Some 85 EMS providers collected hundreds of continuing education credits during the regional EMS Education Expo in Suffolk, July 16-18.  This year's education expo in Suffolk was the result of rescheduling the "EMS mini-symposium" known in previous years as Continuing Concepts in Prehospital Emergency Medicine. The mid-summer dates and relatively short notice dampened attendance this year but those who attended greatly appreciated the continuing education opportunity.

The program, usually conducted in the late spring, was originally cancelled due to hotel availability and speaker conflicts.

"We knew there was a need for the continuing education classes," said Executive Director Jim Chandler. "The alternative of waiting until next year was a real problem for a lot of providers."

Some 35 topics, primarily EMS category I continuing continuing education, were offered this year.

The Expo featured keynote speakers Steve Berry, BA, NREMT-P and Jeff Doucette, RN, MS, CEN, FACHE, CNAA, BC. Doucette, with a background in emergency medicine, trauma, fight and critical care services, opened the Expo with "View from the Cockpit: How Airline Best Practices Can Improve Patient Safety." Doucette is currently vice president for emergency services at Bons Secours Hampton Roads.

Berry, a nationally known cartoonist and humorist for JEMS magazine and paramedic/EMS instructor, kicked off Saturday morning with "The Joy of EMS."

A "lunch and learn" general session topic on airway case studies was provided by returning speaker Paul Phrampus, MD. 

New this was was an evening social featuring a Wii tournament. The event attracted participants young and not-so-young.

"In previous years the evening social usually drew one age group," said Expo organizer Laura Walker. "The Wii event drew a wide range of ages."

"Although the numbers were low," Walker adds, "everyone had a great time."

The Expo was made possible by contributions from Bon Secours Hampton Roads, Suffolk Fire and Rescue, the Tidewater EMS Council and by a Rescue Squad Assistance Grant from the Virginia Office of EMS. As always the Council thanks the many individuals who helps make the Expo a success by serving as registration table and room hosts, AV technicians, runners and more. Finally, special thanks to all of this year's presenters.