First responders from various agencies across North Carolina and some from Virginia gathered at Jennette’s Pier for the fourth annual “EMS at the OBX” conference. Attendees, numbering nearly 100, had the chance to earn approximately 14 hours of continuing education credits, as explained by Walter Meads, the EMS program coordinator at College of the Albemarle.
This year marked the first collaboration with representatives from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health Medical Center, which introduced a mobile healthcare simulation unit. This unit offers first responders a hands-on training experience in real-life scenarios that they might not have encountered before. Erika Greene, pediatric trauma program manager at ECU Health Medical Center, emphasized the importance of practicing skills in a safe environment where participants can learn without the pressure of real-life stakes.
Networking among first responders is a key aspect of the conference. Jennie Collins, chief of Dare EMS and MedFlight, highlighted the collaborative nature of EMS work, stating that teamwork with other public safety entities is crucial for patient care. Collins also provided an update regarding Dare County EMS’s recent deployments to aid in recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
Two teams from Dare County EMS assisted in Rutherford County for four days after the hurricane. While the crews have returned home, they remain on standby to assist again if needed. Collins described the severe devastation witnessed in the area, noting the lasting impact on the landscape and the communities affected. She reflected on the significance of providing relief to other agencies that are currently overwhelmed with calls, allowing them time to recharge and attend to their personal needs.
Despite the ongoing challenges in western North Carolina, organizers of the conference felt that bringing first responders together fostered a sense of normalcy amidst the recovery efforts.