St. Mary’s Health Care System will host its free, biannual educational conference for Emergency Medical Services personnel on Friday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Flower Suites, 1230 Baxter St., Athens.

St. Mary’s EMS conferences provide valuable and up-to-date information for EMTs, paramedics, and first responders across Northeast Georgia. While these conferences are tailored toward EMS personnel, individuals involved in health emergency response or working within healthcare are also encouraged to attend. 

EMS personnel attending the conference can earn continuing education credits through the Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma for the hours they participate. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided, along with free parking. 

Featured speakers will be:

• Whitney Barfield, RN, St. Mary’s Stroke Coordinator, and John Sartain, PMDC, Staff Development/EMS Liaison, Stroke Care for EMS Providers

• Eric Schuck, CMO, St. Mary’s Health Care System: Pediatric Emergency Care

• Clay Chappell, Medical Director, St. Mary's Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Oconee Heart and Vascular Center: Case Review; Cardiac Services Offered at St. Mary's

• Brandon Hicks, Emergency Room Physician, Athens-Clarke Emergency Services: Toxicological Emergencies

• Christopher Smith, Peer Counselor, Office of Public Safety Support: The Need for Peer Counseling in EMS and Fire Services

To help with planning, registration is requested. To reserve your place, please contact John Sartain, EMS liaison, at 706.389.3986 or [email protected]