11th Annual Cranberry Township EMS Training Blitz
2024 Cranberry Township EMS Training Blitz
Venue Information
Location:
This year’s Training Blitz will be held at the Cumberland Woods Village Conference Center, sponsored by UPMC Passavant, located behind UPMC Passavant McCandless
700 Cumberland Woods Drive
Allison Park, PA 15101
Since this building also serves as a residential senior community, we’re asking that you remain mindful and park in the designated area mapped below:
Breakfast and Lunch:
Join us to learn, and we’ll worry about the rest. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for both Saturday and Sunday.
08:00
Prehospital considerations for the LVAD patient
This course will provide an overview of the different types of LVADs the prehospital provider may encounter and different treatment principles for patients with LVAD.
Ryan Senica, MS, NRP
UPMC / Stat Medevac
My emergency services career spans 24 years, starting in the fire service and then moving to EMS, where I have spent 22 years in ground EMS and 9 years in the air medical industry. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Medical Services and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration at Point Park University. I have held several titles throughout my fire and EMS career. I served as an Operations Supervisor with North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue for several years, where I also served on their Medical Special Ops team, assisting local and statewide law enforcement agencies in high-risk situations. During that time, I also worked for UPMC Prehospital Care as an Advanced Response specialist and became a Flight Paramedic with STAT MedEvac. In 2018 I was promoted to Performance and Quality Improvement Coordinator with STAT MedEvac and in 2019 I was again promoted to my current role as Regional Medical Manager. In addition to my full-time job with STAT MedEvac, I continue to work with several EMS agencies and educational institutions.
Fractures Unique to Children
This course will cover emergencies involving fractures unique to children. It will also discuss the relationship between children’s anatomy and common injury patterns and how to stabilize limb and spinal injuries in children.
Stephanie Schenck-Jacob, MD
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Stephanie Schneck-Jacob is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who treats children and adolescents with broken bones (fractures), growth plate injuries, sports injuries, clubfoot, hip dysplasia, torticollis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, scoliosis, limb length discrepancy, Perthes disease, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and skeletal dysplasia. She has a special clinical interest in hip dysplasia, clubfoot, and spina bifida. She is experienced in performing ultrasound imaging of hip dysplasia, the Ponseti method treatment of clubfoot, and orthopedic treatment of spina bifida.
Prehospital Burn Management
Prehospital Burn Management can sometimes be a difficult or frightening part of our everyday EMS lives. This is mainly due to burn injuries, which are low-frequency calls for us as providers. Attending this course can considerably increase your confidence in managing these patients. From a review of anatomy and physiology to current treatments and an understanding of what Burn Centers can do for your patients, you can walk away from this class with confidence in proper treatment and how to stop the burn.
Frank Phillips, BS, NRP
Allegheny Health Network
Frank Phillips, BS, NRP, is the Burn Outreach Coordinator for AHN West Penn Hospital. Frank has served in EMS since 2008 and as a Paramedic since 2011. Frank previously served the City of Pittsburgh for the Bureau of EMS as a Paramedic for 6 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Point Park University and is pursuing a Master of Public Health Student from The George Washington University – Milken Institute School of Public Health.
09:15
Light Em’ Up?
Decreasing the use of lights/sirens in responding to and transporting patients to the hospital is a newer and sometimes controversial topic. Plum EMS is one of 50 EMS agencies across the country that has been part of a “National EMS Quality Improvement Partnership – Reduce Lights-and-Sirens Use in EMS” focusing on reducing the emergency vehicle involved crash rate related to 911 EMS response and transport by decreasing light/sirens use. Plum EMS has achieved significant results since the start of the project. Before the beginning of this endeavor, Plum EMS was using lights/sirens, responding to calls close to 70% of the time. Over the past 10 weeks, Plum EMS crews have been averaging the use of lights/sirens while responding to calls less than 10% of the time. During this session, topics will be discussed, and the approach Plum EMS has taken to achieve these numbers and some of the challenges faced will be reviewed.
Brian P Maloney, MS, Paramedic
Plum EMS
Brian is the Director of Operations of Plum EMS, an agency located outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has worked in EMS for 25 years and has worked with some incredible people and organizations throughout this time. Brian is extremely proud to be part of Plum EMS as this organization was awarded the NAEMT-ACEP Safety in EMS Award in 2023 for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of EMS safety, specifically with the appropriate use of lights & sirens.
The Evolution of Prehospital Care
This course will examine the history of Prehospital Care and discuss current and potential advances in This field.
Sharon Klapec, MD, NRP
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Sharon Klapec’s passion for prehospital care began at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for Emergency Medicine, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in emergency medicine. She received her MD from Northeast Ohio Medical University and then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital. She recently completed an EMS fellowship at Allegheny Health Network. She has 10 years of experience working as a paramedic in the area. Dr. Klapec is excited to continue her career as the EMS medical director for AHN Forbes Hospital and associate medical director for AHN LifeFlight.
What Did You Take?
“What did you take?” is a common question that gets asked when arriving at a scene of an overdose or altered patient. This program will review cases and see if the audience can determine the substance. It will review signs and symptoms and use the surroundings to help determine the substance. It will also go over treatments for on-scene and en route to the hospital. This is an interactive program.
Tara Hobeck, RN, BSN, CSPI, PHRN
Pittsburgh Poison Control
Tara received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008. She went straight into the Emergency Department at a community hospital, where she worked for 10 years. She came to the poison center in 2017 and was promoted to Lead SPI in 2022. She started working on the ambulance casually in 2005 and was active with ambulance shifts until 2020. She also holds her CPSI, prehospital registered nurse certification, as well as advanced life support, advanced burn support, international trauma life support, pediatric advanced life support, and neonatal advanced life support. She takes multiple other webinars and training to keep up skills and to help be up-to-date on new trends.
10:30
Public Safety Professional: THE STRESS IS REAL-How To Help YOURSELF
Every day, public safety professionals respond to emergencies and may be exposed to traumatic incidents or situations that can affect their well-being. This can create stress, some obvious and some not so obvious. This session will promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of stress, highlighting ways for relief and examining what can be done to reduce stress. Resources and options to decrease anxiety and feelings you’re not accustomed to will be addressed. Understanding what and how you can HELP YOURSELF is the key to a successful responder. Crew peer support and critical incident stress management (CISM) are vital resources this session highlights.
Roy Cox, Jr, D.Ed, Paramedic
Retired City of Pittsburgh EMS
Retired District Chief City of Pittsburgh EMS, Retired Operations Director Allegheny County CISM-Pitt CISM, current CISM team member, Adjunct Faculty Point Park University, Adjunct Faculty CCAC, and Center for Emergency Medicine, also Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council (PEHSC) state CISM committee chair.
Shock Index: The sixth vital sign
This course will discuss utilizing the shock index calculation as guidance for the recognition and management of patients experiencing shock. Current research relating to the use of the shock index in the pre-hospital environment will be discussed, as will the practical application.
Megan Mason, MPH, NRP, FFII
Cranesville Fire Department
Megan Mason is a firefighter paramedic and EMS educator in rural Western Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science from La Roche University and a Master of Public Health from Kent State University, where she focused on the intersection of public health and paramedicine. She is a member of the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program Class of 2024. Currently, she focuses on improving the quality of education available to rural EMS providers and community education, focusing on CPR, first aid, and Stop the Bleed in rural areas.
Managing the geriatric trauma patient
Getting old is tough… For older patients, a little trauma goes a long way and can be devastating. Come learn about what changes make it hard to bounce back, the unique issues to think about, and the latest in triage for your geriatric trauma patient.
Jennifer Rickens, PHPE, MPAS, PA-C
UPMC
Jennifer Rickens is a PHPE at Tri-Community South EMS and a PA in the Trauma and General Surgery department at UPMC Presbyterian. She received her BS in Applied Physics and BA in Mathematics from Thiel College in 2017. She then completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at D’Youville University in Buffalo in 2021. She has 7 years of experience in EMS, mostly as an EMT, enjoys being a CPR instructor, and participates in the annual Pennsylvania EMS Memorial Bike Ride in September. A mom to her two guinea pig fur babies, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, Jennifer is blessed to be the oldest daughter of Myron and Cheryl and sister to Melissa and Jason.
LUNCH BREAK
13:00
Head injury and domestic violence: Examining the intersections to support your patients
Survivors of domestic violence are 11 to 12 times more likely to experience a brain injury than any other population, including veterans and athletes. Emergency medical technicians are uniquely posed to identify brain injury among domestic violence survivors. This session will include information about the intersection of domestic violence and brain injury. We will also highlight our experience collaborating with the PA Department of Health on a five-year grant project designed to connect EMS providers and domestic violence programs. We will share some of the resources and best practices developed through this valuable collaboration for attendees to incorporate into their work with patients who may be experiencing domestic violence.
Mae Reale, MA
PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Mae Reale is a Health Education Specialist at the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She has the pleasure of working with advocates from 59 domestic violence programs, who provide service to all 67 counties in the Commonwealth, to help them connect with a wide variety of healthcare providers to ensure those providers have the tools they need to respond to people who have experienced domestic violence in all its forms. Mae works with state-level organizations to promote safe, trauma-informed responses to survivors of domestic violence. Mae is one of the co-chairs of Pennsylvania’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and a member of the Early Child Comprehensive Systems Advisory Board.
7 Critical Actions for Effective Airway Management
This session will review key principles of trauma airway management and ventilation. Case-based examples, including videos of real airway management, will enhance the review of these key principles.
Christian Martin-Gill, MD, MPH
UPMC
Dr. Christian Martin-Gill is the Chief of the EMS division, the EMS Fellowship Director, and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine / UPMC. He also serves as the Associate Medical Director of STAT MedEvac and UPMC Prehospital Care.
Combative behavior is a medical condition: Change my mind
Patients who experience delirium with excited features are often in medical crisis. As EMS clinicians, we must be acutely aware of the risks and necessities associated with physical restraint and chemical sedation in accordance with state protocols and evidence-based guidelines.
Jonathon W. Jenkins, BS, NRP, CADS, F-ABMDI
Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, Inc
Jonathon has been involved in EMS since 2009 and has been a Pennsylvania and Nationally Registered Paramedic since 2015. Jonathon earned a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 and a Master of Science in Emergency Medical Services from Creighton University in 2024. Jonathon is the Education and Training Administrator at Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, Inc., in Westmoreland County, and was appointed Program Director of the Mutual Aid-Excela Health Paramedic Training Program in 2021. Jonathon is an EMS Research Educator affiliated with the LiTES Network and host of the Clinical Concepts Podcast.
14:15
Disability Is not a crime: Crisis response for developmental disabilities
***This is a 2-hour class. Do not sign up for a 15:30 class if you plan to attend this course**
This class provides basic to advanced-level knowledge and skills for handling law enforcement interactions and crisis response to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Autism and related conditions. This course has been funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
Ethan Puskas, CAC, NREMT-A
FirstLine Consulting Services, LLC
Ethan Puskas (he/him) is an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in Pittsburgh. Ethan has worked in EMS for 8 years and currently manages his own consulting company, FirstLine Consulting Services LLC. Ethan currently works in EMS at Lower Valley Ambulance Service in Cheswick and Foxwall Emergency Medical Services in Fox Chapel. Previously, Ethan had worked for the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Ethan is also diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and dedicates time to advocacy on behalf of those with developmental disabilities, including providing education to public safety and participating in clinical research projects relating to disability and emergency medicine.
Luciana Randall
Luciana Randall (pronouns she/her and the regional “yinz”) has led the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania since 2010, guided by a fantastic working board including several people with autism and many family members. Before holding this position, she spent two decades providing individual and family counseling, professional development, and autism advocacy across Southwestern PA. She earned a master’s of rehabilitation counseling from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Art Education, minoring in creative studies, from the SUNY College at Buffalo. She partners with the Carnegie Museums, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh International Airport, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and various arts and human services organizations, supporting accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts.
Return to Matchbox City
**This is a 2-hour class. Do not sign up for a 15:30 class if you plan to attend this course**
The goal is to prepare responders to make good command processes and tactical decisions while working in various command and incident structures through incident role-playing and hands-on activities.
Allen Baldwin, EMT-B, CEMSO, Chief Officer
York County Department of Fire and Life Safety
Chief Baldwin started his Fire and EMS career in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh with the Wilkins #1 and Monroeville Fire Department Company 4. Allen also served as the Fire Official for the Town of McCandless, a volunteer with the McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, an Allegheny County EMS Board member, and a regional fire and EMS instructor.
Allen is currently the Deputy Chief of the Department of Fire and Life Safety in York County, Virginia. Chief Baldwin has been involved in the fire service for over forty years and is still an active responder and suppression instructor. He has served as both a career and volunteer officer in various positions.
Chief Baldwin holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science and Administration. Additionally, a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Academy, Fire Officer IV certification, is Nationally and Virginia certified EMT, and is past President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and the Cumberland Valley Firefighters Association, South Eastern Association of Fire Chiefs, and Emergency Responder Safety Institute Board of Directors, Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, and Chief Training Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Mystery Dx: Cold and Tired
This case review highlights the signs and symptoms of myxedema coma, the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism, and treatment recommendations for patients with myxedema coma.
Cassandra Asberry, BA, EMT-P, NRP, FP-C
Allegheny Health Network
Cassandra Asberry is a certified flight paramedic with AHN LifeFlight in Pittsburgh, PA. She completed a bachelor’s degree in biological science at Saint Francis University and has ten years of pre-hospital experience in emergency and critical care transport. She co-founded LifeFlight’s Community Outreach Education Program, serves as the Critical Care Transport Education Committee co-chair, and sits on the AGH Emergency Medicine Research Committee, the LifeFlight Interview Committee, and the LifeFlight Unit-Based Practice Council. She recently served as co-editor for the Spring 2024 issue of Critical Care Nursing Quarterly. She has developed a passion for education and dedication to evidence-based practice throughout her career. She seeks to contribute to emergency and critical care transport medicine through research and education.
Alaina Martini, MSN, RN, CCRN, PHRN, CFRN
Allegheny Health Network
Alaina Martini is a flight nurse at AHN LifeFlight. She entered the air medical transport specialty with a nursing background in critical care and emergency medicine at a high-volume, high-acuity tertiary care center. She is passionate about learning and strives to continually improve through further education and evidence-based research. Alaina enjoys the challenge of educating the next generation of healthcare providers and currently serves as an undergraduate clinical instructor.
15:30
Trauma Care from Dr. Philps
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Allan Philp, MD, FACS, FCCM
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Allan Philp is the chief medical officer for AGH. He specializes in trauma, emergency, critical care, and general surgery. He is skilled at traumatic injuries, emergent surgical conditions, and ICU management. His clinical interests include trauma, complex abdominal reconstruction, and complex ICU management.
He attended medical school and completed his fellowship in surgical critical care/trauma at Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee. He then completed his residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Philp is certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. He is affiliated with the American College of Surgeons and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. He believes that care should always center on the patient and their families.
Imodium: Why should we give a crap!
Everyone thinks of Imodium and thinks of it being used for GI issues and thinks there is no harm in using it. This class will go over how Imodium is considered “Poor Man’s Methadone” on the streets and how dangerous it can be. We will discuss how IV drug users use it for withdrawal purposes.
Kathleen Kern, RN, PHRN, CCRN, CFRN
Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny General Employee since 1987 in various non-nursing positions before licensure (Monitor Technician & Dialysis Technician)
I have been in various nursing positions since 1995 (Telemetry, Dialysis, Transplant Coordinator, Emergency Department, Cardiac Cath Lab, Structural Heart Department, CTSICU, & LifeFlight since the fall of 2021).
Prior Volunteer EMT/Paramedic at Valley Ambulance Authority 1984-1992
08:00
Grand theft ambulance
EMS vehicles are not immune and present many potential opportunities for theft. While lights and sirens may aid a criminal in making a quick getaway, these joyrides have been known to result in catastrophic damages, injuries, and fatalities. Medications and other specialized medical equipment have been targeted as resale becomes a lucrative criminal activity. This seminar will address the issues associated with the theft of EMS vehicles and the steps every EMS organization can take to better secure their vehicles in the future.
Justin Eberly, MPA, CTO, NRAEMT
VFIS
Justin Eberly is an Education Specialist for VFIS, a subsidiary of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, responsible for the national delivery of educational and training programs, curriculum development, and information analysis. Eberly is a Nationally Registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT) and volunteer firefighter in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He is the vice president of a combination (volunteer/career) fire company and the volunteer firefighter relief association president. He actively serves on the safety committee for an EMS agency. Previously, he served as the assistant chief of a combination basic life support ambulance service. As an educator, Eberly has served as an adjunct faculty for multiple EMS programs serving the South-Central Pennsylvania region. He received the designation of Chief Training Officer (CTO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Eberly has earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Public Administration, with an emphasis in Emergency Services Management, from Columbia Southern University.
Sport Standbys: A Time to Shine
Community sporting events can draw a large number of residents, and these events frequently require the presence of EMS. If a serious injury occurs, EMS can either impress or dismay the Monday morning quarterbacks in the stands. Preplanning and working seamlessly with event medical staff can prevent negative public perceptions of local EMS quality.
Fran Feld, DNP, CRNA, LAT, NRP
UPMC Passavant
Dr. Francis Feld, DNP, CRNA, LAT, NRP, is a nurse anesthetist at UPMC Passavant Hospital specializing in thoracic surgery cases. He is a PHRN with Ross West View EMSA, UPMC Passavant Squad 98, and the Allegheny County Hazmat Medical Team. As a Licensed Athletic Trainer, he worked for Central Valley High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has provided EMS coverage for North Hills High School, Pitt, Steelers, and Penn State football games. He has extensive disaster and mass casualty experience with PA-1 DMAT and is the co-editor of four textbooks and multiple publications.
Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, and High-Pressure Injection Injuries
This class will examine the pathophysiology, criteria of diagnosis, and treatment of post-crush syndrome (known as “smiling death”) and the Pennsylvania State protocol applicable to it. It will also discuss compartment syndrome, acute and chronic, its recognition, EMS-related issues, and hospital-based definitive treatment. Finally, we will discuss the etiology and recognition of high-pressure injection injuries and their proper triage.
Greg Hellier, D.O., FACEP
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Hellier serves as an officer of the board of directors of EMS West and is an alternate board member of EMMCO West. He serves both regions on their respective medical advisory committee. He is the medical director of several ALS and BLS agencies and the medical director for the 911 centers of Lawrence, Butler, and Beaver County. Greg is a part-time lecturer in the PA program at Thiel College, a part-time instructor in the DO program at LECOM Seton Hill, and the DNP program at Robert Morris University. Dr. Hellier is an emergency physician and EMS Director at AHN Grove City Hospital.
09:15
Neonatal Emergencies in Prehospital Medicine
This presentation will emphasize the importance of prompt recognition, assessment, and appropriate interventions in managing neonatal emergencies in the prehospital setting. Background neonatal anatomy and physiology will be reviewed, as well as the recognition and management of neonatal emergencies, including respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, sepsis, congenital heart defects, hypoglycemia, and seizures.
Michael Talotta, PA-C, DMSC, MPAS
Allegheny Health Network
Mike started his career as an EMT and worked in the South Hills of Pittsburgh while attending Duquesne University, where he received a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. As a physician assistant, he worked in emergency medicine for a year before transitioning to pediatrics. He has provided pediatric care for 13 years, including 5 years of pediatric oncology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and 8 years in pediatric primary care. He is currently the Advanced Practice Supervisor and Institute APP Officer for AHN Pediatrics. He provides newborn care as a newborn hospitalist at West Penn Hospital and pediatric primary care on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Most recently, Mike received his Doctor of Medical Science Degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 sons. He also continues volunteering as an EMT and firefighter for West Deer VFC 3 station 290.
Not your ordinary cardiac arrest
Some cardiac arrests are not like the others. This course will discuss, evaluate, and describe how we should modify our standard approach to cardiac arrest for special situations, including refractory VF, maternal patients, and severe hypothermia, among others.
Vincent Mosesso, MD, PHP
UPMC
Dr. Mosesso began his career in health care in 1979 as an EMT and Paramedic with several EMS agencies in Allegheny County, PA. After completing a residency in Emergency Medicine, he joined the UPMC/Pitt SOM faculty in 1991 and has been active in teaching, research, clinical care, and administrative service. Dr. Mosesso has authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers focusing on cardiac arrest and automated external defibrillators. In 2000, he co-founded and served as Medical Director of the National Center for Early Defibrillation based at the University of Pittsburgh and continues to serve as Medical Director of its successor organization, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh division.
He works clinically as an Attending Physician in the UPMC Presbyterian Emergency Department and the UPMC Medical Communications and Commercial Airlines Consultation Center. He serves as Medical Director for UPMC Prehospital Care and several EMS agencies and is an NFL Airway Management Physician with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the Director of the Prehospital Care rotation for the EM residency program for over 20 years. Dr. Mosesso has been very committed to education at all levels and teaches courses for medical students, residents, EMS providers and other health professionals. He is medical director of the NAEMT’s Advanced Medical Life Support program, on the editorial board for two medical journals, and a member of the American Board of Emergency Medicine EMS Examination Committee.
Is it a Stroke?
While we are all familiar with the classic presentations of slurred speech, facial droop, hemiplegia, and paralysis when it comes to stroke, many presentations are not this obvious, which often results in delayed presentation and diagnosis. In this course, we will review the basic neuroanatomy and pathology of stroke, discuss the various prehospital methods of identifying a stroke and where they are lacking, and explore some of the more nuanced and less common stroke presentations so that in the future, you may be able to pick up subtle strokes that are often overlooked in the prehospital and emergency department setting.
Rebecca Greenstein, MD
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Rebecca Greenstein is a Pittsburgh native who grew up in Cranberry Township and graduated from the Seneca Valley School District. She attended Marietta College for her undergraduate education, followed by the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She completed her Emergency Medicine Residency training at Penn State in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and a one-year Emergency Medical Services Fellowship with Allegheny Health Network. She is the EMS Medical Director at AHN Wexford Hospital. She enjoys baking, kayaking, and hiking with her two dogs in her free time.
10:30
Safe Haven for Pennsylvania Newborns
As a Prehospital Provider certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, what do you do when presented with a newborn child (up to 28 days) whose mother is not ready to care for the newborn?
Did you know that if the baby isn’t harmed or a victim of a crime, the mother may choose to relinquish the child into emergency custody, and the county agency for children and youth will find a family for the baby?
What is the Safe Haven Law? How does it affect me as a Prehospital Provider? This 60-minute seminar will provide a high-level overview of Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven Law and provide you with basic knowledge on what to do if ever presented with a scenario defined above.
Rick Pearson, MBA, BS, CEMSO, CTO, FACPE, NCEE, NRP
LCFEME Paramedic Program, Lancaster EMS
Hello all, my name is Rick Pearson, EMT-B, P, BLS, ACLS ABCDEFG. I have been working in the field for over 30 years and am 52 years old. I was told to write a bio, but I tend to talk a lot and overexplain, so my wife and children have written one for me.
Rick has done many other things, including aircraft mechanic, insurance broker, grant writer, and, at this point in his life, the Director of Education for Lancaster EMS and the Program Director for the Lancaster Consortium for Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program (LCfEME).
As a Program Director, Rick started a mission to educate new Paramedics and EMTs, holding them to the highest standards, first at BC3 and currently at the LCfEME located at St Joseph’s University-Lancaster, where he also serves as the Director of Education for Lancaster EMS which is the third largest EMS agency in the state. Rick presents at various conferences, will serve on a committee if asked, and writes papers for publication. During the pandemic, Rick realized that he was teaching what he hadn’t practiced in quite a while, and that was not the kind of educator he wanted to be. Rick used to be a full-fledged whacker, tones going off in the middle of the night annoying the hell out of the family, and then hurt his knees & back, so eventually I found teaching, and lately, I have been able to work shifts on the trucks, which has been great. I have been a part of many of the ambulance services in the western part of Pennsylvania as well, including but not limited to McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, EMSI, AK-PULSER, Northwest EMS, Washington County Ambulance and Chair, as well as a critical care paramedic for a fixed-wing service and South East Regional (that’s all his child can remember, and my wife stated that I could go from the ghetto to a farm all in the same shift). I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh (on the 10-year plan) and my Master’s in Business Administration from Waynesburg University in 2008.
Rick enjoys classes that will add letters to the end of his title, including attending boys’ weekends at the National Fire Academy. He also is an accomplished amateur chef. He could have been a professional chef if his beloved late father hadn’t thought that aspiration to be undesirable for those with male genitalia. Rick likes to rewatch Star Wars episodes, which may be evident in the families of two dogs named Kylo Ren and Jango Fett. Rick wanted to be a concert roadie growing up. I love guitars and music in general, and I like wearing hats that are too small for my head, specifically if they are bright orange, and reading to keep up with the latest medical literature.
My wife and I have been married for 27 years and have three children. My wife Susan has been a Social Worker in the ED at UPMC-Mercy for as long as we’ve been married.
My oldest son, Conrad, is 25 and has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Vincent College. He is a PA student at Chatham University and is in the middle of his ED rotation in Nebraska or his psych rotation in Las Vegas.
My son Luke is 22 years old and completing his final year at Millersville University for Environmental Science. He wants to become a game warden.
My only daughter, Lilyana, is 19 years old and a Preschool Teacher. She is currently in school to obtain her associate degree in early childhood education at CCAC.
Rick is a living example of a good guy—an honest, kind guy who would give you the shirt off his back and walk back to the cashier in the rain if he receives too much change. He also likes to talk a lot, so note what time he is supposed to be done and set a timer!
ZOLL Lifevest
Overview of how the Lifevest works, how to troubleshoot the device, and what clinical data is relevant.
Andrew Swartz
Zoll Cardiac Management Solutions
I have been with ZOLL for 9 years and currently represent ZOLL at UPMC Presbyterian, Shadyside, Magee, Children’s, Passavant, and the Pittsburgh VAMC. I love that ZOLL allows me to interact daily with physicians, nurses, and case managers as we work together to protect patients on their road to recovery. I enjoy spending time with my wife, Christina, and 3 daughters in my free time.
So, you’re the guy that died?
This course will be about suffering and surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The course will touch on the moments leading up to my cardiac event, touch on the care that I received from EMS to my discharge from AGH 10 days later, and the follow-up care that I am still receiving. I will touch on the struggles that I have had since that time, the survivor’s guilt, the anxiety, and mostly the fear of the unknown. I will talk about the resources we have at our disposal and the coping mechanisms I have found working for me. I will also talk about the lifestyle changes I made in the wake of this event.
Talo Capuzzi, NRP, Fire Officer II
Allegheny Health Network
Talo is a Paramedic for AHN Pre-Hospital Care Services and has over 20 years of experience in EMS, all in the Pittsburgh metro area. Before working for AHN, he worked for Ross West EMS, which he credits for making him the provider he is today. Talo has many years of experience as a Rescue, EMS, and Fire educator. In his “free time,” he enjoys the company of fellow emergency responders and spending time with his yellow lab, Luca.
LUNCH BREAK
13:00
Does that seat go there? Safe transportation of kids in ambulances.
Review of transportation guidelines for ambulances and patient transport. Presentation of different restraint equipment. Statistics for ambulance accidents with patients on board. The goal is to better understand how kids should be transported in ambulances.
David McWilliams, EMT-P
UPMC
Trauma Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh maintains a casual position with the UPMC Saint Margaret’s Paramedic Response Team and Advanced Response Unit SQD 98 UPMC Passavant Cranberry. While attending Slippery Rock University, David became a first responder and volunteer for Richland EMS, where he continues to serve today 40 years later. After obtaining his paramedic certification, David began a 35-year career with McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. During this time, David held various leadership positions, including EMT supervisor, Operations Coordinator, and Team Leader. David has also been a volunteer firefighter for Richland Twp VFD for 37 years, with 20 years as Assistant Chief.
Respiratory Emergencies
Alan Shapiro, DO
UPMC
Dr. Shapiro began his medical career in EMS in 1995, volunteering for Baldwin EMS. While attending college, he worked as an EMT for Baldwin EMS and a Paramedic for Tri-Community South EMS. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. He then attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Internship at UPMC Horizon and his Residency in Emergency Medicine at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA. Dr. Shapiro currently serves as the Medical Director for Prehospital Care at UPMC Passavant and works as an Emergency Physician at UPMC Passavant, UPMC St. Margaret, UPMC East, and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
Dealing and transporting today’s Veteran population
This course will cover identifying veterans, how each veteran is different, and how to manage and treat these patients.
Travis Cousins
Department of Veterans Affairs
Travis is a 20-year retired army veteran, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major in special operations medicine. He served his entire career as a medic in the field, ending up briefing higher commands on medical procedures, including evacuation or air transport. Travis is currently a transportation supervisor at the Pittsburgh VA Hospital. Part of his job is submitting ambulance claims from outside vendors and dealing with veterans one-on-one, explaining how EMS transportation works.
14:15
Rapid Notification – Prehospital Stroke Care
As frontline providers, EMS can directly impact the efficiency and quality of acute stroke care. This presentation will briefly outline the types of strokes, the ischemic stroke classification system, and stroke risk factors. Various assessment tools and protocols for transferring suspected stroke patients will be reviewed, as well as acute stroke treatments offered upon hospital arrival. We will also review the utilization of Mobile Stroke Units and future advancements to improve patient outcomes.
Stephanie Henry, MSN, RN
UPMC
Stephanie Henry, MSN, RN, is the Program Director of the UPMC Stroke Institute. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Education and Leadership from Carlow College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During her 25-year career at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Physicians, she has held multiple leadership roles within the Service Lines of Neurology and Neurosurgical Surgery. She carries a holistic view of patient care by providing her leadership skills in the inpatient setting, outpatient setting, rehabilitation setting, and currently, Program Director. She oversees the Presbyterian, Mercy, and Shadyside Campuses while leading the UPMC Acute TeleStroke services and non- UPMC Acute TeleStroke services, along with Physician and Advance Practice Provider engagement and retention initiatives.
Rebecca Patterson, MSN, FNP-BC, AVNP-BC, CCRN
UPMC
Rebecca Patterson is a nurse practitioner in vascular neurology at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Science in Nursing at Duquesne University while working in the Neurovascular ICU. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Critical Care Registered Nurse and holds an Advanced Neurovascular Practitioner certification from the Association of Neurovascular Clinicians. She serves as an APP preceptor and Emergency Neurological Life Support trainer and teaches Acute Ischemic Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage lectures in the Neurovascular Nursing Course for UPMC Nursing Education.
You Decide: Managing Crashing Patients
EMS providers must manage critically ill patients daily by making split-second decisions. Recognizing the predictive signs and creating a proper management plan is key for preventing the EMS provider witnessed cardiac arrest. This program will probe some of those hallmarks while allowing the attendees to manage patients.
James Dlutowski, BS, NRP
City of Pittsburgh, Bureau of EMS
Procedures in Trauma
Adam Frisch, MD, MS
UPMC
Dr. Frisch is currently an attending emergency physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, and medical school at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York.
15:30
Keynote Presentation: Join us for a question-and-answer session with command physicians from around the area from AHN and UPMC. This interactive experience will allow you to submit your questions in real-time.
Panel Biographies:
Adam Frisch, MD, MS
UPMC
Dr. Frisch is an attending emergency physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, and medical school at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York.
Alan Shapiro, DO
UPMC
Dr. Shapiro began his medical career in EMS in 1995, volunteering for Baldwin EMS. While attending college, he worked as an EMT for Baldwin EMS and a Paramedic for Tri-Community South EMS. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. He then attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Internship at UPMC Horizon and his Residency in Emergency Medicine at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA. Dr. Shapiro currently serves as the Medical Director for Prehospital Care at UPMC Passavant and works as an Emergency Physician at UPMC Passavant, UPMC St. Margaret, UPMC East, and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
Sharon Klapec, MD, NRP
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Sharon Klapec’s passion for prehospital care began at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for Emergency Medicine, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in emergency medicine. She received her MD from Northeast Ohio Medical University and then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital. She recently completed an EMS fellowship at Allegheny Health Network. She has 10 years of experience working as a paramedic in the area. Dr. Klapec is excited to continue her career as the EMS medical director for AHN Forbes Hospital and associate medical director for AHN LifeFlight.
Chadd Nesbit, MD, PHD, FACEP
Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Chadd Nesbit is the System EMS Director for Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Program Director for the EMS Fellowship based at Allegheny General Hospital. He has been involved in prehospital medicine at many levels, starting out as a volunteer EMT in 1991. Currently, he is the medical director for several ALS and BLS services in Western Pennsylvania.
Dr. Nesbit completed a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh and received his MD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed his residency training at Allegheny General and is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. His research interests include EMS education and outpatient cardiac arrest resuscitation.
How to Register
Sorry. Registration is currently closed.
Once you arrive at the venue, you will check in at the registration table, where you will receive a name tag with a list of your classes.
Continuing Education Credit
Attendances: This is Important
- At the end of each class, you will be asked to scan a QR code. This link will complete your continuing education registration and provide a course survey. If this step is incomplete, you will not receive credit for the course.
Disclaimers
- PA EMS Continuing Education
- Course numbers are provided by the presenter or sponsor
- Course numbers may not be unique to the class
- If you have taken a similar class, you may not receive credit
- Certificate of completion: The certificate of completion will be sent to the EMAIL address on file with the PA Department of Health EMS profile. You might want to check your state profile and update it if you feel the need to. https://ems.health.state.pa.us/Registry/
- National Registry: CTEMS is not responsible for National Registry Reporting. Visit the National Registry website to enter your classes at https://www.nremt.org/
- If you need proof of education from any agency outside the PA Department of Health EMS, you must request a certificate by emailing training@ctems51.org within 5 days of completing the course.
- If you are a nurse, PA, doctor, or other healthcare provider, please email training@ctems51.org within 5 days of completing the course for a letter of reciprocity.
Cancellations
- CTEMS will refund any student who cancels before August 1, 2024. To cancel, please email training@ctems51.org.
- Any cancelation on or after August 1, 2024, is not eligible for a refund. We apologize for the inconvenience.
2024 Training Blitz Sponsors
Platinum Sponsorship
Gold Sponsorship
Silver Sponsorship
Bronze Sponsorship
Interested in sponsoring the 2024 Training Blitz? Click HERE, call (724) 776-4480, or email matt.nickl@ctems51.org
Hotel Information
For your convenience, CTEMS has blocked off rooms at two hotels.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Pittsburgh North/McCandless
901 Providence Blvd
Town of McCandless
The discounted rate is $159 per night plus tax and fees
To book, please call (412) 227-9600
Advise you are with the 2024 CRANBERRY TWP TRAINING BLITZ
**Deadline to Book is August 2, 2024**
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
Pittsburgh/McCandless
8630 Duncan Ave
Town of McCandless
The discounted rate is $134 per night plus tax and fees
To book a room, visit HERE
**Deadline to Book is August 2, 2024**
Join us for a fun-filled Meet and Greet at Dave & Buster’s
Sponsored by Quick Med Claim
We’re excited to invite you to an evening of fun, games, and networking at Dave & Buster’s!
Register for three or more classes throughout the Blitz and recieve a ticket for this event.
Whether you’re looking to connect with new people, catch up with old friends, or just enjoy a great time out, this event is for you.
CTEMS is providing appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. A variety of games, delicious food, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. It’s the perfect setting to relax, mingle, and have a blast!
Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at 6:30 pm
Dave & Buster’s
Northway Mall
6260 Northway Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
More information to follow!