From the educational sessions to the honky tonks on Broadway, the 2015 NAEMSE Symposium in Nashville, Tenn. was certainly lively. Here are my top five observations about the annual conference for EMS educators.
1. Simulation is king
Over the past several years it seems the conversation has changed from “Should I do simulation?” to “How will I do simulation?” Changes in the paramedic psychomotor skills program, as well as the variety of quality products out there, has put simulation on the front burner.
2. Music City is alive
It doesn’t matter whether you like country music or not. Nashville was a great host city. Great food, live music wherever you turn and a quality hotel and conference center made this year’s symposium a chart topping hit.
3. Excellent networking
There were great conversations, learning from colleagues and the NAEMSE trading post, which I have always considered one of the highlights of the symposium.
4. Dynamic education sessions
The education sessions at the symposium reflected the advancement of EMS education. From simulation to classroom techniques, the line-up was dynamic. The number of courses presented by CoAEMSP reflected the importance of accreditation and the Prehospital Care Research Forum poster presentations were excellent (although we always need more EMS education related research).
5. 20 years strong
This was the 20th anniversary NAEMSE Symposium. I was there to throw money in the hat to start NAEMSE all those years ago and have attended many of the symposia over the years. NAEMSE has had some challenges over the years from weather phenomenon to airline strikes to national tragedies (9/11) coinciding with the symposium. All those were absent this year and the show was an overwhelming success.
Finally, I’d to congratulate my good friend Brenda Beasley for winning the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. From being a wonderful person and EMS pioneer in rural Alabama to her place on a national stage as an educator, author and NAEMSE board member, Brenda has been a model for us all to emulate. Congratulations Brenda! You are an inspiration.
