looking to run more. It says that if you’re looking to RUN a class like this, it can be hard work to get everyone on-board, but the payoff is DEFINITELY worth every ounce of energy that you’ll put into it!

The ESTC at Brookfield Haz Mat / MCI

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:38:38 -0400

It’s beginning to stir up suspicion, the fact that everywhere that the volunteers of the Emergency Services Training Corps gather, DISASTER STRIKES! As in Redding, New Fairfield and Danbury before, bodies littered the streets of Brookfield, Connecticut as sirens blared, fire burned and a column of smoke rose high into the air. Then when it was all over, everyone had pizza and soda and went home healthy and happy.

Three cars wrecked, another car on fire and “gasoline” (really water) leaking on the roadway will be a lot to handle for the Brookfield Fire Department.

It’s all in a day’s work for the members of the E.S.T.C., volunteers who help their community by acting as “professional victims” at disaster drills. Along with their mentors (career fire and EMS providers and educators) E.S.T.C. members put on torn clothing and make up to simulate burns and injuries and then have fun hamming it up and being part of the action.

E.S.T.C. members enjoy a break before the incident begins.

It isn’t all fun and games though. These volunteers help put together simulations and training exercises that allow emergency responders to practice their skills in a way that no other type of instruction will allow. “These volunteers allow us to elevate our police, fire and EMS training to a level that is way above regular classroom and table-top training.” says Betsy England, the Coordinator of the E.S.T.C. “There is nothing that prepares us for ‘the Big One’ like taking care of real, live patients. And, of course, this translates into better care provided on every day calls too!”

Betsy England (center) helps E.S.T.C. members with their action make-up.

Acting plays a significant role as well. Observers at the recent drill in Brookfield made note of the reactions of emergency responders to the screaming, injured teenage girls and the little boy crying about his dog, lost after they were all involved in a car accident. “What the ESTC members do is draw responders in to the action, bringing the speed and intensity up to a level close to that of a real call.” says Rom Duckworth, Training Coordinator for Danbury Hospital and drill observer. “Normally responders would walk through a drill at half speed. The E.S.T.C. members allow us to observe how responders would truly act and react in a real incident and this allows us to provide much better feedback. This is vital to prepare us to protect the community during incidents large and small.”

Victims acting the part bring realism to the exercise.

Clearly, the benefit isn’t just one sided. “This was the most fun I’ve ever had!” said Max England who at only 12 years old is already a three year veteran of the E.S.T.C. along with his sister Maddie. “We can’t wait until next time!”

Maxwell England, proud to be part of the E.S.T.C.

Anyone interested in more information on volunteering with the E.S.T.C. can apply here at www.myETR.org under the “Volunteering” section. The E.S.T.C. is affiliated with Danbury Hospital through their education affiliate, Emergency Training Resources and is registered with Volunteer Match at www.volunteermatch.org.

Thanks to the Brookfield Fire Department for their hard work and dedication and the opportunity for the E.S.T.C. to do their work. Special thanks to EMS Captain Rich Clyne, fire Captains Jason Broad (Candlewood Co.) and Andy Ellis (HQ) for this exciting drill to life.

Candlewood Company Assistant Chief and Incident Commander Jason Ginsberg.

More photos of the drill in Brookfield and other E.S.T.C. events are available HERE.

HAPPY EMS WEEK!

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:54:52 -0400

This is the time of year that we take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the members of our Emergency Medical Services and their contribution to the health, welfare and safety of our communities.

The staff of Emergency Training Resources understands the value of the people who make up this critical component of the healthcare system and the physical and emotional support that they provide to communities, friends, family members and loved ones.

ETR is committed to supporting our EMS providers every week of the year, but would like to take the time to mention a few care providers in the Danbury area who were recently recognized at the 9th Annual EMS Week Appreciation Banquet.

2009 EMS Awards Nominations
EMT-Basic of the Year
Nancy Davis, Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department
Angelo DeSimone, Jr., Danbury Ambulance Service
Joe Fawley, DHCA - EMS & New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department
Bernice Scherb, Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department
Rich Schretzenmayer, New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department

EMT-Intermediate of the Year
Ryan Blackwell, Danbury Health Care Affiliates - EMS
Ken Brown, Ridgefield Fire Department
Michael Collins, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Brian Jones, Ridgefield Fire Department
William Lounsbury, Danbury Fire Department

Paramedic of the Year
Ronald Gage, Danbury Health Care Affiliates – EMS
John Iommazzo, Danbury Health Care Affiliates – EMS
Gregory Klimaytis, Danbury Health Care Affiliates - EMS
Christopher Neary, Danbury Ambulance Service
Justin Walsh, Danbury Ambulance Service & Vintech - Brookfield

Educator of the Year
Betsy Duckworth, Emergency Training Resources
Rommie Duckworth, Emergency Training Resources
Sherri Holmberg, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department
Jerry Myers, Ridgefield Fire Department

Service of the Year
Danbury Fire Department
Danbury Health Care Affiliates – EMS Division
Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department
Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps

Christopher Blackwell Dedication to Service Award
William Cadella, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department
Bruce Cornwell, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department
Susan Guerriero, New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department
Guy Miglinas, DHCA – EMS & Ridgefield Fire Department
Jessica Schaad, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department

Annual EMS Week Awards – Winners

EMT-Basic of the Year
Nancy Davis, Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department

EMT-Intermediate of the Year
Lt. Brian Jones, Ridgefield Fire Department

Paramedic of the Year
Justin Walsh, Danbury Ambulance Service / Vintech Management

Educator of the Year
Elizabeth Duckworth, Emergency Training Resources

Service of the Year
Danbury Health Care Affiliates – EMS

Christopher Blackwell Dedication to Service Award
William Cadella, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department

Congratulations and thanks to these and all of the other care givers who work so hard to educate, support and care for our community.

Especially for those of you who were unable to attend the event, we’re posting our photographs from the event.

Please enjoy them and feel free to download and share the pictures and video and again,a happy and safe EMS week to you!

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND SLIDE SHOW.

ETR Training Coordinator Honored

Wed, 6 May 2009 15:31:31 -0400

I was proud to have been nominated in the first place and then even more surprised to find myself in the company of those who have received this honor. I was outright astonished to see how many former students happened to be in the audience.

The video vignette that the Red Cross produced can be found in the ETR Images: ETR Instructors section of the site. I posted it here despite the fact that, because I had to sit so still and NOT look at the cameras moving around in front of me I look like some kind of pale, talking flounder.

In my defense, I had been teaching ACLS all day before the interview and I had also just seen that movie about a talking flounder. Mmmmmmmmm flounder.

Thankfully, the audience in the room seemed to forgive me and, from the response to my “thank you”, clearly have a great sense of humor.

Link to Local Newspaper Article

Link to Regional Newspaper Article

Images from ETR

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:59:16 -0400

Although it doesn’t happen as often as we’d like, sometimes we’re able to capture images from our different courses. While we do spend most of our time in class actually teaching and administering the courses we are occasionally able to break away long enough to grab a snapshot or two of our students and instructors (and manikins) in action.

Take a look at the ETR Images section to see some great photos of who we are and what we do. Watch a slide show. See what we do in different classes. See how we’ve changed over the years. Watch out for people you know (maybe even yourself).

See a picture that you want to keep? Just click or drag to download.

What? You aren’t one of the ETR Images? Sign up for a class right now and maybe you too could be famous!

Staff Development and Continuing Education

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:43:51 -0400

With the widening gap between the ACLS Provider and ACLS-EP classes, ETR is pleased to present courses in partnership with the American Heart Association.

AHA Advanced Airway Lecture and Practical 4/4/09
AHA Basic ECG Rhythm Recognition 4/11/09 & 11/12/09
AHA Emergency Pharmacology lecture on 10/22/09
AHA 12 Lead ECG and STEMI on 11/19/09

Students often ask us what they can do to learn more about advanced healthcare practices. Many classes such as ACLS, PALS, PHTLS and TNCC list ECG, Pharmacology and Airway Management as prerequisites but do not make it clear where one can learn or refresh on these topics.

Some healthcare providers are interested in advancing their skills and their careers but find it difficult to schedule themselves for multi-session training programs.

These classes provide valuable staff development and continuing education opportunities for healthcare providers FREE OF CHARGE.

Information on these classes and more like them can be found under the ACLS&PALS and Refresher/CME links.

The standards they are a-changin’

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 12:01:30 -0500

These are exciting times in EMS Education—the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards document was recently approved by NHTSA and posted to their EMS web page. You can review the final documents below.

These new Standards replace the Department of Transportation (DOT) curricula and outline the minimal terminal objectives for entry-level EMS personnel. EMS educators now have more flexibility in the way they design educational programs and may consider alternative delivery methods such as distance learning and programmed self-instruction. I am very pleased to say that many, MANY of the dramatic changes that were implemented in this revision are teaching techniques that we have long used at ETR including group presentations, Socratic method (Q&A), on-line interactive activities, computerized testing services and small group learning !

We look forward to integrating new educational tools into our programs and remaining on the forefront of this long overdue change to the EMS curricula.

We also plan to review the revised student manuals and instructor support materials that are aligned to the EMS Education Standards throughout this year. We will work closely with our instructors to ensure a seamless transition to the new curricula for 2010.

The EMS Education Standards are the first step toward national training standards and ETR looks forward to leading every step of the way!