Local EMS Sharpen Skills At ‘Emergency Night Out’

HUNTINGDON (February 26) — Emergency responders from across Carroll County gathered at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Carroll County on February 26 for the latest session of the hospital’s “Emergency Night Out” training series, focusing this month on airway management.

The monthly training is held on the last Thursday of each month by the Hospital Wing, which is based at the Carroll County Airport in McKenzie. The training is primarily designed for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers needing continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their certifications, but sessions are open to all first responders in the area. Participants that evening included representatives from McKenzie Fire, Huntington Fire, and other county first responders.

The focus of the February session was airway techniques, a critical skill for emergency personnel responding to patients of all ages and conditions. Under the instruction of Bradley Lumley, CCP, FCC, participants practiced bag-valve ventilations, airway placement, and the use of basic adjuncts such as IGELs, NPAs, and OPAs. The training covered both adult and pediatric patients.

“Think about it, they’ll have an opportunity to come up and practice,” said Andy Rice, program manager of Hospital Wing 6. “It keeps their skills sharp so that when they’re on the actual scene… they’d be pretty sharp on it. The citizens benefit primarily because it keeps these responders sharp.”

Emergency services personnel often face widely varying situations, from a child experiencing shortness of breath to an elderly patient who has fallen at a nursing home.

“There’s so much that these folks have to know and be on top of,” said Rice.

Beyond skill-building, the gatherings foster teamwork and camaraderie.

“Another great benefit besides the educational component,” Rice said, “it gives us a chance to meet together, fellowship, and get to know each other away from the stress of an actual emergency scene.”

Baptist Memorial Hospital – Carroll County provided the training space for the evening. “They’re very good to let us use the facility. It’s a good central location, training room and so forth. We really appreciate that,” Rice said.

The “Emergency Night Out” series began last year and is intended to resume monthly sessions moving forward. Each session provides CEUs and hands-on training to help ensure responders remain ready for the unpredictable demands of emergency care.