Purpose & Target Audience

To review scene management, crticial decision-making, safety and communication for best results during emergency contact with persons with special needs.  This program is for all emergency responders and is authorized for 6hrs of CME.

Program Agenda                                                                                                                  Continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments included

8:00-8:30am             Registration & Continental Breakfast                                                   8:30-8:45am             Welcome & Introduction by Art Breault, RN NREMT-P,  Emergency                                                                                             Outreach Coordinator                           8:45-10:15am           Session 1 - First Responders' Autism Awareness                                       10:15-10:30am         Break                                                                                                   10:30-12:00pm         Session 2 - Thinking Outside the Box: How to Safely Handle Special                                                                                             Needs Patients                                     12:00-1:00pm           Lunch and Networking                                                                              1:00-2:30pm             Session 3 - Comprehensive Assessment of Elderly Patients                            2:30-2:45pm             Break                                                                                                       2:45-4:15pm             Session 4 - Communication Strategies for Treating Individuals with                                                                                                           Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Program Descriptions

Session 1 - First Responders’ Autism Awareness -                                                                  Kristin S. Knapp-Ines, Ph.D., BCBA
This presentation provides an introduction to the core and associated characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and how these characteristics may manifest during stressful events. The presentation includes appropriate strategies for first responders to successfully interact with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Session 2 – Thinking Outside the Box - How to Safely Handle Special Needs Patients - Catherine “Emo” Castle, BS, RN
Individuals with special needs often have physical limitations which make it difficult to safely handle and transfer them with conventional methods. The purpose of this presentation is to provide attendees with the tools to think outside the box when it comes to handling and transferring challenging patients.

Session 3 – Comprehensive Assessment of Elderly Patients -                                            Kevin Costello, M.D.
An overview of the effect of age on the presenting symptoms and signs of disease, major geriatric syndromes, and the comprehensive assessment of geriatric patients.

Session 4 – Comm. Strategies for Treating Individuals w/Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia-  Lynn Young, MS, PT
This program will provide an overview of key changes that occur in the brain with dementia, how these changes can make communication difficult and some basic techniques that EMS personnel can use to facilitate a positive interaction.

About the Presenters

Kristin S. Knapp-Ines, Ph.D, BCBA                                                                                               Research Scientist, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities; Adjunct Research Assistant Professor, University at Albany—State University of New York (Dept of Psychology)

Catherine “EMO” Castle, BS, RN                                                                                          Nursing Director, Double H Ranch; Pediatric STAT Nurse, The Children’s Hospital of Albany MedCenter

Kevin B. Costello, M.D.                                                                                                        Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College

Lynn Roughley Young, PT, MS
Director/Administrator, Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center

Registration
• Registration fee = $75
• Registration deadline is February 24, 2012. No cash refunds after this date.
• Includes continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.
• Rooms can be reserved at the Holiday Inn Express for this event at the rate of $104. Contact the Holiday Inn Express at (518) 438-0001(Ask for Hudson Mohawk AHEC event)       

For more information please contact us:

Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center   518- 480- 2432

Catskill Hudson Area Health Education Center     845-883-7620