Regional EMS Conference Will Include Discussion of Ebola Prevention

October 27, 2014

KILLINGTON – Although the risk of an Ebola case arriving in Vermont remains low, the importance of maintaining awareness and appropriately screening patients will be discussed at the 25th annual Vermont Healthcare and EMS Preparedness Conference on Oct. 18 at the Killington Grand Resort.

Chris Bell, director of emergency preparedness for the Vermont Department of Health, will provide an overview on Saturday morning (8:15 a.m.) of infection control practices by hospitals and Emergency Medical Services providers that are proven effective at preventing transmission of viruses such as Ebola.

Vermont Department of Health Acting Commissioner Tracy Dolan will also provide opening remarks on Saturday morning to more than 500 healthcare and emergency services professionals from across New England.

“This four-day conference is one of the largest in the region, and a good opportunity for first responders and frontline medical professionals to come together and discuss best practices during a pivotal time in the history of public health,” Commissioner Dolan said.

The conference will open on Thursday morning (Healthcare Preparedness Day) with a presentation on the EMS response to Superstorm Sandy by Henry Cortacans, of the EMS Task force for the State of New Jersey, and Terry Clancy, Education, Certification and Technology chief for the New Jersey Department of Health.

Vermont has nearly 3,000 volunteer EMS personnel statewide who serve as first responders and with ambulance services. The conference is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health.

For more information about the conference visit: https://vtemsconference.com/

For health news, alerts and information visit healthvermont.gov
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News Release: October 13, 2014

Media Contact:
Vermont Department of Health
Communication Office
802-863-7281