The University of Toledo will host paramedics and EMTs from across the region on Monday for continuing education training focused on difficult airway assessment and management strategies.
The event, which will pair a lecture with hands-on work using high-fidelity patient simulators in an immersive environment, is being organized by the emergency medical services education program in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences.
Emergency responders will start with a refresher on airway management and then work through a mock emergency scenario where they will put their skills to the test.
“There’s a need in our community for this training, and as an educational institution we are best equipped in our region to provide a high-level of training for our partner agencies,” said Jeff Schneiderman, director of UToledo’s EMS education program. “The Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center has the equipment and capabilities that allow us to immerse learners into real-world situations, as opposed to just doing tabletop exercises.”
The event is being held in partnership with the Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center, under the leadership of Dr. Kristopher Brickman, professor and senior associate dean for innovation and simulation in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. Emergency medicine residents in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences also will participate.
Schneiderman said he expects about 30 full participants and another 20 observers from agencies across Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties.
Paramedics and EMTs are required by state law to meet certain thresholds of continuing education hours to maintain their certificates.
Airway management — and being able to appropriately address particularly challenging situations — is among the most important skills for emergency responders, Schneiderman said.
UToledo’s EMS education program offers blended-style EMT and paramedic education options. More information is available on the program webpage.
Schneiderman said demand for the relaunched continuing education component was strong, with enough people expressing interest that a second session has been planned for 6 p.m. Monday, May 6, in the Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center. Registration is required.
