2013 Conference Brochure - Wisconsin EMS Association

Working Together 

New For 

2013 

Lower Registration Cost 

New Lunch Options 

2013 Conference Brochure 

January 30 - February 2, 2013 

Delta Center • Downtown Milwaukee 

Working Together is sponsored by the 

Wisconsin EMS Association and the 

2013 Conference Platinum Partner 

www.WisconsinEMS.com

January 30 - February 2, 2013 

Delta Center • Downtown Milwaukee 

New For 

2013 

Lower Registration Cost 

New Lunch Options 

The Wisconsin EMS Association, along with LifeQuest Services, the 2013 Working Together Conference 

Platinum Partner, is pleased to invite you to the 27th Annual Working Together Emergency Services 

Midwest Conference & Exposition. This year’s event is once again set to bring you the very best in edu- 

cation, information, and fun. The Working Together conference 

takes place January 30 - February 2, 2013 at the Delta Center in 

downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Dozens of educators will come to Wisconsin from all across the 

nation to provide more than 50 sessions and topics of quality 

education and the latest information over four days. In addition 

to offering a wide variety of EMS-related topics, sessions also 

include firefighting and rescue operations, plus sessions for 

department leaders and officers, educators, first responders and 

more. The exposition hall houses 90,000 square feet of everything 

you need to run your emergency services organization. Best 

of all, conference tuition for the 2013 conference has been reduced to only $70 per day for Wisconsin 

EMS Association members taking advantage of their $10 per day membership discount. Non-members 

Page 2 • Working Together 2013 

Emergency Services Midwest Conference & Exposition 1-800-793-6820

pay only $80 each day, or join the Wisconsin EMS 

Association and save even more! 

The Working Together conference has become one 

of the largest and most respected emergency services 

events in the United States. Whether this is your 

first conference or you’re a conference veteran, there 

is always something new at the Working Together 

conference. We are sure you won’t be disappointed! 

Check out all of the information included in this brochure 

and online at www.WisconsinEMS.com and 

then book your hotel and register to see your favorite 

speakers at the 2013 Working Together Emergency 

Services Midwest Conference & Exposition, January 

30 through February 2, 2013. 

EMT-Basic “Mini” Refresher Course 

How It Works 

1. Working Together conference sessions are approved for 

refresher CEU hours. 

2. Attend the six-hour required “mini” refresher class and 

evaluation. 

3. Complete a 50-question formal written test, answered 

without assistance from books or other students. A minimum 

score of 75% is required to pass. 

4. Complete a three-station practical evaluation for medical, 

trauma, and cardiac patient care. These are not teaching 

stations and students are expected to be proficient in basic 

EMT skills and knowledge prior to attending the course. 

5. File your refresher information with your Service Director or 

the State of Wisconsin EMS Office (or both) to renew your 

The Wisconsin EMS Association has once again been authorized to offer the license for another two years. 

required six-hour “mini” refresher course for those who wish to renew their 

EMT license using the Wisconsin EMT Basic alternative refresher option. 

The required six-hour “mini” refresher class and evaluation will be offered Wednesday only. The session includes instruction on required “hot” topics 

along with both a written and practical evaluation. Each participant will be required to complete a three-station practical evaluation and a 50-question 

formal written test. 

This training will not provide a review of basic EMT skills and knowledge. Each student is expected to have obtained this information on their own 

prior to attending this course. You do not have to complete any additional hours of continuing education in order to attend this course. 

If you are not sure where to find a six-hour refresher course, or just want the convenience of getting it done while you are at the Working Together 

conference, this is the session for you. 

Attendance at this session, entitles participants to the same breaks and entrance to the expo hall as other conference participants. Please be sure to 

have your Wisconsin EMT license number available for this session. 

www.WisconsinEMS.com 


www.WisconsinEMS.com Emergency Services Midwest Conference & Exposition

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 

Total Trauma Patient Assessment Connie J. Mattera 

The foundation to providing excellent trauma care at any level rests with the First Responder’s, EMT’s or Paramedic’s ability to perform an 

appropriately sequenced and skillfully executed patient assessment. As an EMS provider, you have to 

inspect, palpate, percuss, and auscultate the patient. You often have to perform initial diagnostic tests 

such as ABCs, vital signs, pulse oximetry, ECGs, and blood glucose readings. All of these assessment 

findings then lay the foundation for competent care, but only if they have been accomplished quickly and 

accurately and then interpreted correctly. This presentation uses actual trauma cases to stimulate discussion 

underscoring the importance of thorough patient assessment, accurate interpretation of data, the ability to 

preliminarily rule in or rule out a constellation of injuries, and exercising critical judgment skills to rapidly 

perform pre-hospital resuscitative interventions in patients sustaining head, thoracic, abdominal, and 

musculoskeletal trauma. Come spend the day with Connie Mattera as she dissects the elements of trauma 

patient assessment and gives you practical pointers for perfecting your assessment of trauma emergencies. 

ALS for BLS Bill Justice 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to start an IV, place an endotracheal tube, push medications or run a 

mega-code? If you have, then this workshop is for you! For the entire day, Bill Justice and a staff of seasoned 

Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers will put Basic Life Support (BLS) providers through the paces of ALS. 

The first portion of the class will provide an overview of the skills and procedures you’ll do throughout the 

day. Get a broader understanding of what providing ALS is all about. Learn how to assist the ALS providers 

you work or intercept with. Find out how ALS skills and medications are used and why. This workshop will 

utilize both classroom and hands-on training to give you a chance to provide Advanced Life Support like the 

real thing! Both educational and fun, you’ll walk away with a better appreciation for ALS or perhaps be ready 

to enroll in the next Advanced EMT or Paramedic class. This workshop is designed for First Responders, EMT-Basics and even IV Technicians/ 

Advanced EMTs. You do not have to be affiliated with an Advanced Life Support provider to attend. 

Tactical EMS Chris Cook 

You may have already heard about one of the hottest new training curriculums in years to hit the EMS community. 

Now, here is your chance to find out more – a lot more! This fast-paced class will introduce you to 

the Concepts of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and its civilian counterpart Tactical Emergency Casualty 

Care (TECC). These concepts and skills have been proven over the last 10 years on the battlefields of both 

Iraq and Afghanistan and now you can bring them home to your community! These life-saving interventions 

can be paramount in a law enforcement environment which in many cases involves EMS. The concepts and 

skills can also be used in your everyday EMS duties to enhance awareness of your surroundings and augment 

your ability to treat traumatic injuries. This exciting course will consist of both lecture and hands-on breakout 

demonstration stations. Get on and ride the TEMS wave by attending this session. 

Educator’s Centerpiece Workshop Rommie Duckworth 

If you are a training center program coordinator, department training officer, EMS instructor or anyone involved in education or leadership, 

you already know the huge challenge you face on a daily basis. Are you currently giving your students 

the best that you can? Everyone, from the new educator to the seasoned veteran, can use some new 

tips and tricks. This full-day workshop will address the identification and management of difficult 

classroom behaviors, why and how to incorporate critical thinking in your educational programs, and 

the enhancement of student and instructor practical performance. But, that’s not all! Included is a 

hands-on lab session to show you first-hand how you can integrate effective student-centered learning 

methods into your teaching and programs. You will leave this energetic, high energy seminar with 

multiple best practices taken from institutional and college programs, in-house EMS and fire agency 

training programs, and private learning labs. Attend this session and you are certain to walk out the 

door at the end of the day armed with new tools to help your students achieve their greatest potential. 

EMT Refresher Don Kimlicka and Jerry Biggart 

If you have never considered or investigated the alternative refresher method to complete your EMT- 

Basic license renewal here is your chance to fulfill some of your continuing education requirements 

while attending the Working Together conference. Once again the Wisconsin EMS Association is offering 

a six-hour “mini” refresher that includes instruction on State of Wisconsin identified hot topics in 

conjunction with the state required formal practical and written evaluations. Successful completion of 

this class, together with the required state-identified continuing education topics, will provide you with 

the tools you need to renew your Wisconsin EMT license. You may consider this option whether you 

choose to renew your current EMT license or begin the transition process to the new Wisconsin EMT. 

See page 3 for a more detailed description about this convenient alternative refresher option. 



Get Your Hands-On Pediatric Care Paul A. Werfel 

For most pre-hospital practitioners few things create as much anxiety as the emergent pediatric patient. Is 

there a way to quickly find out if a child is stable or requires resuscitation? Join Paul Werfel as he takes the 

mystery out of the pediatric patient in an engaging, low-stress, interactive session that is sure to sharpen 

your pediatric assessment skills and increase your comfort zone in caring for our smallest citizens. The day 

will begin with an engaging and interactive lecture focused on pediatric assessment, anatomical differences 

between adult and pediatric patients and how these differences impact the care provided. Then, pediatric 

experts and educators will oversee an afternoon filled with hands-on skill stations that will allow participants 

the opportunity to safely apply pediatric skills such as intravenous and intraosseous access and both basic and advanced airway management. 

Real Helicopter Cases From Wisconsin Several Helicopter Services 

When lives depend on additional resources and when rapid transport is a priority, help often comes from the 

sky. Spend the day with expert air medical personnel from Flight For Life, Mayo One, Ministry Spirit Medical 

Transportation, and UW Med Flight as they share actual scene cases and present dramatic patient care at its 

best. Follow each case from dispatch to final destination as they relate the anatomy and physiology, on-scene 

EMS care, in-flight helicopter care and final disposition of a critical patient. Case studies throughout the day 

will include challenging scene calls such as farm extrication, explosion, and of course major vehicle trauma. 

Plus, each air medical service will showcase what they consider to be their best recent call. You won’t want to 

miss this opportunity to learn about the best care in the air from some of Wisconsin’s finest air medical services. 

MCI For The First Responder Chris Suprun 

You respond to an accident involving only two vehicles but when you arrive on scene you see eight patients – 

three of whom are severely injured. What do you do as the first arriving unit? This session is designed to teach 

both the 20-day rookie and the 20-year veteran the differences between caring for one patient or 100 and 

everything in between. Mass Casualty Incident Management (MCIM) forces the first responder to change how 

they treat patients to provide sufficient care in multi-vehicle collisions, school and mass shootings, floods, and 

even plane crashes into buildings. Moving beyond the classroom lecture this session will also include tabletop 

demonstrations for a closer look. First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics and Firefighters will all leave with a new 

focus on attacking MCIs from a global perspective that can be taken home to your EMS or fire organization. 

Staying SAFE With S.A.V.E Shawn Tompkins and Bob Poresky 

It is a fact that assaults that injure medical personnel are at an all-time high and are likely to continue to 

escalate into the next decade. Even though more than 1 in 20 EMS calls involve a violent patient, little 

training is provided to effectively address this growing problem. This hands-on, interactive program provides 

students with simple techniques that can easily be applied to any aggressive person. Based on a foundation 

of medically accepted and liability conscious practices, S.A.V.E. (Safely Addressing Violent Encounters) will 

teach you how to safely control violent patients in need of medical treatment and how to defend yourself and 

your partners against unexpected assaults. Attending this session will prepare you to effectively recognize, 

prevent and defend against violent encounters, minimize injuries to responders, patients, and bystanders and 

avoid litigation using non-violent techniques. 

Ultimate EMS Leadership Jeff Johnson 

The most popular EMS leadership presentations at the Working Together conference have come from Chief Jeff Johnson. 

Thousands of conference participants have benefited from Chief Johnson’s experience and dynamic presentations. Whether you 

have heard Jeff speak in the past or not, you simply will not want to miss this full-day EMS leadership session. Jeff will present 

an all new and updated version of his highly rated leadership class for EMS professionals. Whether you lead a large operation 

with a hundred EMTs or firefighters or you command just a dozen providers and respond to less than one call a week, Chief 

Johnson will provide you with an entertaining day of learning how to be successful as the leader and manager of the department 

you represent – or even the department you hope to represent in the future. Simply put, you do not want to miss this class. 

Surviving the Fireground Mike Mason 

Join Lieutenant Mike Mason as he takes you into the realities of risk and the consequences for modern day firefighting. This complete 

program will enlighten firefighters of any experience level while providing a detailed reality check in surviving the fireground for 

your department, its members, and yourself. Areas covered will include defining and committing to interior operations; fireground 

situational awareness; fireground survival policies; preventing and surviving Maydays; staffing and fireground survival; fighting 

fires in conventional and light weight construction; interior operations relating to room orientations; tactical air management 

and practices on interior firefighting; recognizing the attack progress; establishing exit strategies and emergency evacuations; and 

Maydays while commanding stressful fireground events. These are just some of the topics covered during this dynamic program 

filled with video and visual presentations that make it a complete training event for everyone from firefighter recruit to fire chief. 



www.WisconsinEMS.com Emergency Services Midwest Conference & Exposition 

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013 

BASIC / 1 ST RESP 

ADVANCED 

TRAUMA 

MEDICAL 

VARIETY 

VARIETY 

FIRE 

A track 

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM B track 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

A1 The Art of Basic EMT Anatomy 

B1 Amazing Case Studies – Live 

C1 Bare-Handed Basic Care 

Jason Dush 

Ensuring quality airway management is challenging 

because the generally fast-paced process often occurs 

under demanding circumstances. Research increasingly 

suggests that pre-hospital intubation may not 

be beneficial and may even be detrimental to some 

patients. Using case studies, we will highlight core 

measures of patient safety, timeliness, oxygenation, 

and ventilation. The next time you pull out your 

airway bag what are you going to do? 

A2 Picking Up the Pieces: Critical Care Skills 

Scotty Bolleter 

Managing a catastrophic emergency starts “one patient 

at a time.” This session clears the air and defines the true 

needs of our sickest patients. The primary focus of this 

program is centered on simplification, organization and 

development of a goal-oriented, team-inspired approach 

to pre-hospital critical care. Learn how to identify 

common characteristics of an emergent patient as well as 

gain confidence in today’s airway management, vascular 

access, and treatment goals. 

A3 Simple Rules of Trauma Assessment 

Paul A. Werfel 

Join EMS author Paul Werfel in this new and 

insightful look into trauma patient assessment. Most 

assessment presentations today are all-day affairs 

with multiple things to remember. Wouldn’t it be 

nice if someone came up with some simple trauma 

assessment rules to follow? Someone has! Even if 

you attend Wednesday’s Trauma Patient Assessment 

class, this session will offer several guides that will 

make your next trauma assessment easier. 

A4 Respiratory Failure: Going Down the Tubes 

Jon Politis 

The patient in respiratory distress is one of the most 

commonly encountered situations in the field. But 

at what point does a patient go from breathing difficulty 

to respiratory failure? How do you recognize 

the signs and symptoms and what do you do about 

it? This session focuses on the early recognition and 

management of respiratory failure using both basic 

and advanced skills including CPAP and nebulized 

bronchodilators. 

A5 Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite 

Thomas Dunn 

Few parts of the USA have been untouched by the 

resurgence of bed bugs. EMS has also been affected 

by bed bugs, indeed there was once a time where 

every firehouse in Cincinnati had an infestation 

because of the calls they were running. This session 

discusses the various human inhabiting parasites, 

how such patients present in the field, and tips for 

managing and transporting such patients by ambulance. 

Not for the faint of heart! 

A6 Kids Aren’t Supposed To Die 

Ed Racht 

One of the hardest patients to manage in EMS is the 

arrested child. Not only is their anatomy and physiology 

different than the adult, they’re way too young to 

die. Our culture rightfully embraces and protects its 

children, so when they’re at risk not only are we challenged 

to manage their unique complexities, but our 

emotions are also impacted by the potential loss of a 

child. Dr. Racht covers the science of pediatric arrest 

and the cultural challenges we face with this population. 

A7 First In: Fireground Tactics and Strategies 

Mike Mason 

First-in fire companies arriving at structure fires are 

under a whirlwind of fast-paced dynamic decision 

making. Using true experiences and case studies 

this session covers a wide range of topics including 

rules of engagement; fireground leadership; 

principles and studies for high-risk, low-frequency 

events; size-ups related to old and modern building 

construction; imminent dangers at structural fires; 

plus best tactics and strategies. 


Ten brand new case studies will be the cornerstone 

of this comprehensive and interactive session 

designed to fine-tune the EMS provider’s assessment 

skills. Participants will systematically examine 

and assess each patient and then suggest and discuss 

potential treatment modalities. The group will 

then compare and contrast these findings with the 

actual in-hospital diagnosis and treatment reports 

from the case. 

B2 The STEMI You’ve Been Missing 

Rommie Duckworth 

This highly energetic lecture presents the pathophysiology 

of S-T elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 

an easy-to-understand style to help you best identify, 

triage and treat patients presenting with acute coronary 

syndromes. Using the latest research behind the AHA 

Guidelines changes, you’ll better coordinate with your 

partners along the continuum of cardiac care. Emphasis 

is placed on risk factors, recognizing truly sick patients 

and coordinating care with hospital personnel. 

B3 Good Medicine in Bad Places: Tactical EMS 

Bill Justice 

Come and take a look at working in the world of tactical 

medicine where the equipment utilized is often 

only what is able to be carried on the tactical medic’s 

back. Topics will include tools and techniques 

used in the TEMS environment, the principles and 

procedures used, extended operations, weather concerns, 

urban versus rural response and multi-agency 

interaction. Attend this session and find out about 

the exciting world of TEMS. 

B4 The Twists and Turns of GI Bleeds 

Will Dunn 

The GI or gastrointestinal system is a complex organ 

system that can present with bleeding that ranges 

from the very benign to a hemorrhagic catastrophe. 

Pathology can be confusing and downright unpleasant 

to encounter. This presentation will start with the 

basics by reviewing the anatomy and terminology and 

then breaks down the different pathologies, how they 

present and how to treat them. Case studies will then 

be used to apply the content in an illustrative way. 

B5 Pint-sized Patients; King-sized Challenges 

Connie J. Mattera 

Caring for our smallest patients presents unique challenges 

due to their psycho-social, emotional, and physical 

differences. Based on their age, size, and psychodynamics, 

one child may be assessed and treated very differently 

from another. This presentation walks the provider 

through the developmental milestones that impact our 

approach to a traumatized child, provides an overview 

of the types of injuries often sustained, EMS assessment 

priorities, and child-specific resuscitative interventions. 

B6 Straight From the State EMS Office 

Brian Litza 

What’s happening in Wisconsin EMS? What’s 

going on nationally that affects EMS in Wisconsin? 

This session will give participants the most current 

information regarding EMS straight from the 

State EMS office. Some of the topics will include 

changes to the scopes of practice, an update on 

medication shortages, ambulance design changes, 

and many more exciting changes that will challenge 

and affect EMS delivery in Wisconsin. 

B7 Beyond the Nozzle 

Alan Rufer 

Residential fires account for over 90% of civilian fire 

deaths. What actions will you take if you are first on the 

scene of a working fire in a residential structure? This session 

looks at the critical tasks that must be performed 

successfully at every house fire and gets to the root of the 

problem with fireground communications and identify 

methods for fixing it. Learn the six critical components 

of conducting a 360, how to complete it in less than two 

minutes, and why it may make or break your operations. 

C track 

Jon Politis 

You are off duty or are called to go “off road” to 

manage a patient and you have very minimal equipment. 

The patient has a broken femur and you 

don’t have a traction splint. What do you do now? 

You are certain to enjoy this presentation focused 

on how to provide high quality patient care with 

minimal equipment and, even more importantly, 

how to improvise with your bare hands. Don’t miss 

this educational and entertaining session. 

C2 The ABCs - A Better Cardiac Arrest 

Ed Racht 

Airway. Breathing. Circulation. Motherhood and 

apple pie, right? In the 2010 AHA guidelines not 

only does airway take a back seat to compressions, 

but our entire philosophy of managing the cardiac 

arrest patient has changed as well. Our efforts now 

focus on one simple principle – keep the patient as 

close to normal physiology as we can. Come learn 

about the whys behind the what. It will change the 

way you think about arrests! 

C3 Double Trouble: Trauma in Pregnancy 

Chris Suprun 

We’re all concerned about trauma in children, 

but what happens when the child is in utero? The 

answer is you add a pregnant patient in the mix. 

This session will cover assessment and management 

of the pregnant trauma patient and her unborn 

child through various gestational stages, the delivery, 

and treatment for both mom and child. This 

session will also case study a few “average” pregnant 

traumas and their outcomes. 

C4 Common Toxicological Emergencies 

Will Dunn 

While Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) 

tend to get a sharper focus when discussing toxins, 

this session will focus on the more common poisonings 

that EMS is likely to encounter. Which 

poisonings are most likely to affect your patient? Is 

there a systematic approach to any acute toxicological 

emergency? The more common toxicological 

emergencies together with the preferred treatment 

strategies will be included. 

C5 Psychiatric Cases You Won’t Believe! 

Thomas Dunn 

EMS responds to help the police with a 24-yearold 

male walking around a college campus in a 

wetsuit and swim fins pouring water over his head 

and claiming, “I am growing a third row of teeth.” 

He is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

and is eventually admitted to medical ICU. Come 

to this session to hear more about this and other 

interesting cases of psychiatric patients including 

their prehospital presentation and management. 

C6 Battered and Beaten 

Jason Dush 

Based on reports from ten countries, between 55% 

and 95% of women who were physically abused by 

their partners never contacted support organizations, 

shelters, or even the police for help. Domestic violence 

is a serious problem that needs to be stopped. 

This session will help you better prepare to recognize 

patients suffering from the physical and mental 

injuries of abuse. Documentation, reporting, and 

management during transport will all be included. 

C7 Commanding the Mayday 

Mike Mason 

The unthinkable event of a distressed firefighter’s 

Mayday is every responder’s nightmare. This session 

details how departments can train, assemble and 

provide for firefighters’ survival at structural fires. 

The program also provides the insights into Mayday 

preparedness, RIT training, survivability profiling, 

communications and accountability. Rich in video 

as well as informational visual presentations, this 

session is sure to both captivate and inform. 



D track E track F track 

Basic / 1stResp 

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

D1 Rock Your Assessment 


Your work in emergency services involves making 

critical decisions with little information in a 

short amount of time. How can you obtain the 

most important patient information in the short 

time you have? How can you sort through the 

information to identify key decision points? This 

presentation shows the Context-CUPS-Care methods 

to rapidly gather and prioritize the information 

E1 The Sun Will Rise and Set 


This pediatric to geriatric comparative program has 

emergency medicine in mind as it takes you from 

initial presentation to emergent outcome for our 

most precious patients. Because this program is 

spiced with the reality of actual events you will feel 

and understand the differences and similarities these 

patients offer us. Following this lecture you will 

likely modify your approach, treatment, and follow- 

F1 Stroke: It’s No Accident! 


It’s not a CVA anymore... come learn the new advances in 

brain attack. How do ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes 

differ in their presentation? What are the atypical presentations 

of stroke? What are the critical prehospital quick 

stroke screen assessments that need to be communicated 

to the hospital? Should a patient experiencing a stroke be 

given oxygen? What is the best destination hospital for 

those with acute stroke? These are important elements for 

that you’ll need to best care for your patients. through for these fragile patient populations. EMS personnel to know. 

D2 Forensic Cases in ALS Airway Management E2 12-Lead ECG Case Studies 

F2 Paralyzing Thoughts or Comfortably Numb? 


Chris Suprun 


We all know that inserting an endotracheal tube This session will motivate experienced ALS pro- The reality is that our patients are needlessly suffer- 

or other ALS airway can be fraught with difficulty viders to use their ECG device for more than ing in the pre-hospital setting. This lecture is simply 

and risk. But how well do we really know and rate, rhythm, and STEMI. Participants are asked about managing our patient’s condition instead of it 

understand the risks? What happens when things to come to class ready to look for more than they managing us. Gain new insight into pain manage- 

go terribly wrong? A complete, comprehensive and may have initially learned. This session will not ment, conscious sedation and paralytic usage for the 

sane discussion is long overdue. Join a noted stan- only look at chest pain, but at other presentations emergent adult and pediatric populations. Learn the 

dard of care witness as he presents four case studies that have less to do with STEMI and more with the risks and benefits of their pre-hospital usage and the 

that highlight airway issues from EMS arrival to ability to quantify and qualify other patient condi- concert of events that must simultaneously occur 

court decision and disposition. 

tions using the 12-lead ECG. 

with their consideration. 

D3 EMS Response to the Active Shooter E3 Vehicle Rescue for EMS Responders F3 Spinal Care and Trauma Management 

Bill Justice and Jerry Biggart 

Could it happen in your town? Have you read the 

news lately? One of the fastest growing problems 

in America is urban terrorism. This presentation 

will focus on new tactics for both law enforcement 

and medical providers involved in an active shooter 

scenario. Teamwork, good communication and a 

formulated plan “before” the attack are paramount 

for an integrated response. Join Bill and Jerry as 

they explore some “lessons learned” including the 

recent Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek, Wis. 

Jon Politis 

Many EMS providers don’t provide the mechanical side 

of rescue. We access the patient, provide care, package 

and evacuate. Along the way, those who provide the “tool 

work” often look to the EMS providers to help determine 

the best method of egress and to determine patient 

priority. Because EMS responders need to have a solid 

understanding of vehicle rescue principles and practices, 

this presentation will review what works and help save 

time in treatment and the extrication of the injured. 

Bill Justice 

This presentation is primarily for the trauma junkie. 

Here we focus on high energy trauma and scene 

management, along with useful pearls to assist in 

choreographing a sometimes chaotic event. The 

presenter will graphically illustrate distractions that 

cause confusion during high energy events that 

often cause critical injuries to be overlooked. This 

session is an interactive presentation that you are 

certain to both enjoy and learn from. 

D4 Beyond Insulin Shock and Diabetic Coma E4 Never Say Oops!!! Errors in EMS 

F4 Case Studies From a Year In Rural EMS 


Diabetes remains a major source of morbidity and 

mortality in the U.S. Perhaps 120 million people 

worldwide are diabetic. Yet, EMS personnel often 

fail to appreciate the complexity of this disease 

pathophysiology. Do you still refer to insulindependent 

and non-insulin dependent diabetes? 

This is a fascinating disease. Come learn to be a 

critical thinker when assessing and managing these 

patients. 

Ed Racht 

In the often unpredictable and chaotic world of 

“EMS Medicine”, our patients have rightfully 

come to expect four simple things – Be quick, be 

nice, be good and be safe. We have the ability as 

practitioners to make choices in how we care for 

patients. This ability makes us better clinicians, but 

those same decision points can also lead to “EMS 

wrong turns”. Come learn more about what causes 

errors in healthcare, specific risks in EMS, and how 

to effectively deal with an “oops”. 

Chris Suprun 

How did I end up on Hee Haw? Presenter Chris 

Suprun sometimes asked himself this question 

during his first year in rural EMS. This session will 

discuss issues in long response and transport covering 

the gamut of medical and traumatic issues including 

cardiac arrest, pregnancy, gross trauma, and the 

training that is required to practice medicine in the 

rural environment. We will also discuss options for 

increased scope of practice for these areas as well. 

D5 EMS Implications of Returning War Veterans E5 The Designer Drug Evolution 

F5 I Miss the Circus, Not the Clowns 

Thomas Dunn 



More than three million Americans have deployed Emergency services are increasingly being confronted Paid or volunteer, what is it about this Wild West 

with the armed forces in recent years. Faced with by the use of new types of designer drugs. Using real show called Emergency Medical Services that 

unprecedented deployment times, high rates of world case studies, this session will discuss the upsurge attracts us? The money? The camaraderie? What are 

blast injuries, and PTSD, these individuals some- in bath salts, synthetic marijuana, saliva divinorum and the changes that have been seen in EMS during the 

times pose unique challenges for EMS. This session more. Learn what these drugs are, where they’ve come last 35 years? Led by long time educator and author, 

will equip you to better understand some presenta- from, and what form they may take in the future. Hear Paul Werfel, participants will systematically examtions 

of the Global War on Terrorism veteran and what regulators and law enforcement are doing to stop ine the milestones, both good and bad, in EMS 

provide concrete suggestions in the field manage- them and what EMS providers can do to manage the and examine old things that were once considered 

ment of such patients. 

fallout from this new wave of designer drugs. 

ground breaking, at least for a while. 

D6 Wisconsin EMS in Transition 

E6 Critical Decision Making 

F6 New Trends in Chemical Suicide 

Fred Hornby 

Will Dunn 

Jason Dush 

As Wisconsin EMS moves forward to align with The EMS Provider is faced with what can be an Mixing household chemicals to create toxic vapors 

the National Scope of Practice, a transition training overwhelming number of clinical, logistical and in a confined space and inhaling them has become a 

process will be rolled out. All current EMS pro- operational decisions on even the simplest call. This new trend in the United States. Over the past several 

viders across the state must obtain the education session uses lessons learned in high-risk situations years we have seen a steady climb in calls that have 

to bridge to the new scope of practice. With this that affected decision-making. A number of con- involved this process along with the ingestion of these 

new scope comes an expanded knowledge-base and cepts from non-medical industries will be presented toxic chemicals. These new trends have led to a rise in 

expanded treatment, creating a need for additional along with a variety of case studies to illustrate how overdoses and suicides. This session will take a look, 

EMS education. Join Fred as he hosts an interactive to better approach critical decisions for the deci- through literature and real case studies, at the history 

session to explain the new standards. 

sion-maker and all members of the team. 

of both practices and the dangers that responders face. 

D7 The Game Has Changed; Has Your Playbook? E7 If You Would Just Lead Them 

F7 Mobile Homes: Small House, Big Fire 

Alan Rufer 

Mike Mason 

Alan Rufer 

Despite recent reductions in firefighter fatalities, Experience an awe inspiring wake-up call regard- Mobile homes can be found in any city and account 

firefighters continue to die inside of structures at an ing leadership in the sometimes-called “para-military for approximately 10% of the single-family struc- 

alarming rate. Today’s fires consume more synthetic environment” that is part of today’s fire service. This tures in the U.S. Despite the fact that we drive by or 

and petroleum-based materials than natural prod- presentation provides insights into motivating firefight- even live in them, they are often overlooked when 

ucts. The structures are bigger, tighter, and built with ers through compassion, trust, sense of duty, courage it comes to training and operational planning. This 

materials that are rated by strength and without con- and commitment, while keeping them safe both on session takes an in-depth look at the challenges 

sideration to fire resistance. Learn the new fire model and off the fireground. Get a glimpse into the critical of mobile home fires, separates fact from fiction, 

and the critical elements interior firefighters need to thinking and decision-making characteristics of leader- increases your understanding of how they are 

look, feel, and listen for to stay alive in today’s fires. ship needed in high-stress, dynamic, environments. designed, and illustrates common hazards. 



ADVANCED 

TRAUMA 

MEDICAL 

VARIETY 

VARIETY 

FIRE 

saTurday, February 2, 2013

CompleTe 2013 ConFerenCe sChedule 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 

7:00 - 8:00 AM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

12:00 - 1:00 PM 

3:00 - 3:30 PM 

7:00 PM - Close 

Thursday, January 31, 2013 

7:00 - 8:00 AM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

8:00 - 5:00 PM 

12:00 - 1:00 PM 

3:00 - 3:30 PM 

5:00 - 7:00 PM 

7:00 - 8:00 PM 


Friday, February 1, 2013 

7:00 - 8:00 AM 

8:00 - 10:00 AM 

Good Morning Break and Registration – Sponsored by Whelen Engineering, Chester, CT 

Friday Morning Keynote Address: Jeff Johnson – Sponsored by Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, WI 

BASIC / FIRST RESPONDER ADVANCED TRAUMA 

10:15 - 11:45 AM Session A1 Session A2 Session A3 

Sponsored by UW Health 

Emergency Services, Madison 

The Art of Basic EMT Anatomy 

- Jason Dush 

Picking up the Pieces: Critical Care Skills 

- Scotty Bolleter 

Simple Rules of Trauma Assessment 

- Paul A. Werfel 

11:45 AM - 1:30 PM Lunch and Exhibits – Lunch – BBQ Pulled Pork on Roll, Pickle, Creamy Cole Slaw, Choice of Dessert, and Beverage 

1:30 - 2:45 PM Session B1 Session B2 Session B3 

Sponsored by Pomasl Fire Amazing Case Studies - Live 

The STEMI You’ve Been Missing 

Good Medicine in Bad Places: Tactical EMS 

Equipment, Inc., Antigo, WI - Paul A. Werfel 

- Rommie Duckworth 

- Bill Justice 

2:45 - 3:45 PM Afternoon Break and Exhibits – Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Medical Transport, Rochester, MN 

3:45 - 5:00 PM Session C1 Session C2 Session C3 

Sponsored by Bare-Handed Basic Care 

The ABCs - A Better Cardiac Arrest Double Trouble: Trauma In Pregnancy 

Demers Ambulance, Beloeil, QC - Jon Politis 

- Ed Racht 

- Chris Suprun 

8:00 - 9:00 PM 


Saturday, February 2, 2013 

7:00 - 8:00 AM 

8:00 - 10:00 AM 

Hot and Cold Hors D’oeuvres – Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – Sponsored by Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, WI 

Yee Hawww! Good ‘ole Fashioned Hoe-Down – Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – Sponsored by Foster Coach Sales, Sterling, IL 

Good Morning Break and Registration – Sponsored by Sprint Nextel Public Sector, Overland Park, KS 

Saturday Morning General Session Address: Ed Racht – Sponsored by Badger Transfer Solutions, LLC, Oconomowoc, WI 

BASIC / FIRST RESPONDER ADVANCED TRAUMA 

10:15 - 11:45 AM Session D1 Session D2 Session D3 

Sponsored by 

St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison 

Good Morning Break and Registration – Sponsored by Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 

Total Trauma Patient Assessment, Connie J. Mattera – Sponsored by Emergency Medical Products (EMP), Waukesha, WI 

ALS For BLS, Bill Justice – Sponsored by SOS Technologies, Chicago, IL 

Tactical EMS, Chris Cook – Sponsored by Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, WI 

Educator’s Centerpiece Workshop, Rommie Duckworth – Sponsored by P.H.I. Air Medical, Phoenix, AZ 

EMT Refresher, Don Kimlicka and Jerry Biggart – Sponsored by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI 

Lunch – Spiced Italian Beef with Sautéed Peppers & Onions on an Italian Roll, Served with Hot and Mild Jardinière, Pasta 

Salad tossed in an Italian Vinaigrette Dressing, Choice of Dessert, and Beverage 

Afternoon Break – Sponsored by Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 

Welcome Back Mix & Mingle – Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Miller Time Pub - Sponsored by Hilton Hotel 

Good Morning Break and Registration – Sponsored by Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 

Get Your Hands-On Pediatric Care, Paul A. Werfel – Sponsored by WI EMS for Children (EMSC), Madison, WI 

Real Helicopter Cases from Wisconsin, Flight For Life, Mayo One, Ministry Spirit, UW Med Flight – Sponsored by Kaplan 

MCI for the First Responder, Chris Suprun – Sponsored by Flight for Life, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, WI 

Staying Safe with S.A.V.E., Shawn Tompkins and Bob Poresky – Sponsored by Medix Specialty Vehicles, Inc., Elkhart, IN 

Ultimate EMS Leadership, Jeff Johnson – Sponsored by Gold Cross Ambulance Service, Inc., Menasha, WI 

Surviving the Fireground, Mike Mason – Sponsored by Paul Conway Shields, New Berlin, WI 

Lunch – Rolled Lasagna with Italian Cheeses, Italian Breadstick, Classic Caesar Salad, Choice of Dessert, and Beverage 

Afternoon Break – Sponsored by Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 

Exposition Hall Grand Opening 

Champagne Reception - Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Sponsored by LifeQuest Services, Wautoma, WI 

Ultimate Graffiti Party with Ultimate DJ - Hilton Hotel – Progressive Medical International, Vista, CA 

Rock Your Assessment 


Forensic Cases in ALS Airway Management 


EMS Response to the Active Shooter 

- Bill Justice & Jerry Biggart 

11:45 AM - 1:30 PM Lunch and Exhibits Lunch – Chicken Parmesan, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Choice of Dessert, and Beverage 

1:30 - 2:45 PM Session E1 Session E2 Session E3 

Sponsored by North Central The Sun Will Rise and Set 

12-Lead ECG Case Studies 

Vehicle Rescue for EMS Responders 

Ambulance, Lester Prairie, MN - Scotty Bolleter 

- Chris Suprun 

- Jon Politis 

2:45 - 3:45 PM Afternoon Break and Exhibits – Sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 

3:45 - 5:00 PM Session F1 Session F2 Session E3 

Sponsored by Stroke: It’s No Accident! 

Paralyzing Thoughts or Comfortably Numb? Spinal Care and Trauma Management 

Demers Ambulance, Beloeil, QC - Connie J. Mattera 

- Scotty Bolleter 

- Bill Justice 

7:00 - 8:00 PM Complimentary Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks – Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Sponsored by Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Milwaukee, WI 

7:00 PM - Close The Last Blast – Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Sponsored by Physio Control, Redmond, WA 



From Tourniquets to 12-Leads: What’s around the Corner? Jeff Johnson 

FRIDAY MORNING KEYNOTE ADDRESS - Sponsored by Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, WI 

For all the talk about thinking outside the box, one has to ask why use a box? Chief Johnson is nationally known 

as a leader and an innovator...more importantly, he has put his ideas to work on the street. What is around 

the corner? Is it time to move beyond transporting all the questionable patients, issuing prescriptions via the 

paramedic in the home or running calls from our urgent care clinic? What’s around the corner is often not what 

we think and often leaves us with more questions. Chief Johnson will challenge you to see your patients in a 

different light and provide you with foresight for what’s to come. You will have a great time listening and will 

leave this session looking around the corner with anticipation! 

The Dirty Little Secrets of EMS Ed Racht 

SATURDAY MORNING GENERAL ADDRESS - Sponsored by Badger Transfer Solutions, LLC, Oconomowoc, WI 

There is perhaps no practice of medicine on the planet as unique as EMS. Think about it –unimaginable 

people in unpredictable situations with unbelievable problems. We are expected to respond, evaluate 

and manage any scenario that could possibly come our way, and frankly, we’ve gotten pretty good at it. 

Outstanding EMS Practitioners are those that have taken a solid book knowledge, combined it with a 

broad clinical experience and added the most important ingredient of success – street smarts. As our 

profession grows, we understand more about those “dirty little secrets” that only a fellow EMS practitioner 

can understand. This discussion takes a hard look at our culture, our practice and those things that impact 

patient care, that only we would know. 

Exposition Hall Open 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

MEDICAL VARIETY VARIETY FIRE 

Session A4 Session A5 Session A6 Session A7 

Respiratory Failure: Going Down the Tubes 

- Jon Politis 

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite 

- Thomas Dunn 

Kids Aren’t Supposed To Die 

- Ed Racht 

Session B4 Session B5 Session B6 Session B7 

The Twists and Turns of GI Bleeds 

- Will Dunn 

Pint-sized Patients; King-sized Challenges 

- Connie J. Mattera 

Straight from the State EMS Office 

- Brian Litza 

First-In: Fireground Tactics and Strategies 

- Mike Mason 

Beyond the Nozzle 

- Alan Rufer 

Session C4 Session C5 Session C6 Session C7 

Common Toxicological Emergencies 

- Will Dunn 

Psychiatric Cases You Won’t Believe 

- Thomas Dunn 

Battered & Beaten 

- Jason Dush 

Commanding the Mayday 

- Mike Mason 

Exposition Hall Open 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

MEDICAL VARIETY VARIETY FIRE 

Session D4 Session D5 Session D6 Session D7 

Beyond Insulin Shock and Diabetic Coma 

- Connie J. Mattera 

EMS Implications of Returning War Veterans 

- Thomas Dunn 

Wisconsin EMS in Transition 

- Fred Hornby 

Session E4 Session E5 Session E6 Session E7 

Never Say Oops!!! Errors in EMS 

- Ed Racht 

The Designer Drug Evolution 


Critical Decision Making 

- Will Dunn 

Session F4 Session F5 Session F6 Session F7 

Case Studies From a Year in Rural EMS 

- Chris Supron 

I Miss the Circus, Not the Clowns 


New Trends in Chemical Suicide 

- Jason Dush 

The Game Has Changed; Has Your Playbook? 

- Alan Rufer 

If You Would Just Lead Them 

- Mike Mason 

Mobile Homes: Small House, Big Fire 

- Alan Rufer 



CompleTe 2013 ConFerenCe sChedule

Working TogeTher ConFerenCe speakers 

Jerry Biggart Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Jerry Biggart is an Emergency Medical Instructor/ 

Coordinator for the Milwaukee Fire Department. He 

has been involved in EMS and the fire service for 16 

years and is also a career Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic 

in the City of Oak Creek, Wisc. In addition, Jerry is 

an Instructor/Coordinator at the Milwaukee Area and 

Waukesha County Technical Colleges. 

Scott Bolleter San Antonio, Texas 

Chief Scott Bolleter, better known as Scotty to colleagues and friends, is a 

respected paramedic and well-known speaker, best known for his inspiring 

talks and clinical candor. Currently Scotty is responsible for the Office of 

Clinical Direction and the Centre for Emergency Health 

Sciences in Spring Branch, Texas, where he is focused on 

multidisciplinary interventions, clinical education and 

research. Scotty has been involved in emergency medicine 

for well over 25 years, as Director of Education and 

Flight Paramedic for San Antonio AirLIFE, Assistant 

EMS Program Director for Victoria College, Training 

Officer and Supervisor for Harlingen Community 

Emergency Care Foundation, as well as EMT & Paramedic 

for Aransas County EMS. Scotty’s reputation is 

established on the advancement of emergency medicine 

and compassionate care for those in need. His work has taken him across the 

U.S. and around the world. 

Chris Cook Eagle, Wisconsin 

Chris Cook is a registered nurse, EMT-P, TEMS officer, and retired U.S. 

Army officer. Chris began his career in the U.S. Army in 1987 as a Communications 

Security Specialist. After his first military commitment, Chris 

joined the Air Force Reserve as a Security Forces Sergeant 

while working as an ER Nurse and part-time as a 

special deputy tactical medic for the Walworth County 

Sheriff’s SWAT team. In 2003, Chris re-joined the Army 

National Guard and was deployed to Iraq as a medic 

for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, Chris was involved 

in a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device 

(VBIED) attack where he nearly lost his left leg and had 

extensive damage to his right. Chris applied his own 

tourniquet, and underwent 20 operations over three 

years to repair the damage and was awarded the Bronze 

Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge. He now 

serves as the EMS Coordinator for ProHealth Care and is an EMS/TEMS 

Instructor for WCTC. 

Rommie Duckworth Sherman, Connecticut 

A dedicated emergency responder and award-winning educator, Rom 

Duckworth has more than 20 years of experience working in career and 

volunteer fire departments, public and private emergency services and 

hospital-based healthcare systems. Rom is a frequent speaker at national 

conferences and a regular contributor to research programs, 

magazines, textbooks and new media on topics 

of field operations, leadership, education and career development 

in emergency services. Founder of the New 

England Center for Rescue and Emergency Medicine, 

Rom is currently a career Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic 

and EMS Coordinator. Using his background in local, 

regional and national emergency response to bring 

his classes to life, Rom’s energetic style blends humor, 

hands-on experience and the latest research for programs 

you won’t soon forget. 

Thomas Dunn Denver, Colorado 

Dr. Thomas Dunn is an Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at the 

University of Northern Colorado. He earned a Ph.D. 

in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology in 

1999. Dr. Dunn is on faculty at Denver Health Medical 

Center as a licensed psychologist. He also has 25 years of 

experience in EMS having worked in a number of EMS 

settings including backcountry rescue, fire-based EMS, 

and is presently a paramedic field instructor for Denver 

Paramedics, the 911 provider to the city and county of 

Denver, Colo. Dr. Dunn is a regular contributing author 

to national EMS trade journals, medical journals, and is 

a frequent speaker at EMS conferences. 

Will Dunn Denver, Colorado 

Will Dunn is the Clinical Paramedic Supervisor for the Eagle County 

Ambulance District in Vail, Colo. A Colorado native, Will first began 

his EMS career in St. Petersburg, Fla, more than 20 

years ago. His experience includes fire-service EMS 

and working as a field paramedic at the Denver Health 

Paramedic Division, before entering management with 

Pridemark Paramedics in Boulder and suburban Denver. 

Since contributing to the publication of multiple 

journal articles and collaborating on a paramedic textbook 

chapter, Will has returned to his hometown of 

Vail, where he oversees the practice of paramedics in 

a world-class ski resort that includes typical 911 response, 

wilderness and backcountry medicine. Additionally, 

he closely oversees the practice of the critical care paramedics for 

his agency. Will continues to pursue EMS-related research projects and 

lectures nationally on EMS topics. 

Jason Dush Keller, Texas 

Jason serves as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for the Arlington Fire 

Department and part-time Critical Care Flight Paramedic 

with CareFlite. Jason’s resume includes 17 years 

of career EMS/Fire service and 10 years as a Critical 

Care Flight Paramedic. Other experiences include 

three years as the EMS clinical coordinator for the Arlington 

Fire Department and seven years on a ground 

ambulance with Austin-Travis County EMS. Jason has 

been an active commissioned police officer and Tactical 

Paramedic since 1997, currently commissioned 

with the Bedford Police Department. Jason is passionate 

about EMS education and has become a known 

national speaker during the last 10 years bringing a sense of humor and 

practical experience to his audience. 

Fred Hornby Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Fred has over 25 years of experience in the high-volume 

EMS service providing both 911 responses and 

inter-facility critical care transports. He is a licensed 

paramedic with critical care training. He has extensive 

experience in EMS management and working 

with EMS stakeholders, groups, and boards. In addition 

Fred has 13 years of experience as an EMS instructor. 

Fred currently serves as a Paramedic/Training 

Center Coordinator for the state of Wisconsin 

EMS office. 

Jeff Johnson Aloha, Oregon 

Jeff Johnson is the CEO for the Western Fire Chiefs Association, past president 

of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and 

a retired Fire Chief and CEO of Oregon’s Tualatin Valley 

Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) following a 32-year fire 

service career. In August 2009, Chief Johnson was installed 

as the President and Chairman of the Board of 

Directors of IAFC. He also holds membership in the 

Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and various IAFC 

Sections. He is the IAFC’s alternate representative to the 

SAFECOM Executive Committee and a member of the 

USA Delegation to the International Association of Fire 

and Rescue Services. 

Bill Justice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Bill Justice, TEMS-I, is currently the Special Operations Coordinator for 

the University of Oklahoma Department of Emergency Medicine. Bill 

is a frequent educator at regional, national and international 

conferences. Bill’s user-friendly approach to 

emergency management topics provides a relaxed and 

interactive atmosphere for all participants. His background 

has spanned a 35-year career in fire-rescue, 

EMS and law enforcement. He is currently the State 

of Oklahoma PHTLS/TCCC Coordinator, Oklahoma 

University Department of Emergency Medicine faculty 

member, AHA regional faculty and a TEMS operator/ 

instructor for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department 

and U.S. Marshals Task Force. Bill assists local, 

state and federal law enforcement and military agencies with education 

and response operations. 



Don Kimlicka Weston, Wisconsin 

Don Kimlicka is a nationally registered Paramedic and 

Critical Care Paramedic with 30 years of experience in 

EMS. Don currently is the Director for Clintonville Area 

Ambulance Service. He continues to function as a Critical 

Care Paramedic for Clintonville and Great Divide Ambulance 

Services and is Deputy Medical Examiner for Marathon 

County. His work experience in EMS includes both 

volunteer and career departments, Flight Paramedic, EMS 

educator and EMS coordinator. He is currently a regional 

faculty for all disciplines within the American Heart Association, affiliate faculty 

for the PHTLS program, and a member of EMS Systems Management 

committee of the State of Wisconsin EMS Advisory Board. He is an adjunct 

EMS faculty serving with both Mid-State and Northcentral technical colleges. 

Brian Litza Madison, Wisconsin 

Brian Litza is currently the Wisconsin EMS Director in the Department of 

Health Services, Bureau of Communicable Diseases and 

Emergency Response. He has performed in various capacities 

in both private and public sectors of EMS since 

1983. Brian has served as a volunteer firefighter, EMS 

educator, program coordinator, supervisor, and critical 

care paramedic during his 30-year career in emergency 

services. In his role as Wisconsin EMS Director, he is responsible 

for directing projects and developing EMS system 

plans to improve delivery of patient care throughout 

the State of Wisconsin. 

Mike Mason Downers Grove, Illinois 

Lieutenant Mike Mason (Ret.) is a 29-year veteran of the fire service having 

served as an officer with Downers Grove Fire Department. Mike is a certified 

instructor III and fire officer II along with an associate’s 

degree in fire science and holds master’s certificates 

in strategic, tactical and organizational leadership. He 

is also a senior staff instructor and director/founder of 

RICOFIRERESCUE INC. Since its inception in 2001, 

Mike and his staff of national instructors have reached 

and trained over 6,000 firefighters in all ranks throughout 

the U.S., Canada, and abroad. Mike is also an associate 

instructor for Fire Engineering, New York State 

Association of Fire Chiefs, Downers Grove Fire Academy, 

Chicago Fire Academy, Romeoville Fire Academy, 

John Wood Community College, and other academies throughout the state 

of Illinois and the U.S. 

Connie J. Mattera Chicago, Illinois 

Connie Mattera, M.S., R.N., TNS, EMT-P, is the EMS 

Administrative Director for the Northwest Community 

EMS system in Arlington Heights, Ill. She is the senior 

editor for the State of Illinois trauma nurse specialist 

course, is a member of the State of Illinois governor’s 

EMS advisory council, chairs the Illinois EMS education 

committee and serves on the EMS planning and legislative 

committee. She is a frequent faculty member at 

local, state, and national conferences and has published 

multiple articles in EMS and nursing journals. Connie is 

also on the editorial board of JEMS magazine, the board of directors of the 

National Association of EMS Educators and the executive board of Advocates 

for EMS. Connie serves as one of the national faculty for the NAEMSE 

Instructor I and II courses. 

Jon Politis Latham, New York 

Jon Politis has been active as an EMT since 1971. He has served as a 

career firefighter, state EMS training coordinator, paramedic training 

program director and an EMS chief. He has served 

as a member of the National Registry of EMTs board 

of directors, the committee on accreditation for the 

EMS professions and the National Park Service EMS 

advisory committee. In 2010, he retired as the Chief 

of the Colonie EMS Department and was the recipient 

of the 2010 Rocco Morando Lifetime Achievement 

Award in EMS presented by the National Association 

of EMTs. He is currently a full-time EMS 

consultant and continues to practice as a paramedic, 

volunteer firefighter, ski patroller and EMS instructor. 

He is also a technical climber/mountaineer and works part of each 

year as a VIP backcountry ranger in Grand Teton National Park. 

Bob Poresky Syracuse, New York 

Bob Poresky has spent over 35 years developing and 

teaching the principles of unarmed self-defense. Bob is 

a life coach and has certifications in: Lean Manufacturing 

Leader, value-based Six Sigma, black belt, project 

management, train the trainer and anger management. 

As an EMT and master defensive tactics instructor, his 

diverse and extensive instructional experience includes 

specialized training for law enforcement, security and 

health care professionals across the nation. 

Ed Racht Sharpsburg, Georgia 

Ed Racht, M.D., is the Chief Medical Officer for American Medical Response, the 

largest EMS organization in the country. Dr. Racht has been 

involved in EMS and healthcare systems for over 20 years. 

His diverse career path spans academic practice, government 

service, and volunteer, fire, municipal third service, and private 

EMS systems. He has been appointed by four different 

governors to various statewide advisory councils and has been 

extensively involved in local, state, national and international 

EMS initiatives. Recently, he served as vice president of 

medical affairs for Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Georgia. 

Prior to his hospital leadership position, he was the medical 

director for the City of Austin/Travis County EMS System 

in Austin, Texas. Dr. Racht is a frequent keynote speaker at national conferences 

including several times at the Working Together conference. 

Alan Rufer Monroe, Wisconsin 

Alan Rufer began his career in the fire service in 1988 and currently serves 

as the division chief of training for the City of Monroe Fire Department in 

Monroe, Wis. Chief Rufer has an MBA with an emphasis in organizational 

development and has written for both state and national 

publications. He is also the author of the book Help 

Wanted: Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. Chief Rufer 

has been training firefighters and EMS providers for over 

20 years and is a frequent speaker at local and regional 

training conferences. He is a member of the International 

Society of Fire Service Instructors and is currently serving 

as a member on the company officer leadership committee 

for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Chris Suprun Dallas, Texas 

Chris Suprun is a veteran Firefighter/Paramedic and instructor with 20 years 

on the street and more than half that time teaching fire, 

EMS, and emergency management topics. Chris is a frequent 

author on topics related to public safety issues and 

presents at conferences varying from local training seminars 

to international conference events. He is also spokesman 

for Never Forget Foundation – connecting public 

safety responders to school students in need of mentoring 

– and is involved with the Emergency Medical Services 

for Children National Resource Center Advisory Council. 

Shawn Tompkins Syracuse, New York 

Lieutenant Shawn Tompkins has spent the past 20 years 

as a firefighter and paramedic in the upstate New York 

region. He has been trained as a Verbal Judo – Communications 

and De-escalation instructor and is certified 

as a fitness trainer with the American Council on 

Exercise. Shawn has spent hundreds of hours training 

fellow emergency responders across the nation to deal 

with aggressive behavior that they may encounter while 

working in the field. 

Paul. A. Werfel Port Jefferson Station, New York 

A prolific international speaker and author of over 50 articles, magazine columns, 

and book sections, Paul brings over 3 decades of EMT-paramedic 

EMS experience. In addition to 14 years as a NYC Paramedic, 

Professor Werfel has served as the program coordinator 

for Advanced Cardiac, Trauma and Pediatric 

life support at the Emergency Care Institute at Bellevue 

Hospital-NYU Medical Center in New York City, and as 

emergency care programs coordinator at Jamaica Hospital, 

Queens, New York. He is the Director of the EMT 

and Paramedic Program and professor of clinical emergency 

medicine and clinical assistant professor of health 

science at Stony Brook University. 




Working TogeTher ConFerenCe speakers

evening soCial evenTs 

Welcome Back Mix & Mingle 

Looking for a fun, relaxing, low-key way to spend Wednesday night following 

the first day of classes? While the night could start out that way, we make no 

promises for what happens as the evening moves along. We can assure you that 

the place to be on Wednesday night will be the Miller Time Pub located in the 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center. That’s where hundreds of conference participants, 

including those who have just arrived, are likely to be hanging out. Come check 

out Miller Time Pub located in the lobby of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center 

or, weather permitting, go out and explore everything downtown Milwaukee has 

to offer. Plus, Potawatomi Bingo Casino will be running shuttles every 30 minutes 

to and from the hotel. Your options really are just about endless. Just remember to 

pace yourself as there are still three more days and nights of the conference yet to come. 

Expo Hall Grand Opening & Champagne Reception 

Be among the first participants to get a look at the exposition hall following the close of sessions on Thursday. 

Meet with friends and expo vendors alike for two hours in the Delta Center for the grand opening of one of 

the largest emergency services expositions in the Midwest. When the exposition hall closes, the party moves 

to the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in the Crystal Ballroom where the famous Champagne Reception will 

be in full swing – sponsored this year by the Working Together’s Platinum Partner, LifeQuest Services. Stop by 

for a complimentary glass or two of bubbly and share a toast with us as we welcome everyone to the 2013 

Working Together conference. 

Ultimate Graffiti Party with Ultimate DJ 

Because most conference attendees will have arrived in preparation for Friday classes, and with the complimentary 

Champagne Reception having just been completed, the Thursday night Ultimate Graffiti Party is certain to be 

buzzing with conference attendees as soon as the doors open. No special outfit needed; just bring a plain shirt, a 

marker, and let your shirt be its own canvas as your friends will have fun making a mark with their graffiti! There 

is no need to even walk outside, just head to the Crystal Ballroom inside the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and 

join the fun. Ultimate DJ Service will provide the music and good times for what is certain to be a great evening 

of fun. Come and party until the wee hours – just be ready for classes on Friday morning! Do not miss this great 

opportunity to meet up with friends both old and new or bust a move on the dance floor. 

Yee Hawww! Good ‘ole Fashioned Hoe-Down 

The Friday night party has earned its reputation as the one Working Together social event that most people attend and the one that you don’t want 

to miss. Head over to the Hyatt Hotel on Friday and start the night off with an hour of free 

hors d’oeuvres. It’s certainly not mandatory, but it will be a whole hay pile of fun to get 

dressed up in your best Yee Haw, Hoe-Down outfit -- boots included -- and giddy-up with 

the 2012 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Country Group of the Year, Bella Cain. 

Voted as the best country group in Wisconsin, Bella Cain 

is winning the hearts of fans all over the Midwest. This 

hot, young, high-energy, Top-40 country group delivers 

a non-stop, explosive performance at every show. Bella 

Cain will not only perform some of the hottest new country music on the radio today, but 

are certain to throw in some other music styles along the way. We’ll also have a DJ on hand 

to play a variety of music during Bella Cain’s breaks and right up until the cows come home. 

So, y’all come ready to kick up yar heels cause we reckon ya sure don’t want to miss out on 

some good ‘ole fashioned fun! Yeeee Hawww! 

The Last Blast 

While we are very serious about education, what would the Working Together conference be 

without one final party? For many years, the post conference party at the Hilton Milwaukee City 

Center has helped put the wraps on another successful conference. 

It’s also a great reason to stay one more night before heading back 

home on Sunday. The evening starts with an hour of complimentary 

beer, wine and soda, and continues with a trivia contest, followed 

by a whole lot of dancing and fun with Ultimate DJ Service. What 

better way to wrap up the conference than together with all of your 

friends, both old and new, for The Last Blast. 



Among the many reasons for attending the Working Together 

conference, the exhibit hall has always been at the top of the 

list. The problem is, with so much to see, and in so little time, 

it’s hard to get to everything, especially 

if you eat lunch. 

New this year, lunch on Friday 

and Saturday will move to the 

expo hall inside the Delta Center! 

Conference attendees will be 

able to include a lunch ticket at 

the time of registration and will 

receive the lunch listed in the box 

to the right. However, the choices 

don’t end there! Attendees can 

also now choose from a variety of 

other options including à la carte 

items from food carts or concession 

stand vendors conveniently 

located inside the exhibit hall. 

As you can see, you now have 

more lunch options than ever 

before! Please plan accordingly 

as buffet-style meal tickets must 

be purchased in advance along 

with your conference registration. 

However, à la carte items are available 

without pre-purchase. Best of 

all, everything is in one location – 

inside of the expo hall where the 

largest Fire and EMS trade show 

in Wisconsin takes place. 

In fact, you won’t find a larger 

exposition hall unless you travel 

outside of the Midwest. Nearly 

150 companies will once again be 

Friday Lunch 

• BBQ Pulled Pork on a Roll 

• Pickle 

• Creamy Cole Slaw 

• Choice of Dessert 

• Beverage 

on hand to display 90,000 square feet of everything you need to 

run your EMS or fire department. See ambulance vehicles, fire 

trucks and actual EMS helicopters on display right inside the 

expo hall. There will be mass casualty and bioterrorism equipment, 

decontamination supplies, all kinds of apparel, turnout 

gear, computers, software, 

data collection, 

Lunch Menu 

Saturday Lunch 

• Chicken Parmesan 

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes 

• Mixed Vegetables 

• Choice of Dessert 

• Beverage 

Meals are served buffet style. 

Beverages: Lemonade or Iced Tea 

Dessert: Whole Fresh Fruit or Assorted Bars (One per person) 

Expo Hall Details 

Thursday Hours 

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Free entrance for expo grand opening 

Friday Hours 

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Saturday Hours 

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Admission 

Included with conference registration 

$15 at the door for WEMSA members 

$25 at the door for non-members 

DELTA CENTER 

insurance, defibrillators, 

radios, pagers, 

wireless equipment, 

mobile data terminals, 

books, videos, training 

programs, hospital 

programs, government 

agencies, state and 

national professional 

associations, warning 

systems, marketing 

companies, promotional 

products, rescue equipment...should 

we go 

on? Okay, you’ll see all 

sorts of fire gear, EMS 

supplies, stretchers, 

extrication tools, confined 

space equipment, 

billing companies, gear 

bags, items for your station, 

fund-raising and 

investment programs, 

hands-on demonstrations 

and all sorts of 

cash-and-carry items 

for sale right on the 

show floor – and we 

still could go on, but 

you get the picture. 

It all happens inside the Delta Center Exposition Hall during 

the 2013 Working Together conference. 



exposiTion hall

egisTraTion inFormaTion 

How To Register 

Please Read Carefully Before You Register! 

All registrations must be made online at www.WisconsinEMS. 

com. Follow the Working Together conference link and click “online 

registration” from the conference page. You will create your own 

conference registration account. This log-in gives participants 

the ability to review, update, and modify an existing registration. 

Carefully read and complete all of the information on the online 

registration form. In a single transaction, participants can register 

themselves, another individual, or a group. Confirmation emails 

will be sent automatically. You will NOT receive a confirmation 

in the mail. You may print your confirmation at anytime from the 

registration page. However, no session changes may be made online 

after January 10, 2013. 

For further assistance, please email us at conference@wisconsinems.com or call toll-free at 800-793-6820. 

Registration Fees, Payments and Cancellations 

Registration Fees: 

Prior to January 10, 2013 – $80/day (any day) (Does not include lunch tickets.) 

Discount for Wisconsin EMS Association members – $10/Day 

If payment received or postmarked after January 10, 2013 – $90/day (any day) (Does not include lunch tickets.) 

Payment: 

The Working Together conference will accept payment by credit card for online registrations. Payments may also be made by mailing a check 

to Wisconsin EMS Association, 26422 Oakridge Dr., Wind Lake, WI 53185-1402. If you mail in a check your registration will not be 

completed until payment is received and processed. Therefore, please allow extra time for mailing as registration fees increase after January 

10, 2013. Payments by mail may not be received and processed on time if sent after January 23, 2013. After that date all registrations must 

be completed at the door. Failure to correctly complete the online registration form or include the correct fees may result in a delay of your 

registration. 

Cancellations: 

If you are not able to attend, a 50% refund will be issued if requested in writing by January 10, 2013. Absolutely no refunds will 

be allowed after this date – NO exceptions! Tuition may be transferred to another person for a $20 processing fee. 

Continuing Education Credits 

Continuing Education: 

Seven hours on Wednesday and Thursday and six hours on Friday and Saturday of continuing education credits have been applied for through 

the Wisconsin Division of Health, National Registry of EMTs, and the Illinois Division of EMS and Highway Safety, in partnership with 

North Lake County EMS System - Vista Health System. The Illinois site code applies to Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic, and RN providers 

in the state of Illinois. It is the attendee’s responsibility to obtain a STAMPED ticket at the end of each session. This will be the only CEU 

certificate that you will receive and will be your only means of providing proof you have attended the sessions and received credit. Because of 

the importance of the CEU certificates, attendees must be present for the entire session to be awarded credit hours. If you arrive more than 15 

minutes after the start of the session or leave 15 prior to the end of the session, no CEU credit will be given. 

Lunch 

Please read carefully as lunch options have changed. 

A variety of lunch options are now available. Lunch tickets may be purchased for an additional cost of $15/per day and must be purchased at 

the time of registration. Similar to previous years, lunch on Wednesday and Thursday will be served in Ballroom D. À la carte items may also be 

purchased from food carts located near the ballroom. New this year, lunch on Friday and Saturday will be served in the expo hall inside the Delta 

Center. On Friday and Saturday, attendees may choose from a variety of options including 1) A buffet-style meal for $15; 2) À la carte items 

from food carts; 3) From the concession stands conveniently located inside the exhibit hall. Please plan accordingly as buffet-style meal tickets 

must be purchased in advance along with your conference registration. À la carte items are available without pre-purchase on all four days of the 

conference. For a detailed menu, please see page 8. 

Media Recording and Disclaimer 

Conference Costs 

Standard Registration 

Conference tuition for WEMSA members ..... $70/Day 

Conference tuition non-member .................... $80/Day 

Lunch ticket ................................................... $15 

Late Registration 

After January 10, 2013 

Conference tuition WEMSA member ............ $80/Day 

Conference tuition non-member .................... $90/Day 

Lunch ticket ................................................... $20 

Media Recording: 

Media recording of any kind, including audio or video is not permitted of any educational session without written authorization of the speaker 

and the Wisconsin EMS Association. 

Disclaimer: 

The program will run all four days regardless of weather conditions, travel delays, or flight delays. In the event of an emergency, the Wisconsin EMS 

Association reserves the right to substitute an equally-qualified speaker. The Wisconsin EMS Association and/or its promotional partners have the 

exclusive right to include photographic, video and other visual portrayals of conference attendees in any medium of any nature whatsoever for the 

purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation to the conference attendee, and all rights, title and interest therein 

(including all worldwide copyrights therein) shall be the Wisconsin EMS Association’s sole property, free from any claims by conference attendees or 

any person deriving any rights or interest from said conference attendees. Conference registration lists, including attendees’ name and address, may be 

made available to conference sponsors and/or exhibitors. Credit card or other personal information is not released to third parties. 



Conference Hotels 

The Working Together conference returns to downtown 

Milwaukee with two of the city’s best hotels offering over 

1,000 rooms to conference attendees including one of 

Wisconsin’s largest hotels as its headquarters, the Hilton 

Milwaukee City Center. With more than 700 rooms, the 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center is the largest facility in 

Milwaukee and one of the largest in Wisconsin. The Hilton 

will provide the bulk of lodging for the conference, with 

comfortable, luxurious rooms at a great hotel rate. Plus, 

take advantage of Paradise 

Landing, Milwaukee’s only 

indoor waterpark, also 

at a reduced rate. The 

Thursday Champagne 

reception, Thursday night 

dance party, and Saturday 

night post party will all 

take place at the Hilton. 

Plus, as attendees start to arrive and check in, the Hiton will 

be a hub of activity on Wednesday night, making it a great 

place to stay during Working Together 2013. The special hotel 

conference rate includes free parking for one vehicle (a $24 

per night value) and a $5 daily rate per person for admission 

to the waterpark open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

In addition to the Hilton, a block of rooms has been 

reserved at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. The Hyatt is 

where the Friday night Yee Haw Hoe-Down will take place 

and will also become a hub of activity housing hundreds of 

conference participants. Skywalks connecting the Hilton 

Hotel directly to the 

Delta Center and to the 

Hyatt Regency Hotel 

will be open late each 

night. Like the Hilton, the Hyatt includes free parking for 

one vehicle during your stay as part of the room rate. All 

room blocks will be released on January 10, 2013. Book 

instantly from www.WisconsinEMS.com or contact the 

hotels directly to reserve your room. 

Hotel Information 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center 

(Conference Headquarters) 

414-271-7250 | 800-445-8667 

www.HiltonMilwaukee.com 

$109 Single/Double 

Free Parking 

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 

414-276-1234 | 888-421-1442 

www.Milwaukee.Hyatt.com 

$109 Single/Double 

Free Parking 



Working TogeTher hoTels

Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technicians Association, Inc. 

26422 Oakridge Drive, Wind Lake, WI 53185-1402 

Do Not Return Undeliverable 

Do Not Notify the 

Wisconsin EMS Association 

for Changes or Corrections 

Platinum Partner 

Corporate Sponsors 

PRINT ONLINE LIVE 

Event Sponsors 

Or Current Resident 

The Wisconsin EMS Association is pleased 

to welcome the 2013 Working Together 

conference Platinum Partner 

Badger Transfer Solutions 

Oconomowoc, WI 

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin 

Milwaukee, WI 

Demers Ambulance 

Beloeil, QC 

Emergency Medical Products (EMP) 

Waukesha, WI 

Flight For Life 

Waukesha, Fond du Lac, WI 

Foster Coach Sales 

Sterling, IL 

Gateway Technical College 

Burlington, Elkhorn, Kenosha, Racine, WI 

Gold Cross Ambulance 

Neenah, WI 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center 

Milwaukee, WI 

Hyatt Regency Hotel 

Milwaukee, WI 

Kaplan Fire & EMS Training 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 

LifeQuest Services 

Wautoma, WI 

Mayo Clinic Medical Transport 

Rochester, MN 

Medix Specialty Vehicles 

Elkhart, IN 

North Central Ambulance Sales 

Lester Prairie, MN 

Paul Conway Shields 

New Berlin, WI 

P.H.I. Air Medical 

Phoenix, AZ 

Physio Control 

Redmond, WA 

Pomasl Fire Equipment 

Antigo, WI 

Progressive Medical International (PMI) 

Vista, CA 

St. Mary’s Hospital 

Madison, WI 

SOS Technologies 

Chicago, IL 

Sprint Nextel Public Sector 

Overland Park, KS 

UW Health Emergency Services 

Madison, WI 

Visit Milwaukee 

Milwaukee, WI 

Waukesha County Technical College 

Pewaukee, WI 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

Milwaukee, WI 

Whelen Engineering 

Chester, CT 

Wisconsin EMS Association 

Wind Lake, WI 

Wisconsin EMS for Children (EMSC) 

Madison, WI 

Non-Profit Organ. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Random Lake, WI 

53075 

Permit No. 279

2013 Conference Brochure - Wisconsin EMS Association

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