October 7, 2010 -- Beginning in September and running through November, all sworn Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) will be required to attend the Fall 2010 Training block presented by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) section. 

The training block exposes firefighters to updated information about treatment of infants and children, reviewing cases, and properly utilizing new EMS equipment.  Guest speakers from the Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services (CARES) NW will present information on topics such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Shaken Baby Syndrome/Traumatic Brain Injury.

Before attending the training, firefighters were asked to prepare by reviewing Multnomah County EMS protocols on pelvic wraps, selective spinal immobilizations, musculoskeletal injuries, assisting grieving people, and strokes.  These EMS protocols provide parameters  to guide emergency personnel when providing medical treatment.

Training blocks such as this one help position firefighters to quickly deliver critical care to citizens in distress.

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