The 12th annual First Responders Conference started Friday night, with more than 140 registrants from all over the province attending the event at Heritage Inn to gain more medical training.
Held by the South Saskatchewan First Responder Coordinator Commitee (SSFRCC), the event will focus on hands-on training for First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians and Primary Care Paramedics.
First Responders are an extension of the EMS that work in rural communities to provide care to sick or injured people until EMS can arrive, and who undergo extensive training in order to provide help.
Ray Francis, a paramedic and director of community relations and training with the Moose Jaw and District EMS, said the event will be a great way to bring together medical personnel from across the province.
"We have all sorts of different events ... there is lots of stuff going on and lots of exciting things," he said, adding that he will be leading a discussion on proper ways to respond to a medical situation with multiple units present from different medical areas.
"There will also be self defense training in the afternoon, at the same time as a water rescue course."
The event will also host international guest speakers on medical topics, including Pete Larazza, a Chicago paramedic with almost 30 years experience, and Tim Hillier from the Saskatoon EMS.
The topics they will cover include diabetes and high blood pressure management and pre-hospital burn management.
Read more in Saturday's Times-Herald
Adam Miller can be reached at 691-1258
