just listen. ASTEC began offering training programs for EMS personnel as the result of a particular incident in Fairfax County where a patient was trapped underneath a Metro train. Amputation was deemed necessary to save the individual. However, the tight quarters and limited mobility restricted first responders ’ ability to take the necessary action. The patient was ultimately rescued from the situation, but lessons learned from that emergency led Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Associate Medical Director Dr. Dan Avstreih to reach out to the Inova medical team. He wanted to determine if research could be conducted to create a one - handed amputation tool, and corresponding
Larry Walker, Director of Perioperative Analytics at ASTEC, shows Fire & EMS Chief Nathan Mort some of the lab ’ s 3 - D printing capabilities.
medical techniques, for use in future emergency situations. He was directed to ASTEC lab ’ s Director of Perioperative Analytics, Larry Walker, which sparked a partnership that has grown to facilitate multiple training opportunities for first responders. In fact, training in this lab has become required for Fairfax County Fire & Rescue personnel, and there is no fee charged to the trainees or their departments. Orange County Training Captain Mark Sikora learned of the opportunity and contacted the facility to find out if COFEMS personnel could participate. While Orange County is a little farther away than most agencies involved in their programs, it turns out there was already a local connection at the heart of ASTEC. Mr. Walker is himself an Orange County native. “ I grew up in Orange County, lived in Rapidan. I went to Woodberry Forest School, ” said Walker. As a clinical engineer, he specializes in the research and development of cutting - edge technologies for patient care. His expertise is highly regarded. Reflecting on how far they ’ ve come thanks to the partnership, Dr. Avstreih remarked, “ everybody needs a Larry, [because] if you find your Larry, you can make it work. ” For COFEMS staff, the life - saving advantages of the facility, its staff, and its resources were made abundantly clear. During this visit, training for our paramedics focused on techniques and treatments for patients with blocked airways, such as intubation. To provide the best possible re - creation of real - world situations, this training included practice with manakins, but also with cadavers. Due to this facility ’ s reputation, generous individuals may choose to donate their body to aid in ASTEC ’ s medical research and training. In doing so, they help save the lives of others. Practicing with actual human tissue is invaluable for medical professionals, and those providing the training are quick to acknowledge the incredible impact made by the donors. By helping save as many future patients as possible through researching new techniques and tools and empowering EMS personnel with the best possible training, “[ we] strive to give more to the givers of this incredible gift, ” said Dr. Avstreih. While this initial trip was limited to six paramedics, the advantages for additional training opportunities were evident. With that in mind, Chief Mort hopes to continue to build this partnership and expand the training for more COFEMS responders in the future.
Page 12 | June 2024
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