Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Session Descriptions

Keynote Addresses

"The Future of EMS"

EMS has undergone some exciting changes since its modern-day inception in the early 1970's. We have evolved from "ambulance drivers" to health care professionals, responsible for the lives of millions of persons annually. Like all professions, EMS continues to change with the times. Dr. Mikel Rothenberg will present his unique view on what the future holds.

"Rothenberg's Potpourri"

What will Dr. Mikel Rothenberg do during this session? No one is quite sure, but if you've ever enjoyed one of his lectures, you know that his style is unique. This is the not-to-miss session!

"Mechanism of Injury"

Mechanism of injury is a catch phrase that all providers wonder about. Why is it so important? What oddities can occur when the mechanism seems minor? Rena Rovere will discuss these and other important questions during this interesting talk.

BLS Track Breakout Sessions

"What is a Paramedic?"

EMTs are not provided with information on the ALS system in their EMT classes. This leads to a unique problem - when to call for an intercept. Sue VanEgghen will discuss not only the concept of paramedicine, but who the medics are and what can be done in the field.

"BLS Case Studies"

EMTs are called upon to treat a variety of different cases. Dr. Bruce Ushkow will provide an exciting interactive style of learning to present several cases that arrived at the Albany Medical Center via BLS ambulance.

"A Trainer's Prospective"

A large number of the patients treated on the College Campus are injured while participating in athletic events. Stuart Balter will discuss some of the common injuries and how to deal with protective equipment, and what a trainer's perspective of injury is.

"Interfacing with the Emergency Department"

The EMT class prepares the student to drop the patient off at the hospital but never tells the students what the Emergency Department requires of the ambulance crew. Jo Flanigan will discuss the EDs needs from EMS.

ALS Track Breakout Sessions

"Pain Management"

The management of a patient's pain is a new concept for the field provider. We have always been taught that a screaming patient is better than a quiet one. Dr. Vince Verdile will discuss a new concept - provide pain management in the field.

"ALS Case Studies"

Most of learning in medicine is case based. Dr. Peter Ferrera will discuss the EMS and hospital care of several patients who were brought to the hospital via ALS service.

"Back to Basics - CPR Needs Resuscitation"

CPR is a psychomotor skill that often makes the difference between life and death. In many individuals, CPR prolongs the time of ventricular fibrillation, which can be resolved by defibrillation. Dr. Mikel Rothenberg discuss the effects of poor CPR and how we can correct it.

Administration Round Table Track

"Retention and Recruitment"

How does your service get new members? How does it keep the old members around? Share input with other agencies to gain new insights on the most important topic for volunteer services.

"Sources of Funding"

Besides the Student Governments, where does your agency get its money to stay afloat? After a round table discussion, you will hopefully have some new ideas.

"Insurance"

Who pays for your insurance? Where did you get it? What does it cost? See how other services have resolved the insurance problem.

"Staying In Service"

Now that you have the best EMS service for your needs, how do you stay in service? How do you alert your crew that there is a call?

Operations Track Breakout Sessions

"The Fire Department"

The Fire Department does it work in a highly organized way. You will leave this session with an understanding of how the job gets done and what we as EMS providers can do to help ease the burden of a large fire.

"Working With Police Agencies"

A challenge for all EMS agencies is interfacing with law enforcement agencies. On campus, this is especially important,. We routinely interface with different law enforcement agencies - the Campus Public Safe Department, the local police, and even the State Police. Each law enforcement department has different roles. Come find out who can do what!

"Preplanning for Large Events"

Most EMS agencies receive requests to cover large events ranging from carnivals to sporting events to concerts. All these events require a preplan so that personnel understand their roles. Earl Evans, the Executive Director of the Regional Emergency Medical Organization, is responsible for the regional disaster plan.

"Designing your QA/QI Program"

Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement are the two catch phrases that EMS has latched onto in the past few years. Maveret Daigle is the Rensselaer County QA Coordinator and has designed unique ways to make your program work.