By Shelby Young
Charleston Gazette (West Virginia)
Copyright 2006 Charleston Newspapers
The 2006 West Virginia EMS/ Firefighting Competition was held recently in Putnam County, hosted by Hurricane Fire & Rescue.
Twelve fire departments competed in the event, which was won by Hurricane firemen.
This was the first time that the Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department swept the competition, according to Hurricane Fire Chief Frank Stover.
“We wanted it,” he said. “And everyone really practiced hard for the competition.”
Putnam County EMT Mary Jo Snyder also received the Outstanding Individual EMT Award for her performance in the scenario and for her above-and-beyond leadership of her team, according to Stephanie Watson, Paramedic Squad Training Officer for Putnam County EMS.
Putnam County’s Paramedic Team received third place honors for the State of West Virginia, while the county’s EMT Team came in at second place in their competition.
“People see us training all the time around the Courthouse, and these are the results we like to bring home,” said Cecil Kimble, Putnam’s Director of Emergency Medical Services. “Our scores reflect on the quality and quantity of our training and the spirit of our people.”
The paramedic competition included teams of two or three paramedics, who tackled a realistic situation that any paramedic could face on the next run.
Emergency physicians develop a challenging set-up and maintain secrecy until the day of competition.
Teams assess patients, develop and implement medical care, communicate with Medical Command and complete pre-hospital care records.
EMT competition consists of the following: The best two or three person EMT team in West Virginia has the opportunity to prove its talents in the event, calling for fundamentals of patient assessment and care.
Basic EMT skills are required on every ambulance call. Situations are straightforward, fair and similar to those that EMTs are likely to experience.
These situations are made to be as lifelike as possible and usually have several spectators watching, including the teams that have already competed in the scenario.
Another paramedic team represented Putnam County EMS, as well, and the members were: Scott Ballard, Bruce Jones, Chuck Atkins, Mike Fields.
“I would like to say that this is the most educational tool out there,” Watson said. “It is a very valuable continuing education experience. I highly recommend this competition to all of my company to help sharpen their skills.”
She added that the group was very appreciative of the following physicians groups for supporting them by purchasing uniform shirts for the competition: ECI Physicians at Putnam General Emergency Department, and Dr. Fichter and Dr. Ratliff (General Surgeons) in Teays Valley.
The West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Competition had its beginning in 1975 when Charleston Area Medical Center and the State Health Department Emergency Health Services Division invited West Virginia’s ambulance squads to the capital city for an opportunity to compare their skills.
That initial year saw the following ambulance services represented: Charleston Emergency Ambulance Service, Cabell County S.T.O.P., East Bank, Marmet Fire Department, Putnam County, Rand Fire Department, and St. Joseph’s Hospital of Parkersburg.
By 1979, the competition was conducted by a small but dedicated group of EMS people who saw its value and wanted it to grow.
Each year has seen more interesting events, increasing sophisticated situations and improved operations, according to Watson.
Each annual competition seems to surpass the previous for learning and enjoyment for all that attend, she said
Personnel attending benefit in several different ways during competition.
The best performances are honored with recognition and trophies. Knowledge is gained from event critiques and by observing others compete.
In addition continuing education credit is awarded for attendance.