Training for First Responders

 

 

According to the Center for Disease Control, stroke is one of the top 10 causes of death in children.  However, most people have never heard of pediatric stroke.  

 

During World Pediatric Stroke Awareness Week 2015, last May, I visited several Fire Protection Districts and met with their paramedics to spread awareness.  During my visits it was brought to my attention that none of them have been formally trained to recognize strokes in children.

 

This coincides with my conversations with several EMS Managers throughout the year, who specifically work with pediatric agencies, and conversations with Pediatric Neurologists who I have worked with through the Brendon's Smile Foundation.

 

Because there is such a need, it was decided to not hold the Annual Brendon's Smile Rally/Walk for 2015 in order to allow the Foundation to focus on the emergent need for education among EMS-First Responders.  

 

Starting September 2015, I will test the educational program, developed specifically for EMS-First Responders.  It was created with the assistance of Dr. Kristin Guilliams, Pediatric Neurologist-Stroke Specialist, from the Washington University School of Medicine.  In conjunction with the program, I bring the experience and knowledge which I have acquired over the years as a medical social worker, a police officer, a caregiver of a pediatric stroke surivivor and an advocate.  The creation of this program is in part due to numerous requests from EMS Managers throughout my community for me to teach this speciallized program for CEU credit.  

 

This training will provide the following:

 

• EMS-First Responders will recognize the possible signs/symptoms of strokes in children. 

• EMS-First Responders will be provided information on why treatments should immediately be sought for children displaying a possible stroke and who can provide these. 

• Build confidence in EMS-First Responders on assisting pediatric patients who are displaying possible symptoms of stroke. 

• Share how EMS-First Responder's immediate response can possibly better the outcome for pediatric patients who may be suffering a stroke, even prevent death or further damage to the brain.

• Assist Doctors who are participating in the International Pediatric Stroke Study (I.P.S.S.) as Site Investigators build the I.P.S.S. registry.  I.P.S.S. participation shows  the  need for more data collection, more education and more research to better serve the pediatric population in the short and long term who have been impacted by stroke.

 

For more information about this training program you can contact me via e-mail at brendonssmile@yahoo.com or by phone at (314) 541-0603.