The proportion of the aged in society today is greater than ever before, and growing faster than any other segment of our population. Current indications are that approximately 34% of calls for emergency medical services, or 3.4 million emergency responses involve patients over the age of 60.

 

The UW Health Emergency Education Center offers a Geriatric Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) course that represents the most credible and complete source of pre-hospital medical information for older adults.

 

The course is taught in accordance with the American Geriatrics Society. GEMS is innovative, comprehensive, and highly visual with case-based lectures, live action video, hands-on skill stations and small group scenarios.

 

 

 

 

 

On the night of Saturday, May 10, UW Health lost three extraordinary men when a UW Hospital and Clinics Med Flight helicopter crashed near La Crosse, Wis., killing all three crew members on board.

Emergency physician Darren Bean, MD, flight nurse Mark Coyne, RN, and pilot Steve Lipperer were uniquely gifted individuals whose lives enriched everyone around them. They and their families remain daily in our thoughts and prayers.

The EMS community has been devastated by the loss of these three men who tirelessly worked to improve delivery of emergency care across South Central Wisconsin. As a tribute to the Med Flight crew members, Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service is producing a memorial decal (pictured) to honor their lives and service. Read more

 

 

 

 

 

Falls from heights are second only to automobile crashes as the leading cause of traumatic injury for children. The chances of a successful outcome for a child who has fallen often times depends on the information from the EMT's assessment of the child and how much they share with the trauma team. One missing or inaccurate fact can make a huge difference in outcome.

Take the case of a 13-year-old boy who fell from the top of a pine tree. Read more

 

 

 

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children less than 14 years of age. A child can become submerged in just 10 seconds, two minutes later lose consciousness and in four to six minutes sustain permanent brain damage. Teaching children and families to Think First when they are at the pool, beach, or boating can save lives. Read more

 

 

 

The UW Hospital and Clinics Emergency Education Center will be conducting CPR and first aid classes for the staff of the UW Arboretum on August 7 and August 28, 2008. The staff will be prepared to render service to the citizens who enjoy this environment, if the unforeseen happens.

 

We're also conducting a CPR and first aid class for UW scientists for Project Ice Cube before they leave for the South Pole.