Local emergency crews complete overdose response training

Emergency personnel from across Sanders County recently participated in overdose response training at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. 

The hands-on exercise was conducted by Overdose Response Training with Simulation in Motion Montana.

The training provided first responders from Thompson Falls and Plains with practical experience in responding to overdose emergencies. The event was part of SIM-MT's Simulation Training and Opioid Response Plan Improvement (STORPI) program, which is designed to help Montana communities prepare for opioid and other drug overdose emergencies and improve their response efforts.

In an email to the Clark Fork Valley Press, SIM-MT Chief Executive Officer Sara Kaull emphasized the importance of the partnership between local healthcare providers and emergency responders.

"Clark Fork Valley Hospital has been caring for Sanders County for more than 50 years, and the strong partnership between the hospital and local EMS agencies is a big part of that," Kaull said. "Overdose emergencies move quickly, and the care a patient receives in those first minutes can change everything. We are grateful for the opportunity to train with this committed group and support the work they do to keep their neighbors safe."

Several SIM-MT representatives were on hand to conduct the training, including Brianne Hanson, Ruth Bolt and Justin Bartels. Bartels is a registered nurse based in Kalispell who works primarily with helicopter emergency response teams. Thompson Falls Ambulance team member Dolly Lappico led the debriefing sessions following the simulations.

The first scenario involved an unconscious overdose victim discovered in a hotel room. Responders were evaluated as they assessed the patient's condition, provided treatment, stabilized the victim and prepared the individual for transport.

During the debriefing, first responders discussed real-life experiences they have encountered while on duty. One concern raised by several participants involved patients becoming aggressive after receiving Narcan. Trainers provided recommendations and strategies for managing those situations safely.

To add realism to the exercise, Bartels portrayed a concerned friend whose actions complicated the emergency response effort.

"We don't see a large number of overdoses in Plains, so having the opportunity to train for situations like this is very helpful," said Plains Community Ambulance member Seth Gibbs. "I feel more confident responding to an overdose call and working through the scenario as part of a crew." 

Thompson Falls Ambulance crew member Dolly Lappico commented, “It went well, they had good communication and teamwork."

Ruth Bolt, Overdose Specialist for the class, agreed that the students learned a lot.

Each participant received continuing education credit and a certificate of completion for attending the training.

Simulation in Motion Montana is a nonprofit organization that provides advanced healthcare training to rural communities throughout Montana and the surrounding region. Its clinical educators travel statewide to hospitals, EMS agencies, tribal health facilities, schools and first-response organizations, helping ensure rural healthcare providers have access to the same high-quality training opportunities available in larger communities.

For more information, visit simmt.org.

    Dolly Lappico, a Thompson Falls EMT, discusses what will be Covered in the overdose training. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    Dolly Lappico, a member of Thompson Falls Ambulance and EMT, leads a debriefing discussion for the Overdose Response Training at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    Plains Ambulance EMT Gloria Yoder works with an overdose patient simulator during the Overdose Response Training at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott