Nags Head, N.C.: A Gathering of Heroes
As the sun peeked over the horizon in Nags Head, North Carolina, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of camaraderie. While visitors flocked to Jennette’s Pier with their fishing poles, a different kind of gathering was underway a little further up the coast. The fourth annual “EMS at the OBX” conference was about to kick off, bringing together nearly 100 first responders from various agencies across North Carolina and Virginia.
Learning and Growth for Emergency Responders
Walter Meads, the EMS program coordinator at the College of the Albemarle, shared that this conference provides an incredible educational opportunity for emergency medical service providers. With around 14 hours of continuing education credit up for grabs, attendees were eager to dive into the sessions.
This year marked a significant milestone as representatives from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health Medical Center joined the festivities. They brought along a cutting-edge mobile healthcare simulation unit designed to provide first responders with hands-on experience in a safe environment.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to run through a scenario that you may see in real life, but in a safe space,” explained Erika Greene, the pediatric trauma program manager at ECU Health Medical Center. She highlighted how the simulations allow responders to practice crucial skills without the pressure of an actual emergency.
A Community of Support and Networking
The conference isn’t just about learning new techniques; it’s also about fostering a sense of community among responders. Jennie Collins, the chief of Dare EMS and MedFlight, emphasized that teamwork is central to the EMS profession. “It is not unusual to walk on the scene and you may not know anybody, but you quickly fall into being able to manage that team and work together collaboratively so that the patient benefits,” Collins stated.
This camaraderie, whether in a classroom, simulation unit, or during real emergencies, ensures that responders remain united in their mission to help those in need.
Extending a Helping Hand to Hurricane Helene Victims
Collins also provided an update on the efforts of Dare County EMS in response to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Just last week, two teams deployed for four days to assist in Rutherford County, where the storm inflicted significant damage.
“The things that we end up seeing when you go into some of these areas…it is just a catastrophe for those folks,” Collins described. “We have experienced that here in the Outer Banks before with the many storms that we get.” She noted that providing relief to overwhelmed emergency workers in western North Carolina was not just about helping others; it was also a way to give back to the community, something that resonates deeply with the Outer Banks responders.
“To give them a rest, to be able to let them get home and attend to the things that they need at home is so very important,” Collins added, highlighting the critical role that mental health plays for responders facing continuous trauma.
Providing Stability Amidst Crisis
Even with the chaos occurring on the other side of the state, Meads noted that the gathering offered a sense of normalcy. “Our western North Carolina partners, all of our EMS agencies are sending people to providers to be able to help them… but it continues with some normalcy that our providers can still get,” he said. The chance to focus on continuing education amid such disasters reflects the resilience of the emergency services community.
In these challenging times, agencies from Dare and Currituck County, along with others across the state, have stepped up, showcasing their readiness to support communities impacted by the storm. The spirit of collaboration remains ever strong, standing as a testament to the passion and dedication that these first responders embody.
