More than 20 emergency medicine residents from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center recently participated in the 16th annual Resident Training Day with the Johnstown Fire Department. This hands-on training aims to simulate various high-stakes emergency scenarios that prehospital responders encounter, offering residents a unique perspective on the initial steps of patient care before hospital arrival.
Johnstown Fire Department Chief Bob Statler emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Having this annual training helps all parties involved in any emergency. When we [prehospital providers] are in the field and communicating with hospital staff, this gives residents insight into the challenges we face and the time-sensitive nature of our work.”
This year’s training featured four complex scenarios: vehicle extraction, crush injury response, fire hose operation, and a water rescue mission requiring rappelling into the Stonycreek River. These simulations rotate annually to align with the residency’s three-year curriculum, ensuring exposure to a broad range of emergencies.
Statler added, “Every year, we incorporate some form of rappelling or rescue simulation to demonstrate how much time and equipment are needed just to reach a patient in the field.”
Residents engaged in activities such as using Jaws of Life for car door removal, treating simulated crush injuries, operating firefighting equipment, and performing mock water rescues—experiences quite different from their usual controlled environment.
David Gnugnoli, DO, EMS Medical Director at Conemaugh Memorial, highlighted the benefits: “This is a great opportunity to expose our residents to what happens before a patient even reaches the hospital. It prepares them to be more effective, compassionate, and confident physicians by showing them the realities of emergency response in the field.”
The training also fosters collaboration and respect between emergency departments and first responders. Participating resident Nsi Daniel, MD noted: “It was an eye-opener. We’re trained to function as a team in the emergency department but seeing that same level of coordination in the field was incredible. I have a new appreciation for what prehospital teams do.”
Overall, this annual event not only enhances practical skills and field knowledge but also strengthens bonds between hospital staff and local first responders for better community care.
