Simulation in Motion Montana (SIM-MT) was in the news again this week. The Clark Fork Valley Press / Mineral Independent covered our recent overdose response training at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. Emergency responders from Thompson Falls and Plains came together to practice caring for a patient during an overdose emergency.
The training was part of our Simulation Training and Opioid Response Plan Improvement program, known as STORPI. In the first scenario, crews found an unconscious patient in a hotel room. They assessed the patient, gave treatment, stabilized them and prepared them for transport, all while working around a worried friend at the scene. After each simulation, Dolly Lappico of Thompson Falls Ambulance led a debriefing where responders shared real calls they have worked and talked through strategies for patients who become aggressive after receiving Narcan.
"Clark Fork Valley Hospital has been caring for Sanders County for more than 50 years, and the strong partnership between the hospital and local EMS agencies is a big part of that," said Sara Kaull, CEO of SIM-MT. "Overdose emergencies move quickly, and the care a patient receives in those first minutes can change everything."
Seth Gibbs of Plains Community Ambulance said the practice made a difference. "We don't see a large number of overdoses in Plains, so having the opportunity to train for situations like this is very helpful," he said. "I feel more confident responding to an overdose call and working through the scenario as part of a crew."
Thank you to Brianne Hanson, Ruth Bolt and Justin Bartels for leading the training, to Clark Fork Valley Hospital for hosting, and to every responder who showed up to learn alongside their neighbors. Each participant earned continuing education credit and a certificate of completion.
Read the original article: Local emergency crews complete overdose response training
