Narberth Ambulance EMS Providers Collaborate with Temple University Physicians for Simulated Medical Training

ARDMORE – In the world of emergency medical services, every second counts. The actions taken by EMS professionals in the first 15 minutes can significantly impact patient outcomes before they reach the doors of the hospital. The handover from EMS to hospital becomes not just a transition, but a lifeline.

On March 19, physicians in Temple University’s EMS Journal Club and Narberth Ambulance emergency medical service providers gathered at Narberth Ambulance’s main station for a unique collaborative medical education program designed to provide physicians with a firsthand glimpse into critical procedures EMS providers implement before a patient reaches the hospital. Likewise, EMS providers gained a crucial understanding of protocols physicians follow upon a patient's arrival at the hospital.

The training began with presentations from the physicians on EMS-relevant topics. The group discussed hot topics ranging from prehospital ultrasound use, and TXA administration in postpartum hemorrhage to the use of droperidol vs. ketamine vs. benzodiazepines in agitated patients.

“Our staff was able to answer their questions about which medications they would use in various medical emergency scenarios,” said Crew Chief and member of the Narberth's Clinical Care Committee, Devora Weintraub. “Everybody in the room bounced ideas off each other and discussed best practices: what works, what doesn’t work, and what we may consider using in the future.”

After the discussions, participants split into combined groups of EMS providers and physicians to work through three simulations together. The simulations were: trauma/entrapment, an unknown overdose, and an agitated patient.  Within each simulation, the EMS providers initially took the lead, demonstrating to the physicians how EMS providers function on the scene. Then, they transitioned the patient to the physicians and observed how they continued care.

Aaron Miller, an emergency medicine resident physician at Temple University Hospital, previously volunteered at Narberth Ambulance and witnessed firsthand the organization's steadfast dedication to training, enhanced practice procedures, and commitment to staying abreast of emerging medical trends. He connected the leader of the EMS Journal Club, Vivian Li, with Weintraub to coordinate the training.

"After hearing about Narberth Ambulance, we jumped on the opportunity to join forces with its pre-hospital emergency service providers to gain a critical insight on the initial evaluation, stabilization, and eventual transfer of care,” said Li.

At the end of the simulations, there was a moderated question-and-answer session. The groups exchanged knowledge, shared best practices, and identified areas for improvement in the continuum of care. Over 30 medical professionals participated in the training.

“When we train together, we better understand each other's roles and capabilities, leading to more efficient and effective responses in critical situations,” said Narberth Ambulance Chief John Mick.  “We are grateful to Devora for her leadership in coordinating this life-saving training.”

For Narberth Ambulance, this training is the first step towards a continued collaboration with Temple University medical professionals.

Since 1944, Narberth Ambulance, a non-profit organization 501(c)(3), has earned a stellar reputation for providing 24/7 pre-hospital emergency medical services and medical transportation to more than 150,000 residents, businesses, and visitors. Narberth Ambulance serves the municipalities of Lower Merion, Narberth, Haverford, Conshohocken, and West Conshohocken, and responded to over 11,000 calls last year.