The traditional classification of acute myocardial infarction into ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) relies primarily on specific electrocardiogram (ECG) millimeter criteria for ST elevation. This 
approach was developed to rapidly identify patients needing emergent reperfusion therapy. However, a significant limitation of the STEMI paradigm is that a large percentage (25-30%) of patients with an acute coronary occlusion (ACO)—the underlying pathology that requires 
immediate intervention—do not meet STEMI criteria on their initial ECG. These "STEMI-negative OMI” patients often experience delayed revascularization and consequently have higher morbidity and mortality compared to those with a classic STEMI. The OMI paradigm shift from an ECG-defined disease to a pathology-defined disease holds promise for earlier detection, more accurate triage, and improved patient outcomes by ensuring timely reperfusion for all patients experiencing an acute coronary occlusion

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Acute thoracic aortic dissection is a High Acuity Low Occurrence or “HALO” event that carries a high mortality rate if the diagnosis is delayed or missed entirely. The clinical presentation, while often having classic features, may also present with other critical findings that may detract from timely recognition and diagnosis. The offered presentation will review the pathophysiology, clinical and diagnostic test findings, complications related to the main issue of aortic dissection, and a stepwise pharmacological approach to reducing morbidity and mortality until surgical intervention can be delivered.

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For years, standard sepsis protocols have heavily relied on a one-size-fits-all approach, most notably the blanket administration of a 30 mL/kg crystalloid fluid bolus. However, emerging evidence demonstrates that unguided, high-volume resuscitation frequently causes fluid overload, worsens lung compliance, increases mechanical ventilation days, and elevates mortality in distinct patient sub-groups. This fast-paced, 30-minute session explores the modern paradigm shift toward personalized sepsis management across prehospital transport and bedside critical care.

Attendees will learn to move beyond static 'cookbook' bundles by recognizing patient-specific sepsis phenotypes (e.g., hyperinflammatory, cardiorenal-impaired, and hepatobiliary-dominant profiles). The presentation covers actionable strategies for integrating early peripheral norepinephrine administration, utilizing dynamic indicators of fluid responsiveness (such as capnography waveforms, passive leg raise, and capillary refill time), and striking the optimal balance between tissue perfusion and volume restraint.

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As first responders we often enter a scene with very limited information. Sometimes we can see the dangers, such as a fire or an angry dog, but what if the biggest danger is something we cannot see? This session will take a dive into the dangers of infectious disease and how to stay safe when our opponent is invisible. We will cover what precautions to use and when, common and uncommon pathogens, as well as special considerations for interfacility transport of patients with known infectious diseases.

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Time for food, networking, and visiting with exhibitors!

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Pregnant and postpartum patients can deteriorate with frightening speed, and the first signs of a maternal emergency may be subtle. This fast-paced, case-based session explores three high-risk obstetric emergencies every nurse should be prepared to recognize and respond to: eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and obstetric hemorrhage. Participants will work through evolving clinical scenarios, identify early warning signs, prioritize immediate interventions, and discuss the medications, blood products, escalation strategies, and team responses that can make the difference when minutes matter.

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Chest pain. ST elevation. Rising troponin. Activate the cath lab, right? Not so fast. Sometimes the classic picture of acute myocardial infarction has a very different story underneath. Through engaging clinical cases, this session explores the cardiac zebras that challenge even experienced clinicians, including Kounis syndrome, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, coronary vasospasm, coronary embolism, MINOCA, and myocarditis. Attendees will learn to recognize the subtle clues that suggest an alternative mechanism of myocardial injury, understand why the distinction matters, and know when to question the seemingly obvious diagnosis.

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Shock is often recognized only after hypotension develops, despite earlier signs of impaired tissue perfusion that signal impending hemodynamic collapse. This interactive session challenges clinicians to move beyond blood pressure as the primary marker of instability by recognizing subtle indicators of compensated shock, including changes in mental status, respiratory patterns, skin perfusion, urine output, laboratory trends, and hemodynamic parameters. Through case-based discussion, participants will learn to identify deterioration earlier and intervene before decompensation occurs. Building on this foundation, the session will explore the physiologic principles that guide treatment selection, emphasizing a "right patient, right pressor" approach. Rather than relying on routine practice or a one-size-fits-all strategy, attendees will examine how the underlying etiology of shock influences fluid resuscitation, vasopressor selection, and inotropic support. Practical, evidence-based decision-making tools will be provided to help clinicians confidently tailor therapy across diverse shock states.

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Weakness. Trouble swallowing. Back pain. Fatigue. Individually, these complaints may not sound alarming, but in the wrong patient they can signal a neurologic emergency with devastating consequences. This case-driven session explores five high-risk diagnoses that are uncommon, easily overlooked, and unforgiving when recognition is delayed: Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenic crisis, botulism, tetanus, and spinal epidural abscess. Learn the subtle clues that separate routine complaints from neurologic catastrophe and the bedside findings that should make you act now.

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Don't miss the final opportunity to visit with our exhibitors!

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Candida auris has rapidly emerged as a alarming global healthcare threat due to its multidrug resistance, high operational mortality rates, and unique ability to persist long-term on abiotic surfaces. Unlike traditional fungal pathogens, C. auris spreads readily within healthcare networks—posing severe contamination risks during inter-facility critical care transport and transition into intensive care units. Furthermore, standard laboratory identification systems frequently misidentify the organism, delaying appropriate infection control and empiric therapy. Tailored for nurses and paramedics, this high-yield 30-minute briefing addresses the critical care continuum of C. auris. Participants will review high-risk patient factors, diagnostic pitfalls, targeted infection control protocols (including the selection of sporicidal disinfectants over ineffective quaternary ammonium compounds), and baseline antifungal stewardship principles (echinocandins vs. resistant strains). The session emphasizes seamless interprofessional communication to ensure zero-break isolation practices during transfers.

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Securing the airway is only the beginning. What happens after intubation can have a significant impact on the critically ill patient long before arrival at the hospital. This fast-paced session takes mechanical ventilation out of the ICU and into the field, focusing on practical ventilator management during emergency response and transport. From choosing initial settings and applying lung-protective strategies to recognizing patient-ventilator dyssynchrony and troubleshooting sudden deterioration, attendees will walk away better prepared to manage the ventilated patient when resources, time, and backup are limited.

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Unfiltered, real-talk topics that bridge the gap between nursing school theory and nursing reality.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare workflows, creating opportunities to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and patient care. This presentation will examine the current capabilities of AI in healthcare, explore practical applications for clinicians, and discuss our ethical responsibility to ensure its safe and responsible use.

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This session introduces the concept of high-quality connections and brief, meaningful interactions (even in seconds) that can improve team dynamics, patient experience, and personal well-being. It’s simple, practical, and fits naturally into the workflow nurses already have.

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The airway you can't secure is rarely the one that gives you time to think. In this hands-on lab, prehospital clinicians will work through challenging airway scenarios designed to move beyond routine intubation and focus on what happens when Plan A fails. Participants will practice difficult airway assessment, airway positioning and optimization, video laryngoscopy, supraglottic rescue, troubleshooting failed attempts, and escalation through a structured difficult-airway strategy. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining oxygenation, recognizing when to stop repeated attempts, optimizing patient physiology, and making the critical transition from one airway strategy to the next.

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End your day with a chance to WIN!

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