FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Paul Filla, Public Information Officer, Public Safety/EMS
                      (239) 344-5406 office, (239) 930-0438 pager

LEE COUNTY EMS PERSONNEL RECEIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO TERRORISM TRAINING

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 27, 2004) - More than 200 Lee County EMS Paramedics and EMTs will participate in emergency response to terrorism training from Oct. 26-29 at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Fort Myers Regional Operations Center at Page Field.

(Note to Media: Best time for filming, pictures, interviews is 2-3 p.m. each day.........coordinate with Paul Filla if you have an interest).

The course aims to provide paramedics and EMTs with both the core knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recognize, evaluate and manage a terrorist incident involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive weapons.

The morning consists of didactic instruction in different types of incidents including recognition of specific agency categories through commonality of signs and symptoms. In the afternoon, paramedics and EMTs will participate in case-based triage exercises and scenario-based skills assessments.

These exercises include hands-on training in the use of personal protective equipment, the decontamination of victims, the recognition and medical management of victims, communications, and strategies for a coordinated multidisciplinary response.

The training program developed in conjunction with several local, state and federal organizations is designed to help paramedics and EMTs:

· Recognize a potential terrorist incident and initiate incident operations.

· Implement personal and public safety measures.

· Perform appropriate decontamination.

· Implement the incident and unified command systems and perform effective intra-and interagency communication.

· Provide emergency medical care specific to the incident and patient type.

The course is based on curriculum from the University of Miami Center for Research in Medical Education, Medical Training and Simulation Laboratory.