Adverse Reactions to Medications Presenter Lynn Stienburg Pharmacist and Regional Coordinator, Canada Vigilance, Health Canada As frontline

ne healthcare professionals, paramedics are well aware of both the potential and unintentional effects and reactions to medications. Come listen to a representative from Health Canadas Vigilance Program discuss the programs intentions and goals as it relates to reporting and tracking the effects and reactions to medications. The program is responsible for collecting and assessing adverse reaction reports for health products marketed in Canada: pharmaceuticals (prescription and nonprescription), biologics (including fractionated blood products as well as therapeutic and diagnostic vaccines), natural health products and radiopharmaceuticals. The regional monitoring office, based in Halifax, is also responsible for promoting to and educating health care professionals to increase their awareness of the program and the process of reporting in Canada. Designer Drugs - What's in fashion and what's the answer? Presenter Jean-Guy Bourque, Cpl I/C Synthetic Drug Operations J & L Division RCMP With seemingly unending "designer" or "club" drugs gaining popularity, new potentially serious risks are faced by users, and thus new challengers are presented to EMS providers. While it is a virtual impossibility to know exactly what chemicals are used to produce every available drug, it is feasible to know what is hot, what the associated risks are, and what to expect, both in terms of presentation and progression. The RCMP is an agency intimately familiar with what drugs are "in" and will be giving us an opportunity to learn what to look for. Don't miss this great session - it is sure to be captivating. EMS - An Australian perspective. Presenter Australian EMS Students and Coordinator Have you ever wondered what emergency medicine is like "down under"? Australia may be ahead of us in terms of time but what about their EMS system? Undoubtedly they face a diverse array of challenges, some unique and some not too different from our own. But where are they excelling and what can we learn from them? Do their training programs and scopes of practice compare to ours? How is the profession regarded by the public and what have they done or not done that has advanced or hindered their reputation? While many variations are certain when comparing our two cultures, one detail remains constant: the global need for Paramedics. Join us for an enlightening session about emergency medicine on the other side of the world and expand your perspective.

CPAP on the Ambulance Presenter Craig Desjardins When it comes to oxygenating our patients, we choose a device and flow rate according to the condition and presentation. For patients with compromised alveoli, however, simple high flow oxygen may not always be as effective as we hope. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, has long been used in both the hospital and home settings, and has recently been adopted by several EMS systems. Its practicality in the field extends to multiple pathologies and as such, increased use in the prehospital setting is likely as research continues. Come learn more about the technology, where it is headed, and what this means for you as we listen to an Emergency Health Services representative give us a first-hand look at CPAP.

Geriatric Trauma Presenter NB Trauma Program With unpredictable situations, complicated extrications, and an uncontrolled environment, trauma can be difficult to effectively treat in the field regardless of age. When the challenges we face are compounded by the geriatric patient, the complexity of the call can be amplified significantly. When experiencing an event causing injury, the geriatric population is more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions that Paramedics must consider - impaired mobility or cognitive function, osteoporosis, and arthritis to name a few. Accordingly, members of this population may be prone to injury in a situation that we may not necessarily anticipate, and such injuries may be more easily transmitted to other parts of their body. To top it off, many of these patients are reluctant to call for help because they do not want to "bother" anyone, even though they have earned and deserve the most exceptional care we can give them. This session will examine one of our most common calls: Geriatric Trauma. Don't miss an opportunity to pick up some great tips on how to make these patients as comfortable as possible - both you and they will be glad you attended! Following the ACS Patient Presenters A well run ACS call can be extremely busy, but tremendously effective. The role of Paramedics in the events that transpire after a patient activates the medical system for a cardiac event is one of vital and primary importance. In fact, it is often the initial treatment, both on scene and en route to the appropriate receiving facility, that enables the patient to move forward with subsequent medical treatment. But exactly what is this subsequent treatment and who is involved? Typically after such a call, Paramedics are busy relaying a report to receiving staff, charting vital information, and preparing for the next call, and because of this, we tend to have insufficient time to consider the journey our patient is about to embark on. Here we will focus on following the ACS patient - from the emergency role we play in the field to the emergency department to cardiac surgery through to recovery, the sequence of events will be looked at in detail. Come see what role each team member plays in this process and be well informed on the progression.

Medic Mental Health Vince Savoia - Founder Tema Conter Memorial Trust A frequently undervalued and overlooked, yet incredibly important facet of a Paramedic's job is one's mental health. Historically, this issue has been plagued with stigmatism ultimately leading those affected to keep their feelings to themselves. Rather than going away, however, these feelings tend to simmer until they inevitably cause a much larger problem. The reality of a career in EMS is there will be calls that affect you long after they are over and without considering your own mental health may lead to an abbreviated career. Former paramedic Vince Savoia will explore maintaining ones mental health, some of the challenges and situations Paramedics face, and learn tips and resources available to help manage the stresses we face. This is a session you will not want to miss.