EMS Gathering 2017
Over 300 people associated with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) gathered in Kinsale, Co. Cork on May 3rd-5th for what was an inspirational few days of education and engagement in a spectacular setting.
Attendees and educators from as far away as Australia, Poland, UK, Canada and the USA came to join the large contingent from right across Ireland in sharing their knowledge and experiences with the intention of optimising patient care and outcomes in emergency situations.
Morning sessions comprised of lectures from various experts discussing topics such as Mental Health Emergencies, Maritime Emergencies and Self Care of Emergency Personnel. A fireside chat in the ‘Time for Our Elders’ session was amongst the favourites and there was also some excellent pre-hospital research presented.
The afternoons consisted of smaller group education using the outdoor environment and breathtaking scenery to its maximum. This included taking people out on various vessels around Kinsale Harbour; with themes, such as the ‘Sepsis Boat’ on a Harbour Cruiser, teaching ‘Point of Care Ultrasound’ (POCUS) on a fishing boat, incorporating the vessels sonar equipment, whilst another involved teaching Crew Resource Management (CRM) on a yacht.
The nine boats involved had 150 people being taught various skills and knowledge which was collectively called a ‘Flotilla of Learning’.
This novel style of education is very well received and the non-conventional concept that the EMS Gathering Team is renowned for, and very proud of, is referred to as ‘Learning with Leisure’.
Other teaching sessions included ‘Seaside Emergencies’, a visit that explored the ‘Anatomy & Physiology’ of a large pharmaceutical plant and its emergency response plan.
The Irish Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service (NAS), along with others, demonstrated how to safely approach and deal with those injured in a tactical emergency situation at the nearby Jamesfort.
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The crew of Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 were very much in the thoughts of those present and a fitting musical tribute was played in their honour.
Community Paramedicine was a significant theme at the pre–Gathering symposium and some of the international attendees shared their experiences in this area. We also heard about what’s planned for the future, in Ireland, and the important role that the subject of Community Paramedicine will play in the overall future health planning in this country.
The Irish College of General Practice (ICGP) and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) awarded 10 CPD points for those attending EMS Gathering with the latter being major supporters along with NAS and many others who helped make it a unique and successful event.
EMS Gathering has won two awards at the Irish Healthcare Awards and is delighted to continue promoting a culture of learning, inspiration and enjoyment at their events to the wide range of disciplines and agencies that attend.