Preview: New EMS Special Ops Track Offered at Firehouse Expo

It's no longer all about hoses, ropes and ladders.

Firehouse Expo in Baltimore later this month will offer a unique track -- special ops for EMS.

Experts in that field say they know of no other conferences that offer a specific focus for EMS, and believe it's long overdue.

"Just what is 'special ops'? It's a grab bag term that includes everything other than the medical emergency or vehicle crash. It's HAZMAT, technical medicine, anything that requires special training or equipment," said Dr. David Jaslow, medical director for Bucks County Pa. Rescue. Dr. Jaslow also specializes in special operations training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, and contributes to EMS Magazine and EMSResponder.com

Dr. Jaslow said it's his goal to develop a multi-discipline curriculum on the subject, and he sees the need for national standards and credentialing. It's an EMS field that hasn't been explored, yet offers endless possibilities.

"That's why this track is unique," he said, adding that the ones available at Firehouse Expo aren't the typical run-of-the mill ones found at other conferences.

Students won't simply sit in a classroom and watch slides. They'll hear from people who've been on the front lines around the world, including Aaron Richman, incident commander at a terrorist bombing in Israel. The former patrol commander in the Jerusleum Police Department and paramedic will discuss various aspects of the operation.

Other courses offered include basic disaster life support, monitoring HAZMAT technicians before and after they enter a situation, and challenges that the Avian flu may give responders.

While a technical rescue team in Pennsylvania had practiced various scenarios, nothing could prepare them for what they faced in March when they arrived to find a man trapped in a machine.

Rescue personnel from Bucks County Rescue will discuss the issues they encountered as the extended, difficult rescue changed from mechanical to medical. Previous drills where they had practiced incident command and responsibilities were put to the test.

"We had a lot of technical and medical input, and the unified command worked," said Bucks County Rescue Squad Chief Scott Bahner.

The chief said the task force was faced with tough decisions throughout the incident, but worked through them because the key leaders knew what was expected. Since the patient's condition was deteriorating, a surgical team amputated both arms. The victim, who also had to be resuscitated, just visited with Jaslow recently.

The team that made the difference will discuss the rescue and the lessons learned during a lunchtime session at the Firehouse Expo.

Jaslow said he knows of no other successful resuscitation in the field that involved so many challenges.

At Firehouse Expo, there are eight EMS special ops courses, including the pre-conference and luncheon on Wednesday, July 26.

Firehouse Expo Conference Director Harvey Eisner said he is pleased to expand the number of educational opportunities.

"Exposing the audience to new and unique courses will enhance their experience," he said.