Competition sharpens skills of Western Berks EMS team

March 25--A team of professionals from Western Berks Ambulance was Pennsylvania's lone representative in an Olympics-style national competition recently held in Baltimore that measures the performance of emergency providers.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine Games are held each year at the EMS Today Conference and Exhibition. The conference took place Feb. 24-26.

It was the first time a team from Western Berks Ambulance participated, so its 12th-place ranking out of 18 teams wasn't disappointing, Chief Ed Moreland said. This year's winning team was from Baptist Air Care in Wake County, N.C.

"It just a great opportunity for learning, even by accident," he said.

He added that emergency medical providers learn by participating as well as observing others and sharing information about equipment and techniques.

Point values are awarded for various paramedic-level skills.

"It's kind of like EMS Olympics," Moreland said.

The competition is restricted to 25 teams, each with three members and an alternate. They must complete a timed course that includes hazardous materials identification, an obstacle course, cardiac care evaluation and a stretcher slalom.

The championship round is always a highlight of the three-day conference.

One of the past mass-casualty scenarios involved a helicopter crash.

Top-contending teams are challenged with the task of providing quality patient care during a mock multipatient incident.

"This year, the (disaster) scenario was a concert venue with multiple illnesses and injuries and a collapsing stage," he said. "Those folks had to attend to and triage and treat eight to 10 patients in a 15-minute time period."

Western Berks was only the fourth Keystone State team to participate since the games began.

Led by their captain, Josh High, team members Denny Penny, Jerry Brenner and Tracee Rozum practiced and drilled to hone their skills for the competition.

"We are extremely proud to have these providers responding to the needs of our community," Moreland said. "Their willingness to go the extra mile and compete with teams from around the country speaks to their dedication and commitment to providing the best pre-hospital care possible."

Contact Steven Henshaw: 610-371-5028 or shenshaw@readingeagle.com.

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