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Event Review: Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs

The Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs held its annual conference in Bossier City, Louisiana June 10-12, 2010. I welcomed an invitation to present two sessions at the conference – a general session on “Use Social Media to Build Your Own Brand as an EMS Professional” and a break-out session on trends in elearning. I appreciated the questions from audience members in both sessions.

Canadian is a Tough Act to Follow
Tim Hillier, a paramedic educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, presented sessions before and after me. I have seen Tim’s name on other conference schedules, but this was my first chance to hear him speak. Tim’s first session was a look at the past and into the future of EMS. His chronological review of treatments for cardiac arrest started thousands of years ago.

Tim had two quotes that really connected with me. “Half of what we know about medicine is wrong, we just don’t know which half.” It is important that all EMS professionals keep an open mind about medicine and continue to conduct research to learn about what works, what doesn’t, and maybe, even more importantly, to help us also ask the right questions. Tim’s other memorable quote was “What are your ideas and what are you doing about it?” Now, more than ever, there are opportunities for EMS professionals to lead change in our field using social networks and social media content creation and distribution.

Short Visit
I was only on the ground in Louisiana for nineteen hours. My inbound flights were late and I needed to leave quickly to return home for a family event. I appreciated the hospitality of my hosts and look forward to some authentic Louisiana cuisine on my next visit. Find out more about the Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered EMTs.

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.