UNC PAR

🚨 Newest PECC Course now available!

Log in with your Continuum ID to take our course on Overdose in the Pediatric Patient: https://pecc.med.unc.edu/online-training-courses/

The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) is hosting a free webinar, “COPE-ing with the Challenges of Behavioral and Mental Health Emergencies” on May 18 at 1pm ET. This webinar will explore both prehospital behavioral health emergency management and ways to "COPE" at the scene of a child's death.

Registration is free and open to all! Continuing education credit for EMS professionals through Prodigy EMS is available for the live event.

May 18, 2022 01:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Sign up here: https://dellmed-utexas.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PP2yXblvTuWMfBYddW9XRQ

in the predicts one year survival in kids! Is your ready? https://emscimprovement.center/news/ed-pediatric-readiness-key-to-childrens-survival-one-year-out-from-injury/

PECCs aren't just for prehospital clinicians! One of our interns interviewed UNC Health staff to learn more about in the hospital!https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://pecc.med.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HBH-ED-Interview-Write-Up_Final.pdf

HBH-ED-Interview-Write-Up_Final.pdf

Our team is hiring a part-time research assistant! Work with a great group of professionals and researchers as we improve in ! https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/221539

Soc/Clin Research Assistant The Research Assistant/Analyst will be responsible for several aspects of project implementation, including the collection, cleaning, and basic analyses of data, aiding in the development of educational materials and publications, engaging individuals in social media, tracking team meetings, updatin...

Each year, our team invites local students to apply to our in Science and Health Training and Research. Learn more at https://www.med.unc.edu/emergmed/education/ishtar/.

Each year the surveys agencies who provide care and/or transport to patients. Help them (and us!) by filling out those surveys in your inboxes! Need the link? DM us!

Our PECC EMS agencies are not only invested in improving pediatric care, they're invested in bettering the health of their entire communities. See how Railcare Health & Washington-Tyrrell County EMS have supported each other during the pandemic at https://railcarehealth.com/donate.

Take a break by taking a listen to this podcast on airway management! Episode 5 in their airway series is just for pediatrics! https://naemsp.org/home/news/coming-soon-naemsp-pec-airway-compendium/

According to JEMS, "No matter what country or EMS system is involved, pediatric emergencies are relatively rare events for EMS providers." The child's perspective is fundamentally different in an emergency situation where they are injured. The article "The Psychology of Prehospital Pediatric Emergencies" article from JEMS provides a unique perspective on this matter and highlights important differences between child and adult emergencies.

The Psychology of Prehospital Pediatric Emergencies - JEMS Understand the psychological factors that affect children, parents and EMS providers during prehospital pediatric emergencies.

The Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC) Course is accredited by CAPCE and recognized by the NREMT, and it is suitable for EMTs, paramedics, emergency medical responders, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and physicians. If you have ever wanted to learn more about pediatric care, consider one of the EPC courses listed by NAEMT, where they have several different options for expanding clinicians' knowledge of emergency pediatric care.

Emergency Pediatric Care The Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC) course focuses on critical pediatric physiology, illnesses, injuries and interventions to help EMS practitioners provide the best treatment for sick and injured children in the field.  The course stresses critical thinking skills to help practitioners make the bes...

"'With kids, you need to start at death and work backwards,'" my paramedic school teacher taught. 'If you're not two steps ahead, you're eight steps behind.'"

Read Kevin Grange's article for EMS1 titled "Pediatric patient ABCs: 7 tips for EMTS and paramedics" below!
https://buff.ly/3558g8q

Do you remember a time in providing care where you found yourself with a sick child, unable to provide drugs or fluids because it was difficult or impossible to obtain IV access? IO insertions may be the answer.

Jonathan Lee wrote the article "Pediatric IO: 5 things I didn't learn in paramedic school" for EMS 1. He shares how his original view of IO insertions was that it is a stressful, high-risk, and low frequency skill that was only used as a last resort. However, as a flight paramedic and a member of a specialty pediatric transport team, Lee says his perspective on IO insertion has changed dramatically, and he highlights how new technology and changes in PALS/ACLS guidelines have made IOs more favorable as a secondary access source. Read his article at the link below!

Pediatric IO: 5 things I didn’t learn in paramedic school Pediatric intraosseous insertion can be stressful, but it's a critical tool to have if you can't get IV access

Here are some photos from our EMS Gamification and Cardiac Arrest Scenario at our 2021 Summit led by Courtney Brantley and Margaret Lewis from Atrium Health. The scenario was composed of three rounds, and the 12 participants were broken up into four teams of three.

During the first round, each team sorted scenario cards into different brackets where they had to match the EKG reading with the correct scenario. In the second round, different treatment cards had to be matched with the correct scenario. The first team to complete round two was given a QR code to scan, which contained dispatch information to a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario in the courtyard. Teams raced to the scene and had the opportunity to perform resuscitation and CPR, and the scenario was complete once the clinicians obtained a normal sinus rhythm.

Looking to test your knowledge in pediatric care? Take this quiz on EMS1 and see how sharp your neonatal and pediatric care skills are!

How well do you know pediatrics? Test your knowledge of neonatal resuscitation and pediatric patient care with this quiz

Part of doing your best work is checking in with yourself and avoiding burnout. This article from Medium lists some of the preventative measures that you can take as well as managing burnout and stress. Comment below some things that you do to help yourself feel refreshed and resilient, even when things get tough and tiring.

Check out the link below to view the article:

EMS Burnout: Causes, Prevention, and Stress Reduction Tips In every department, and for every paramedic and EMT, there are about 100 reasons why burnout is one of the most common career killers. Too…

Here are some of our awesome PECCs at the PECC summit, practicing basic and advanced airway management techniques. This scenario was led by Ashley Pinnix from Karl Storz.

Back in July, our PECC+ program members attended a summit, which engaged the PECCs in several emergency scenarios. One of the scenario topics was burns, led by Michael Keller from Lincoln County EMS. The scenario involved a 2-year-old who had accidentally pulled a hot pot of coffee off of the table, which spilled onto their face and arms. The child had suffered superficial and partial thickness burns to their head, face, and arms.

In this emergency scenario, clinicians performed airway, breathing, and circulation assessments as well as a rapid trauma assessment. They determined appropriate total body surface area, obtaining IV access, determining appropriate fluid resuscitation plan, assessing and managing pain in a child, and communicating with the child and the caregiver throughout care.

And to round out our incredible team's introductions, meet Jessica Howery, a paramedic for Washington-Tyrrell county since February 2019. Jessica wanted to become a PECC to "help increase [her county's] knowledge of pediatric care." Read Jessica's full bio below!

“Jessica Howery, Paramedic. A fun fact about myself is that I love fishing! I spend a lot of my off time in the river or offshore fishing. I started in EMS in 2004 working both 911 and medical transport. I then transitioned into the ER and then the clinic after the closing of our local hospital. I have worked with Washington-Tyrrell County EMS since February 2019. Our EMS agency is a dual county agency covering all of Washington and Tyrrell County. We are located in the eastern part of North Carolina. Both counties have major rivers and an abundance of farm land. I love living and working in rural North Carolina for several reasons, the most important being the family-like atmosphere that you find here. I also have a desire to provide the citizens of our area with the best care possible, showing them that the healthcare provided to them does not have to be lacking due to their small-town locations.

I was interested in becoming the PECC for Washington Tyrrell County EMS in order to help increase our knowledge of pediatric care. I have always had a passion for the youth of our area and I feel this is a perfect opportunity to gain data and resources to better care for them in a time of need.”

Meet Kris Talley, an FTO-Parametic and Asst. Shift Supervisor for Vance County EMS! Kris wanted to become a PECC to "bring training and knowledge back to his department." Read Kris' full bio below!

“My name is Kris Talley. I am an FTO-Paramedic and Asst. Shift Supervisor for Vance County EMS. I am also the Logistics provider for the agency. A fun fact about myself is that I have three Sphynx cats and love to travel on my free time away from work. I have worked in EMS since 2014 and have been with VCEMS since 2016. VCEMS is located in the central NC region less than an hour North of Raleigh. I would say the reason that I first became interested in becoming a PECC is the ability to bring training and knowledge back to my department. I love learning and I love teaching, so it seemed like a great fit to be able to expand not only my knowledge of pediatrics but those in my department as well. Every year our pediatric call volume increases yet it is a call type many still struggle to have comfort in.”

Meet Carl McKnight, who is currently the Training Officer for the Rutherford County EMS. Carl believes in "expanding your comfort zone and doing things that make you a bit uncomfortable," and he became a PECC because "kids need a voice and EMS needs to be prepared to provide that for them." Read Carl's full bio below:

“I am a NC and Nationally Registered Paramedic. I am the Training Officer for Rutherford County EMS. I stay very busy with an active family. 4 kids at home and our last one is due April 28th (this one is a girl! All the rest are boys) I very much enjoy the outdoors and the water. I am a SCUBA diver and have had the opportunity to do some great diving all over, both fresh water and salt water. I have worked in EMS since 1995 for a few different agencies that have all been fantastic to work with and I have learned plenty from all of them. I believe in expanding your comfort zone and doing things that might make you a bit uncomfortable.

I function as a rescue technician/instructor and a Tactical Medic attached to our local Sheriff’s office. I have been with Rutherford County as their training officer for 4 years now. My agency is located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains west of Charlotte and East of Asheville. One of the biggest treats I get every day at my job are some fantastic views of the mountains along the rolling hills of our area.

I was very interested in becoming a PECC because I see the challenge of providing good consistent pediatric care in the rural setting where medics just don’t get the exposure that they need to be proficient and confident. Kids need a voice and EMS needs to be prepared to provide that for them and take care of them effectively, every time.”

Meet Jon Hancock, who has served as a paramedic in Madison County for 6 years and is a training officer, logistical officer, and shift supervisor. Jon became a PECC because pediatric patients "truly have his heart" and he wants to help "foster pediatric care growth within his community." Read Jon's full bio below!

“My name is Jon Hancock. I have been in EMS for 8 years. Of those, I have served as a paramedic in Madison County for 6 years. Madison county lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains and borders Tennessee. I am fortunate to live in one of the most gorgeous areas of North Carolina, furthermore, I have the pleasure to work where I live.

Within my agency, I am a training officer, logistical officer, and shift supervisor. Since I began in emergency medical services, I have had a great passion for it. This is what drives me to provide the best patient care and to better the EMS system. Likewise, it has been my desire to grow our agency. I believe that this program is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Pediatric patients truly have my heart, and I would apply that same passion that I have for EMS to this program. As a supervisor, I would take the lead in helping to foster pediatric care growth within our community.

I am a simple mountain boy; I enjoy spending time with my amazing family and connecting to our beautiful outdoors. I love hiking, water sports, and travel (love meeting new people and seeing new sites). Other than that, I decompress by playing with my two German Shepherds and French Bulldog. I cannot wait to meet you and use your knowledge and resources to better our county.”

Introducing Allison Bissette, a Paramedic and Captain-Training Officer at Johnston County EMS. Allison wanted to become a PECC because pediatric emergency care has been one of her passions since she entered the field. Read Allison's bio below!

“My name is Allison Bissette, and I am a Paramedic and Captain-Training Officer at Johnston County EMS. A fun fact about me is that one of my favorite things to do is off-shore fish; I have been doing it since I was a child.

I have been in EMS for about 17 years, starting in a volunteer capacity. I have been fortunate enough to be with the Johnston County Emergency Services System since February of 2020. Johnston County is just east of Raleigh. One thing I enjoy about the Johnston County area is the vast mix of rural and urban areas within the county. I think this helps us be able to serve our patient base better with a mix of different populations and areas. I am interested in becoming a PECC because pediatric emergency care has been my passion since I first become involved with EMS. I feel that that specific patient population tends to be underrepresented in the EMS field, and I would love to be a part of evolving that and improving overall pediatric care for not only the Johnston County EMS system but the state of North Carolina as well.”

Meet Glen Gillette, a Paramedic FTO/Asst. Supervisor for Henderson County EMS. Glen wanted to become a PECC so he could share what he learned about patient care with others! Read Glen's full bio below:

“I am a Paramedic FTO/Asst. Supervisor with Henderson County EMS. I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping just about anything outdoors. I have 16 years of experience in Fire and Emergency Services, 11 as a paramedic and 7 with Henderson County EMS. Henderson County EMS is in Western NC. I enjoy the mountains and the wide variety of outdoor activities they provide.

Pediatrics has always been something that I have wanted to improve my skills on and help others do the same. I have my Pediatric and Neonate Critical Care certification through UMBC, Child Safety Seat Technician certification as well as numerous other classes in pediatric care. As I learn more about pediatric care I want to share what I learn with others and I felt the PECC+ program would be a good opportunity to do just that.”

Meet Jerome Rollins, a National Registered Paramedic and a Staff 2 Paramedic (shift supervisor) at CarolinaEast EMS. Jerome became a PECC because he knows "there has always been a need for additional resources and educational opportunities for EMS providers and this seems like the ideal venture!" Read Jerome's bio below:

“My Name is Jerome T. Rollins. I am a National Registered Paramedic and currently a Staff 2 Paramedic (shift supervisor) at CarolinaEast EMS in New Bern, NC. I have been back here now for 2.5 years after traveling for seven. This area has been where I’ve called home for most of my adult life so I chose to return here. We have a diverse population, a nice down town area, and we are riverfront and close to the beach!

I was interested in being a PECC because I love children (I have 5 of my own), have worked at a children’s hospital, and children are resilient! I know there has always been a need for additional resources and educational opportunities for EMS providers and this seems like the ideal venture! We need to be proficient with our patient care delivery - children are our future!”

Introducing Tara Swanson, an NREMT-P in Caldwell County! Tara decided to join the PECC program due to her "current weakness in pediatric care," knowing that focusing on pediatric calls would help improve her skills in those situations and those of her team's! Read Tara's full bio below:

“My name is Tara Swanson, I am a NREMT-P with the rank of Lieutenant in my division. My hobbies include spending time outdoors and being with my family. My entire EMS career has been with Caldwell County EMS. I have worked with this agency since 2006. Caldwell County is in the northwest section of North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is bounded on the northwest by Watauga County, on the northeast by Wilkes County, on the east by Alexander County, on the south by Catawba and Burke Counties and on the west by Burke and Avery Counties. I have lived in Caldwell County for most of my life. I love being able to serve citizens in the community that I live in. Caldwell EMS is a very progressive agency, and in turn is a very rewarding place to work. I was interested in the PECC position due to my current weakness in pediatric care. I personally have not had the opportunity to care for many pediatric patients. Because of this I am not as efficient in providing care for the pediatric patients as I wish to be. With the exception of a few, I think most of the paramedics within our agency see pediatric care as a weak point for themselves as well. When I was made aware of the opportunity to be a PECC, I knew that it would help myself and my agency tremendously. Caldwell County EMS prides themselves in providing the best patient care possible to our citizens. An opportunity to strengthen us in a point of weakness could not be passed by. I look forward to learning and progressing in the care and management of pediatric patients.”

Thanking and remembering the first responders who risked their lives and lost them to help others🇺🇸

Meet Robby Milton! Robby is a sergeant with Burke County EMS and wanted to become a PECC because he believes "it will bring valuable training opportunities to my agency!” Read more about Robby in his bio below:

“My name is Robby Milton. I am a Sergeant with Burke County EMS located in the foothills of NC. I have worked for BCEMS for 14 years. I am critical care certified. I am a NCOEMS level 2 Paramedic Instructor. I am a mixed-media abstract artist. I am currently obtaining my Masters in Public Safety Leadership and Administration. I am excited about the PECC program because it will bring valuable training opportunities to my agency!”

Thank you to all of the hard workers and those who contribute each and every day to building a better world, for all of us. Check back in this coming week to keep meeting our hard-working PECCs!