The training is intended to enhance decision making in the care of trauma and chest pain patients, while encouraging the broader development of pre-hospital care.

Firemen and ambulance drivers from across the island convened last week at the Saint Jude Hospital to participate in a workshop on emergency medical care.

The workshop was conducted by Dr. David H. Adler, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester in New York.

Approximately 30 firemen from the Saint Lucia Fire and Ambulance Services along with Saint Jude Hospital ambulance drivers and physiotherapy staff benefitted from the exercise.

The training covered several topics including the fundamentals of trauma, obstetric emergencies, and chest pain evaluation.

Professor Adler said the training is intended to enhance decision making in the care of trauma and chest pain patients, while encouraging the broader development of pre-hospital care in Saint Lucia.

He said that he hopes it inspires more Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to seek and obtain advanced training.

The visiting professor also delivered a lecture to doctors on the evaluation of a suspected ectopic pregnancy with a focus on the use of ultrasound. Ectopic pregnancy is where the fetus develops in the fallopian tube and not in the uterus as in a normal pregnancy. It is the leading cause of death of women of childbearing age and early recognition and management of the condition is critical.

Dr. Adler’s visit is part of a fact-finding mission aimed at forging a partnership between the Saint Jude Hospital and the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Rochester in New York where he also serves as the Director of Global Health. He is hopeful that his visit will mark the beginning of the University of Rochester’s educational work with Saint Lucia’s first responders.

Professor Adler said he looks forward to returning to Saint Lucia with his colleagues to volunteer, teach and learn.

The three-day workshop and lecture which took place at the Saint Jude Hospital Conference room in Vieux Fort, ended on Thursday, Aug. 6.