Category: Issue 2

The Experience Hall is full of interactive education, including DisastER sessions on Oct. 1 and 2. With the help of two helicopters, a fixed-wing plane fuselage and an ambulance, transport professionals will present 12 sessions on how to become a transport nurse, airway management and pediatric care.

AWHONN Clinical Program Development Manager Susan Hale shares insights on triaging pregnant people, identifying patient complications, initiating treatment protocols for pregnant and postpartum patients in the ED, and recognizing maternal post-birth warning signs.

Heidi Gilbert will share signs and symptoms of nonfatal strangulation, what makes strangulation so deadly and how to document nonfatal strangulation cases seen in the ED. An advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, Gilbert draws inspiration from her own experiences after her sister was killed in a domestic violence homicide.

Workforce shortages have resulted in more novice nurses assigned to triage. Deena Brecher, 2014 ENA president, will discuss strategies for closing the triage competency gaps among new emergency nurses and seasoned practioners.

Deb Jeffries, co-author of the recent book “Rapid Access Guide for Pediatric Emergencies,” will review the steps for initial assessment when pediatric patients arrive in the ED and explain why having a systematic approach helps the overall assessment process.