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Miltenberger Seminar

Miltenberger Emergency Services Seminar



13th-14th
March, 2026

Maryland
Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Flintstone

About the event


Register Now!

We are returning once again to Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland, on March 13th - 14th for the 21st Miltenberger Emergency Services Seminar.

Please join us and participate in the excellent educational opportunities this program offers, along with the chance to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the mountains of Western Maryland. Download Brochure here.

March 13
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Pediatric Course (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) Lunch will be provided.
A: The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program Presenters: Laura Selway, MSN, Johns Hopkins Hospital EMS for Children (MIEMSS) Faculty, Pediatric EMS Champions
Presenters: EMSC Faculty and Pediatric EMS Champions
When newborn infants become ill and require specialized care, each member of the healthcare team must know what to do in a timely and effective manner. S.T.A.B.L.E. is a neonatal education program focusing exclusively on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants. This early transitional care affects not only the infant’s immediate health, but the long-term outcome as well. Education in stabilization beyond resuscitation is critical to the mission of reducing infant mortality and morbidity. Required – Two (2) hours of online learning must be completed prior to attending the course. Online learning instructions will be provided upon receipt of registration.
(7.75 Hrs (2.25 hours online; 5.5 in-person) BLS: Medical/Pediatric, ALS: NCCP National)
EMS TRACK
B: Managing the Moment: Cardiac Emergencies (8:00 – 12:00 PM)
Presenters:Hani Alkhatib, MD, Interventional Cardiology, Medical Director, Structural Heart Program, UPMC Western Maryland and Mustafa Sidik, MS, NRP, MIEMSS
This four-hour course provides a progressive, case-based approach to 12-lead ECG interpretation for EMS clinicians. The session begins with a focused review of cardiac anatomy and physiology, then moves into applied 12-lead interpretation using EMS cases, and concludes with advanced pattern recognition for high-risk but subtle presentations. The course emphasizes rapid, prehospital decision-making, integration of ECG findings with clinical assessment, and current evidence-based concepts.
(4 Hrs BLS: Cardiovascular, ALS: NCCP Individual)
C: Upgrade the Call: Advancing Your EMS Practice to the Next Level (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Presenter: Timothy Chizmar, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, State EMS Medical Director, MIEMSS
This course equips learners with practical tools to enhance emergency response, improve patient outcomes, and streamline care processes. Focused on real-world strategies and performance monitoring, it helps both clinicians and management teams deliver safer, more reliable care. Participants will gain skills to identify gaps, implement improvements, and ensure consistent, high-quality service.
(2 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
Nursing Track
D: Class 1 – Shock in Trauma: The Fast Track to Bad Perfusion (8:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
Presenter: Brian Martineau, MD, Emergency Physician – US Acute Care Solutions, UPMC Western Maryland
This course, through clinical information as well as case study, will help students: identify patients in shock, describe the impact of shock on the body, and understand the types and mechanisms of shock. Evidence-based shock treatments will be discussed to inform students of the latest best practices.
(1 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 13
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Class 2 – Five Trauma Practice Updates for Our Community: Evidence-Based Priorities for EMS & ED Teams
Presenter: Rayan El Sibai, MD, Emergency Physician – US Acute Care Solutions, UPMC Western Maryland
This course reviews five evidence-based trauma practice updates essential for EMS and ED professionals in our region. Participants will examine current guidelines and literature regarding ketamine in trauma care, modern hemorrhage control with tourniquets and pelvic binders, Shock Index utilization, selective spinal motion restriction, and structured trauma handoffs. Through case-based discussion, practical application, and common error analysis, attendees will gain skills to improve trauma assessment, communication, and patient safety across the local continuum of care.
(1 Hrs BLS: .5 Medical/.5 Trauma, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 13
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Class 3 – From Curbside to Critical Care: Building a Seamless Trauma Chain
Presenter: Rameen Shafiei, DO FACEP, Director Emergency Medicine UPMCWM, Medical Director Allegany and Garrett County EMS Systems
From the street to the ICU. A high-impact presentation that explores how coordinated prehospital response, structured handoffs, rapid ED interventions, and streamlined in-hospital workflows can dramatically improve trauma outcomes. Designed for EMS, ED, and trauma leadership, this session highlights real-world cases, technology innovations, and practical system-wide strategies to reduce delays, strengthen communication, and close the gaps that cost lives.
(1 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 13
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Class 4 – From Chaos to Clarity: The Key Steps in Trauma Assessment
Presenter: Jeffrey Hobbs, BSN, RN, TCRN, PHRN, UPMC Western Maryland
This course is designed to reinforce the foundational principles of trauma evaluation while making learning interactive and fun. This session will guide participants through the essential steps of trauma assessment, emphasizing accuracy, prioritization, and critical thinking in highpressure situations. Using real-world scenarios and evidence-based practices, attendees will gain confidence in applying systematic approaches to trauma care. To keep the energy high and engagement strong, we’ll incorporate Kahoot! quizzes—turning review into a competitive, enjoyable experience that solidifies learning.
(1 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 13
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Class 5 – Shock Index Uncovered: Transforming Trauma Outcomes with a Simple Metric
Presenter: Jeffrey Hobbs, BSN, RN, TCRN, PHRN, and Elizabeth Wooster, RN, PhD, MIEMSS Office of Care Integration
Unlike traditional vital signs, Shock Index (SI) detects compensated shock before hypotension occurs, making it invaluable in trauma, hemorrhage, sepsis, obstetrics, pediatrics, and critical care. This presentation explores SI’s physiology, calculation, clinical applications, and evidence-based benefits, along with its variants—Modified SI, Age SI, and Pediatric Adjusted SI—that enhance accuracy across diverse populations. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating SI into triage and resuscitation strategies for improved patient outcomes.
(1 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 13
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Class 6 – The Quick Stick: Prehospital Needle Decompressio
Presenter: Joshua Brown, MD, MSc, Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
High-risk and low-frequency – prehospital needle decompression can be life-saving. Who needs it and what are the pitfalls? We’ll talk about the indications for the procedures, emerging evidence on where to do it, technical tips and tricks, potential complications, and the evidence for doing field decompressions.
(1 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
6:45 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast
March 14
8:00 AM
Welcome / State of the State
Ted Delbridge, MD, MPH, MIEMSS Executive Director
(.5 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
8:30 AM
Keynote Address
Ted Delbridge, MD, MPH, MIEMSS Executive Director
Mass casualty incidents (MCI) can occur anywhere, anytime. No community is exempt. Horrific events can crush a car, a church, a school, a business, or a whole community. When an MCI hits, the losses are great and the entire community experiences shock, denial, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and a state of mental confusion. Even well trained and experienced emergency personnel like police officers, EMS clinicians, search-and-rescue teams, and firefighters can experience the impact of a devastating and soul-crushing incident. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a support system for operations personnel and communities that has been tried, tested, and affirmed in thousands of terrible incidents around the world during a 50-year period. CISM makes a difference in the lives of traumatized people. It gives them the strength to carry on when all seems dark and desperate. CISM offers a source of the hope that tomorrow can be a better day.
(1 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
9:30 AM
Visit Vendors
March 14
8:30 AM
Keynote Address
Ted Delbridge, MD, MPH, MIEMSS Executive Director
Mass casualty incidents (MCI) can occur anywhere, anytime. No community is exempt. Horrific events can crush a car, a church, a school, a business, or a whole community. When an MCI hits, the losses are great and the entire community experiences shock, denial, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and a state of mental confusion. Even well trained and experienced emergency personnel like police officers, EMS clinicians, search-and-rescue teams, and firefighters can experience the impact of a devastating and soul-crushing incident. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a support system for operations personnel and communities that has been tried, tested, and affirmed in thousands of terrible incidents around the world during a 50-year period. CISM makes a difference in the lives of traumatized people. It gives them the strength to carry on when all seems dark and desperate. CISM offers a source of the hope that tomorrow can be a better day.
(1 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
[A] The Evolution of Trauma Resuscitation
Presenter: Joshua Brown, MD, MSc, Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
This talk will cover the evolution of trauma resuscitation from large volumes of crystalloid through the current state of the art with whole blood and adjuncts. We’ll also look at the emergence of advanced prehospital resuscitation, pushing blood products into the field. We’ll finish up by looking at some exciting potential technologies on the horizon to further push the limits of survivability in hemorrhagic shock.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Truama/Burns, ALS: NCCP National)
[B] Pediatric Anaphylaxis: From Triage to Transport
Presenter: Jennifer Anders, MD, FAAP, FAEMS, MIEMSS Associate EMS Medical Director for Pediatrics
Allergies are common, but anaphylaxis is a genuinely life-threatening emergency that can kill an otherwise healthy child. Recognition and prompt treatment are the keys to preventing bad outcomes. This session will review common causes of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in children, the range of presenting symptoms, and the treatment priorities for prehospital and hospital care. (1.5 Hrs BLS: Pediatrics, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[C] Point Of Care Ultrasound for the Prehospital Provider
Presenter: Catherine Kirbos, MD, West Virginia University Medical Center, Medical Director, Mineral County EMS
Discover how point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) can elevate assessment and decision-making in the field. This lecture provides a practical introduction to ultrasound fundamentals and key prehospital applications, including the E-FAST examination for trauma, cardiac standstill assessment during cardiac arrest, and confirmation for endotracheal tube placement. We will also briefly explore the role of ultrasound in guiding peripheral IV access. Designed for providers of all levels, both sessions (C and H) deliver actionable skills, in both lecture and simulation format, that can be applied in the prehospital environment.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[D] Beyond the Shoreline: Water Rescue
Facilitator: Mary Alice VanHoy, MSN
Presenters: Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, Garrett County Emergency Services, Washington County Department of Emergency Services
This course will help clinicians recognize aquatic emergencies and respond safely and effectively using proper rescue principles. It will emphasize personal safety first, situational awareness, and decision-making in real-world water environments. Through case review, guided instruction, and discussion-based learning, students will build confidence in responding to water-related incidents without putting themselves at risk.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[E] Heavy Vehicle Rescue
Presenters: Derek Crippen, Captain, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Captain (Ret.), Prince George’s
County Fire Department, MDTF-1 member; Ronnie Carr, NP, Lieutenant (Ret.), Anne Arundel County Fire Department Class information will be provided to registered students prior to class via email / phone.
March 14
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
[F] The Basics of Burn Resuscitation and Referral for Trauma Nurses
Presenter: Emily Werthman, PhD, BA, RN, CBRN, Johns Hopkins University Hospital
This course will discuss topics such as burn zones of injury and their relation to burn depth, referral critieria from the American Burn Association (ABA), the two primary fluid resuscitation formulae, common mechanisms of injury and their associated treatments, and the Palmar method for burn surface area calculation, as well as the differences between referral, consult, and transfer requests. The session includes a case study of a burn patient with a prolonged stay and recovery in the burn center.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[G] Grandma’s Medicine Cabinet: When Traditional and Modern Medicine Intersect!
Presenter: Mary Alice VanHoy, MSN, RN
When you had a cold, did your Grandma or neighbor bring you a special tea or a poultice for cut. Did it help? Traditional or folk medicine is rooted in an understanding of the body, spirit, healing, and culture. Modern medicine focuses on treating specific diseases and evidence-based practice. Caring for those who live in both worlds brings both challenges and understanding.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Toxicology/Environmental, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[H] Ultrasound Hands-on Lab (Morning Lecture Session Attendence Required)
Presenter: Catherine Kirbos, MD, West Virginia University Medical Center, Medical Director, Mineral County EMS
Application of the skills and techniques from the morning lecture such as the E-FAST examination, cardiac standstill assessment, evaluating proper endotracheal tube placement, and peripheral IV insertion via ultrasound.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[I] Behavioral Health Emergencies in the Field: What to Expect, How to Respond Safely and Effectively
Presenter: Tom Bender, LCSW, LCSW-C
This interactive workshop equips EMS clinicians, paramedics, and first responders with practical, street-level strategies for managing behavioral health crises (mental health episodes, suicidal ideation, substance-induced psychosis, agitation, and developmental disabilities in crisis). Common scene presentations and “red-flag” behaviors that signal escalating risk, how to rapidly assess decisionmaking capacity and imminent danger without provoking agitation, evidence-based verbal de-escalation techniques that actually work in the prehospital environment. Safe approaches to physical restraint only when absolutely necessary, including current bestpractice holds and monitoring, excited delirium syndrome recognition and early intervention. Legal considerations, documentation tips, and available destination options (psychiatric emergency services, crisis centers, sobering units, etc.) Self-care for responders after high-stress behavioral calls. Through case studies, and guided discussion, attendees will leave with a clear, repeatable framework for keeping themselves, their partners, and the patient as safe as possible during behavioral health emergencies. Ideal for EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement co-responders, and fire-based EMS personnel.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
12:30 AM - 1:40 PM
Lunch and Visit Vendors
March 14
12:30 PM - 1:40 PM
Keynote Address
Presenter: Rishi Kundi, MD, Associate Professor Surgery, University of Maryland, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Dr. Kundi will explore the history of prehospital and hospital emergency care in the U.S with a focus on Maryland, the history of MIEMSS and the Shock Trauma Center, current evidence about prehospital care, mehods and outcomes, and the future: eliminating “The Golden Hour” by destroying the boundar between prehospital and hospital care.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
March 14
3:00 PM
Break and Visit Vendors
March 14
3:15 PM
[J] Beyond Delivery: Obstetric Life Support & Perinatal Emergency Care
Presenter: Abby Butler, MSN, RNC-OB, Office of Care Integration, MIEMSS
Maternal deaths in the United States are rising—and most are preventable. EMS clinicians are uniquely positioned to save lives in the perinatal and postpartum period, when more than half of fatal complications occur outside the hospital. This highly practical presentation blends MIEMSS B.I.R.T.H. Equity strategies with Obstetric Life Support (OBLS) guidance to strengthen recognition of high-risk symptoms, enhance communication with receiving facilities, and support rapid, evidence-based interventions in the field. Join us to build confidence, competence, and collaboration in caring for pregnant and postpartum patients.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: OB/GYN, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[K] Vehicle Crash Scene Cues: Scene Size-up Through the Eyes of a Mechanical Engineer
Presenter: Janet Bahouth, DSc., Impact Research, Senior Research Scientist, Crash Center for Research and Education, Director
Understanding the mechanism of injury is key to assessing its severity and guiding early management of the injury. Sharing an engineer’s perspective of car and occupant crash mechanics will strengthen on-scene decision-making and improve patient care. This new program delivers specialized training for emergency medical services personnel and law enforcement, providing first responders with critical engineering insights drawn from real crash scenarios. These insights support informed crash severity assessments, enhance triage decisions, and improve the quality of data collected at the scene. This training gives first responders an enhanced knowledge base and a deeper understanding of car crash safety, empowering them to influence future outreach and interventions.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Trauma/Burns, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[L] The Current Environment and Its Nexus to Fire, EMS, and Healthcare
Presenter: Dan Pritchett and Angie Krupa, Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center
The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC) will provide an overview of the current threat environment and its intersection with the fire service and healthcare personnel. This presentation will discuss the current trends and tactics used by violent threat actors and provide an in-depth summary of the emerging threat of nihilistic violent extremism. During this presentation, attendees will learn to recognize and identify suspicious activity and injury indicators associated with tactics employed by violent threat actors. MCAC will provide attendees with reporting mechanisms as well as resources from private sector, state, and federal partners related to these threats.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Elective, ALS: NCCP Individual)
[M] Pathopysiology Considerations in the Elderly Patient: Pearls for the Prehospital Clinician
Presenter: Mustafa Sidik, MS, NRP, EMS Operations, Region III Associate Coordinator, MIEMSS
Students will explore how age-related physiological changes influence the assessment, presentation, and management of emergencies in the prehospital setting. The presentation will begin with an epidemiological review of the United States and the State of Alaska’s aging population demographics as appropriate. Then, through real-world case studies, the lecture will examine high-risk scenarios commonly encountered in geriatric patients, including syncope, atypical presentations of acute coronary syndrome (particularly in elderly women), “silent” infections, and the clinical significance of ground-level falls. Participants will develop a systems-based understanding of how aging-related changes in the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, renal, and musculoskeletal systems affect symptom presentation and response to intervention. The lecture emphasizes the recognition of atypical symptoms, the impact of polypharmacy, the interpretation of subtle vital signs, and the need to tailor EMS interventions to age-specific vulnerabilities. The session concludes with an integrated review of major chronic conditions, including metabolic illness, cerebrovascular and endovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorder, and cancer, along with their complex interplay with aging physiology in the prehospital setting.
(1.5 Hrs BLS: Medical, ALS: NCCP Individual)

13th-14th
March, 2026

Maryland
Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Flintstone









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Limited seating available...

Call the Region 1 Office to register: 301-895-5934.

Register Now!

Download Brochure here.

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