Registration & Cost
- To register: Enter your information in the DocuSign link and follow the prompts to complete the entire registration form.
- Minnie Chappell, EMS Client Service Representative, will contact you for payment. Minnie can be contacted at (252) 335-0821 ext. 2518.
If you are affiliated with a NC Fire, EMS, LEO or Military Agency, you may be fee exempt based on the NCCCS rules for some portions of the conference. Please complete the fee exemption section on the registration form and we will evaluate the status of your fee wavier.
Additional costs are listed with each session offered.
Contact:
Walter Meads, EMS Program Coordinator
(252) 335-0821 ext. 2519
Conference Session I
Monday, October 7, 2024
$35 if affiliated with a NC agency
$105 if unaffiliated or out of state
(fee covers Monday & Tuesday)
7:45 am
Registration Opens
8:00 am
Welcome
Jennie Collins & Walter Meads
8:10 am – 9:15 am
Why Are We Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
Let’s talk about your training, experience, critical thinking, and disease pathophysiology – all in a case study format of interesting patient presentations. Understand “why we do what we do” in patient assessment and treatments, as well as, the “who and what” best predicts the patient outcomes.
Dr. Nicole Saffell
9:15 am – 10:20 am
My Journey
Join Kevin Underhill, retired EMS director, as he shares a deeply personal and transformative journey following the tragic loss of his son, Chase Underhill, lost in a devastating accident. Through his poignant story, Kevin sheds light on the emotional struggles and the facade of strength maintained in the workplace amidst personal turmoil. The critical importance of fostering supportive workplaces, prioritizing mental well-being, and the power of observing and supporting others in need will be discussed. This is a powerful call to action for EMS professionals to cultivate environments where open dialogue and courage to speak up are encouraged, and will inspire others to support those who silently bear the weight of personal grief while performing their duties.
Kevin Underhill
10:20 – 10:35
Vendor Break
Stop by and see our vendors, enjoy a light snack, or take a walk out on the beautiful Jennette’s Pier.
10:35 – 11:45
Stroke Outside of the Box
We may all be familiar with the regular stroke screening tools. However, let’s expand on the symptoms that fit those tools, and discuss other situations that are yet more challenging, interesting, strange, or how to assess the “unable to assess” type of patient. Our assessment is everything when it comes to identifying a stroke and the time sensitive treatments needed for saving the brain.
Kate Turner
11:45 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch on your own
Click here for area restaurants that offer discounts.
1:00 – 2:05
Different Not Less: Breaking Barriers
This session will cover the complexities of autism, including medical diagnoses commonly associated with it, such as GI disturbances, seizures, and anxiety. Participants will learn about different levels of autism, associated behaviors, therapies, and the impact of medical expenses on progression. Additionally, the session will address effective strategies for de-escalation, recognizing sensory processing disorders, and making emergency encounters more efficient and supportive for individuals with autism.
Bethany McGirt
2:05 – 3:05
How Much is That Doggie in the Window?
Animals, particularly therapy animals, have been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. First responders often find these programs especially captivating. This session will discuss and highlight two very different animal assisted support programs and highlight their availability, costs, and how to find a similar program.
Eric Olsen with Rowan
Ryan Whittington with Max
3:05 – 3:20 pm
Vendor Break
Stop by and see our vendors, enjoy a light snack, or take a walk out on the beautiful Jennette’s Pier.
3:20 – 4:10
Pediatric Trauma
ECU Trauma Services
4:10 – 5:00
What Can You Do in 5 Minutes
Carl McKnight
Conference Session II
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
7:45
Registration Opens
8:00
Welcome
Jennie Collins & Walter Meads
8:10 – 9:15
Jaws of Life: EMS Chronicles from the Outer Banks
Dive into the unique and challenging world of pre-hospital care in the picturesque, yet perilous, Outer Banks. We will take you on a riveting journey through real-life EMS calls involving shark attacks and other traumatic incidents along the coastline. This session will delve into the complexities of managing traumatic injuries in a marine environment, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for EMS professionals. From the initial call to patient transport, explore the critical decision-making processes and innovative solutions required to tackle these high-stakes emergencies.
Terence Sheehy
9:15 – 10:20
Life is a Highway
Explore the professional journey on the EMS highway, from students starting their careers to veterans nearing retirement. This session examines how generational differences influence career progression, identifies bottlenecks hindering advancement, and discusses strategies to navigate challenges, including the impact of the great resignation. Join us to find detours and improve the flow on our shared professional highway.
Justin Preddy
10:20 – 10:35
Vendor Break
Stop by and see our vendors, enjoy a light snack, or take a walk out on the beautiful Jennette’s Pier.
10:35 – 11:45
Saving Ourselves – The Strong & The Stressed
This comprehensive session explores the critical issue of mental health among first responders, addressing the unique challenges they face due to their high-stress roles. Through an in-depth analysis, attendees will learn about common mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, understand their signs and symptoms, as well as, explore effective coping strategies and support mechanisms. The presentation will also highlight organizational support practices that can foster a supportive work environment, featuring case studies and real-life examples to illustrate successful interventions and programs.
Brad Lawson
11:45 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch on your own
Click here for area restaurants that offer discounts.
1:00 – 2:05
Semi-Advanced 12-Lead ECG: A Whirlwind Review
Join us for a fast-paced, 60-minute session focused on mastering 12-lead ECG interpretation. We’ll cover key topics including T-wave and ST-segment analysis, recognizing false STEMI activations, and reviewing unique patient cases. Enhance your diagnostic skills with practical cases and interactive discussions.
David Glendenning
2:05 – 3:05
Phones Down, Eyes Up: Stay Aware, Stay Safe!
Explore how changes in social cues and patient/family engagement impact safety in dynamic, high-pressure environments. This session highlights the importance of minimizing distractions, maintaining focus, and processing information effectively to enhance team communication and adapt to evolving situations. Join us to improve your strategies for navigating these challenges.
Brook Cox
3:05 – 3:20 pm
Vendor Break
Stop by and see our vendors, enjoy a light snack, or take a walk out on the beautiful Jennette’s Pier.
3:20 – 4:10
To Ambulance or Not To Ambulance
Explore the necessity and effectiveness of various EMS response models beyond the traditional paramedic ambulance. This session will delve into the use of single responder QRVs, BLS units, ALS units, and hybrid models, utilizing EMD and EPCR data to evaluate patient needs. Learn how diversifying response models can enhance efficiency and better meet the diverse demands of service calls.
David Grovdahl
4:10 – 5:00
TBD
Conference Session II Simulations
Jennette’s Pier (Parking Lot)
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
ECU Mobile Healthcare Simulation Unit
The Healthcare Simulation Unit (HSU) is an outreach education vehicle with the ability to provide interprofessional simulation-based healthcare education at a distance from the Clinical Simulation Center at the Brody School of Medicine. The vehicle has a realistic, simulated, fully-equipped hospital resuscitation bay, an additional ambulance compartment, an area for controlling the operation of the simulators, and video debriefing capability. Training is accomplished using sophisticated adult and pediatric patient simulators and procedural skills task trainers.
Helen Tripp
*Time slots are hourly, sign up with registration. This will be a fun and realistic scenario that will be held in the ambulance bay of the unit. Open to all levels of EMS providers.*
Post-Conference Schedule
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
College of The Albemarle – Dare Campus
8:00 – 5:00
EMS Tactical Officer II – Day 1 of 2
$70 registration (fee waiver available for NC affiliated agencies)
Brad Lawson
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mental Health First Aid Fire/EMS
$70 registration (fee waiver available for NC affiliated agencies)
$25 supply fee
Helen Tripp
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Injury Prevention Workshop
$70 registration (fee waiver available for NC affiliated agencies)
Garry Pomerleau
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Speakers
Join us for engaging presentations from EMS industry experts. We’ve hand-picked a lineup of industry experts who understand EMS life and are passionate about sharing their knowledge to help you succeed.
Hotels
Mention “EMS at the OBX” for discounted rates at these hotels for October 6-9, 2024.
4701 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-0454
3 miles from Jennette’s Pier
$149/night
405 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-5581
8.2 miles from Jennette’s Pier
$145/night
8031 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd.
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-6315
0.4 miles from Jennette’s Pier
$114/night
1701 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 564-7222
7.2 miles from Jennette’s Pier
$96/night
Sponsored by
Dare County EMS
Hosted by College of The Albemarle
