Gathering of Eagles-First There First Care Conference Set for June 13–17 in Florida

The year was 1996. Broward County, Florida’s EMS services were provided predominantly by a county-run system with several cities providing their own.

The system was a constant subject of criticisms about lengthy response times, inconsistent care, and varying levels of proficiency. Several additional cities applied for and received approval to separate from the countywide system, making the fragmentation potentially worse.

Dr. Wayne Lee, who was serving as medical director for several of the cities, created a consortium of local medical directors. He also saw the need to bring the various fire rescue agencies together in an effort to create a consistent level of EMS services to all residents of Broward County.

In early 1997 Lee, along with Margate Fire Chief Frank Porcella, suggested that representatives from the various systems get together for a luncheon. The purpose of which was to share ideas, swap best practices and discuss ways to improve EMS services throughout Broward. The Carolina Club in Margate was chosen as the venue.

In only a few short years the luncheon grew into an annual gathering involving presenters, speakers, and introduction of new concepts and ideas. The event became so popular that a larger venue was needed. The program also played a role in developing the countywide EMS treatment protocols.

Meanwhile, across town in a parking lot behind University Hospital, Dr. Antonio Gandia and North Lauderdale Fire Chief Rodney Turpel were hosting an annual ALS competition designed to prepare Broward’s ALS teams for the Clin-Con competition in Orlando.

The two entities realized the value of working together and combined both events. A small trade show was added and the Broward Regional EMS, First There, First Care Conference was born. Both the Broward County EMS Council and Fire Chiefs’ Association of Broward County signed on as primary sponsors of the program.

Throughout its 25-year history the conference evolved through many iterations and changes, but always with the mission of moving EMS forward and bringing the highest-quality education and training available to Broward’s EMS providers. In 2021 First There, First Care joined with the Gathering of Eagles to become one of the largest EMS conferences in the United States, with an international audience.

This year the First There, First Care & Gathering of Eagles conference celebrates 25 years of growth with week-long events featuring an ALS competition, Emergency Nursing Competition, specialized classes and internationally recognized high-profile speakers, as well as the multi-day Gathering of Eagles medical directors conference.

The program provides CEUs and CMEs for all EMS personnel, nurses and physicians, and is hosted at the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, featuring the world-famous Guitar Hotel.

In addition to its premier education and competitive drama, the program features hundreds of square feet of trade show space as well as several administrative meetings including the Florida Department of Health’s EMS meetings.

This year’s 25th anniversary theme, Honoring the Past, Connecting the Present, Developing the Future, recognizes how far the EMS community has come and where it is going. The conference’s new format allows attendees to choose from a variety of courses, topics, and programs to help develop their skills, increase their knowledge, and boost their certifications, as well as earn credits toward recertification in a broad spectrum of disciplines.

The conference is open to EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and medical directors with an interest in emergency and prehospital medicine.

The conference runs from June 13–17, 2022. The world-famous venue also offers the opportunity to make it a family event. South Florida tourist locations such as Fort Lauderdale, iconic South Beach, Miami Beach, and the Florida Keys are close and easily accessible.

Registration, program information, and accommodation options are available at www.firsttherefirstcare.com.