Blake Hospital Hosts EMS Field Day, uniting region's EMS professionals for life-saving training

HCA Florida Blake Hospital hosted EMS Field Day, an event dedicated to enhancing the life-saving skills of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals from across the region. Held on Saturday, April 6, the event served as a platform for training, collaboration and skill development in critical emergency situations.

“Collaboration between Blake’s trauma center and our EMS partners is vital,” said Megan Hawkins, trauma injury prevention coordinator and educator at HCA Florida Blake Hospital. “Making sure EMS has the most recent education and resources as they meet patients in the field before bringing them to the hospital improves patient outcomes.”

Highlighting the day's activities was an impressive extrication demonstration, where local firefighters showcased techniques for safely removing a patient trapped in a vehicle. This demonstration captivated the audience and underscored the importance of quick and efficient response in emergency scenarios.

“When you get to the scene of a traumatic incident, it’s important that the skills you have can kick into place immediately,” said Carol Bissinger, director of trauma services at HCA Florida Blake Hospital. “This training gives paramedics and EMTs an opportunity to practice in a non-stressful situation to build and hone their skills so it’s second nature when they intervene in a real-life emergency situation.”

The event featured a comprehensive array of training opportunities, including interactive skills stations covering topics such as burn and wound care, blood administration, pediatric patient care, managing difficult airways, poisoning, water rescues, stroke care and handling HAZMAT situations.

Over 27 agencies and organizations participated in EMS Field Day including:

• Ambitrans
• Bayfront
• Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue
• Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue
• Charlotte County Fire & EMS
• Citrus County Fire Rescue
• City of Venice Fire Rescue Department
• East Manatee Fire Department
• Englewood Fire Department
• Health First Flight
• Brevard Fire Rescue
• Lee County EMS
• Levy Fire Rescue
• Longboat Key Fire Department
• Manatee County EMS
• Manatee Technical Institute
• Medfleet
• North Port Fire Rescue
• North River Fire District
• Pasco-Hernado State College-Paramedic Program
• San Carlos Park Fire Rescue
• Sarasota County Fire Department
• South Florida State College
• Sunstar EMS
• Venice Fire Rescue
• West Coast Southern Medical
• West Manatee Fire Department