EMS Launches Rapid Sequence Intubation program

cpr training
From left to right: Elie Piha, EMT; Brian Snyder, Paramedic; Michael Hagin, Paramedic. In addition to the implementation of the new RSI program, Trumansburg EMS will expand community outreach and education programs, such as CPR training. Photo provided by Joel J. Fey.

Trumansburg EMS is excited to announce the launch of a Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) program, which improves patient outcomes in life-threatening situations.

Courtney photo
Trumansburg Connection by Courtney Rehfeldt

The RSI program brings a vital service to the community, allowing trained EMS providers to swiftly and safely secure a patient’s airway, allowing for oxygenation and ventilation.

The team has been working diligently as the EMS staff receives training and resources for the official June 1 rollout of the new program.

“Rapid Sequence Intubation plays a critical role during emergencies, particularly in cases where patients are experiencing severe respiratory distress or require immediate airway management,” said Joel J. Fey, chief of emergency medical services for the village of Trumansburg EMS.

The launch of the RSI program came about through a collaborative effort within Trumansburg EMS.

“Recognizing the importance of advanced airway management in the pre-hospital setting, our medical leadership team worked closely with our EMS providers, medical directors, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, and other health care professionals to develop and implement this program,” said Fey.

He added that extensive research, training and consultations with experts were conducted to ensure that the program meets the highest standards of care. 

“This service has been long overdue for our community,” said Fey. “The geography of our area creates unique difficulty with the assessability of specialty care hospitals. Due to this, we often see critical patients and have very long transport times to Rochester, Syracuse, or Sayre, Pennsylvania. All of these factors create the necessity for a highly trained EMS department that can offer extraordinary care.”

In addition to the new RSI program, Fey confirmed Trumansburg EMS has other initiatives and goals on the horizon.

“One of our key focuses is expanding community outreach and education programs, such as CPR training and public health awareness campaigns,” he said. “We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with area health care institutions and emergency response agencies to foster a more integrated and coordinated approach to emergency medical services.”

The team is also actively exploring telemedicine capabilities to support its EMS providers in delivering advanced care remotely under the guidance of medical professionals. 

“This initiative will enable us to extend our reach and provide timely assistance in areas where access to specialized care may be limited,” said Fey.

Fey added that he is very grateful to the village of Trumansburg and the towns of Ulysses, Covert and Hector for their unwavering support and commitment to the endeavors of Trumansburg EMS.

“Their leadership and cooperation have been instrumental in the development and success of our RSI program,” he said. “We are truly fortunate to have such proactive and engaged communities that recognize the importance of providing the highest level of care to our residents.”

Trumansburg EMS also recently announced that two of its paramedics, Brian Snyder and Emily Dove, have been recognized by the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response for their dedication and service.

The team was also honored with the Agency of the Year award, demonstrating the dedication and teamwork of Trumansburg EMS.

Fey also greatly appreciates the EMS team for consistently going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the community.

“Their dedication, passion, and continuous pursuit of excellence are the driving force behind our achievements,” said Fey. “It is their hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients that enable us to lead the way in New York State in terms of the quality of care we provide.”

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Blood Drive 

Help meet the summer need for blood and come out to donate on Saturday, June 3, at First Presbyterian Church in Trumansburg. 

The blood drive will take place in the Community Lounge at 69 E. Main St. from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Those who donate blood in June will receive a $10 gift card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package that includes a projector, screen, smokeless fire pit and more.

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org

May Day 5K

The Trumansburg Education Foundation is joining forces with the Trumansburg Elementary and Middle School Parent Teacher Organizations to bring the May Day 5K back to the community this spring. 

This year’s race will be held Saturday, June 3, and includes a short Fun Run at 10 a.m. on the Trumansburg Central School campus, followed by the 5K through the village of Trumansburg at 10:30 a.m. 

To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Trumansburg/TrumansburgMayDay5k. To help sponsor the May Day 5K event, email contact@tburgedfoundation.org. 

All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to May Day 5&5, c/o Elementary PTO, 100 Whig St., Trumansburg, NY, 14886. 

Donations are also accepted online at Paypal.me/TburgElemPTO. All funds raised will be used to benefit students and teachers in the Trumansburg School District. 

Paint & Sip fundraiser for the Searsburg Community Church

Join The Party Brush on Thursday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a Paint & Sip fundraiser for the Searsburg Community Church.

The cost is $40 per person and includes all supplies, materials and step-by-step instruction.

Proceeds will go to benefit the Searsburg Community Church. All seats must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. 

Tickets are available at thepartybrushstudio.com. 

Questions, you can contact stacey@thepartystudio.com or call (607) 624-4410.

Doug’s Fish Fry to Go bake sale

There will be a bake sale to benefit the Searsburg Community Church on Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the church. 

To place orders, until 4 p.m., call (607) 753-9184, ext. 2.