Transitioning From a BLS to ALS Ambulance, With the Use of Simulation Travis Spier – RN, NR-Paramedic, CCEMT-P Director of Simulation and Pre-hospital Care Sanford Health – Sioux Falls, SD Disclosures !  Spier – none Greetings from Sioux Falls, SD Today's Objectives !   Review the assessment strategy of transitioning volunteer EMT providers into Paramedics !   Review the activities and scenarios that incorporated simulation into the learning plan !   Review comments captured from the participants Request !  Assist a volunteer EMS service with their transition from BLS to ALS licensure !  Utilize simulation to assist new paramedics in clinical judgment and skill development !  Provide lifelike experiences and mentoring to help develop clinical competency in new paramedics Partners !  Hospital owned volunteer BLS ambulance –  Less than 15 total members/volunteers –  911 call volume: 400 responses per year –  Interfacility transfers: 450 requests per year Partners !  Tertiary Receiving and Teaching Hospital –  Established simulation program –  Regional EMS education facility Planning: Agency Assessment !   Desire to provide a higher level of care in a rural community !   Incorporate a business model to capture lost revenue from interfacility transfers !   Need for ALS competency and experience within a low volume market !   Build clinical confidence in participants through the use of simulation Planning: Overcoming Challenges !   All of the participants were volunteer EMTs advancing to the paramedic level !   Clinical and field experience varied !   Learning disparity within the group !   Financial commitment to fund the project !   Sustaining the program post grant Planning: Intended Goals for the Project !   Provide realistic simulated patient experiences for various age groups with a sampling of illnesses and injuries !   Build confidence and competence of the new ALS providers !   Provide a structured learning plan that improves clinical judgment !   Increase the level of care provided in the community