Pre Conference Classes

Taught by Dr.’s Brandon Morshedi and Mike Hillis, Point-of-care Ultrasound (POCUS) has become standard of care in Emergency Departments for the rapid evaluation of a patient with major blunt trauma or a patient with undifferentiated shock, among dozens of other clinical uses.  Over the past decade, this bedside tool has been appearing in high-performing EMS systems and being utilized to direct patient care and destination decision-making.

In this pre-conference, you will receive introductory hands-on training with POCUS devices, learn proper hand-eye coordination with the device, "buttonology", and how to optimize your views and images.  You will receive an overview of relevant anatomy, understand 3D relationships, and will gain experience with how to perform the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (EFAST) and the Rapid Ultrasound in Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) exams.

Upon conclusion of this course, you will have the foundational knowledge to take back to your EMS agency to discuss starting or advancing your POCUS program as well as increase your understanding of how POCUS can change the management of your patient in real-time or affect your destination decision-making for your patients.

This course will be offered as a pre-conference course on July 30, 0800-1200.

Enhance your confidence in treating Spanish-speaking patients during emergencies! This workshop offers interactive conversational lessons led by fluent Spanish-speaking emergency medicine providers. Designed specifically for EMS professionals, the course focuses on practical language skills and cultural competence to improve patient communication and care in high-stress situations. Join us to break language barriers and provide better, more inclusive care.

This workshop is offered as a pre-conference class on July 30, at 1300-1600.

Pediatric Trauma Life Support (PTLS) focuses on the specialized assessment and management of injuries in children. It emphasizes the unique anatomical, physiological, and psychological differences between children and adults, and provides a systematic approach to trauma care tailored for pediatric patients. 
Key aspects of PTLS include: 

• Specialized Assessment:
  PTLS training equips healthcare providers to recognize and address the specific needs of pediatric trauma patients, including age-related differences in injury patterns and response to treatment. 
  
• Systematic Approach:
  PTLS utilizes a structured approach to trauma care, similar to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), but adapted for children. This includes a primary survey focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by a secondary survey for more detailed assessment.
• Critical Interventions:
  PTLS emphasizes the rapid identification and management of life-threatening injuries, including airway management, breathing support, hemorrhage control, and shock management. 
• Age-Appropriate Techniques:
  PTLS training incorporates age-specific techniques for airway management, fluid resuscitation, and immobilization, recognizing that children have different anatomical and physiological characteristics compared to adults. 
• Communication and Emotional Support:
  PTLS recognizes the importance of clear communication with both the child and their caregivers. It also emphasizes the need to address the emotional distress that can accompany trauma in children. 
• Teamwork and Coordination:
  PTLS stresses the importance of a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach, involving anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care for pediatric trauma patients. 
• Rapid Transport:
  PTLS highlights the need for rapid transport to appropriate trauma centers, especially for critically injured children. 
  

This workshop is offered as a pre-conference class on July 31, at 8:00-1700. Maximum students 36.

Thank you for registering for the 2025 AEMTA EMS Conference. We are excited to have you join us and appreciate your participation. Your involvement is key to the success of this event, and we look forward to a valuable experience together.

Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
The AEMTA