Once again Trinidad State and RETAC (Regional EMS and Trauma Advisory Committee) are teaming up to offer an opportunity for emergency medical personnel to earn continuing education credits toward recertification. Deb Haverfield, EMS Program Director, has been coordinating the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Symposium for over twenty years. From February 17-19 both Colorado and New Mexico instructors, including a team from REACH Air Medical and Flight for Life, are offering a diverse selection of topics totaling over 55 credits. Emergency workers are required to attend training from time to time to stay fresh on their skills and learn new techniques. Topics include pediatric trauma, bites and stings, strokes, diabetes, shock, hands-on medical emergencies using Sim-man manikins, airway skills, head injury, drug overdose, fast patient assessment, baby delivery using Birthing Noel manikin, burn treatment and much more. Sim-man manikins will be included in the classes. They are highly specialized “dummies” that can be computer programmed to speak, breathe and mimic real life medical emergencies.
New this year is the first annual Dusty “Crophopper” Big Heart award in honor and memory of Dusty Claunch, a Trinidad State EMS graduate, who was killed in a crop dusting accident last August. Claunch was a good friend to many and was known for his big heart. “If he knew you, and you needed something, Dusty would be there,” said Haverfield. His family described him as empathetic, very generous, and a good listener with an infectious laugh. Twenty-seven years young, Claunch had served as a Sheriff’s deputy, a deputy coroner, and an EMS technician. He attended and presented at a number of the symposiums and he was a CPR instructor at the college. “Dusty Crophopper” was his Facebook name.
Dependent on weather or need elsewhere, either a REACH Air Medical or a Flight for Life helicopter will land in the parking lot each day to give the attendees a close-up look at a fully-equipped medical emergency helicopter. They will also learn about safety procedures and scheduling concerns.