ALAMOSA — Specialized training such as pediatric care can make a difference for critically ill children and babies in rural hospitals like the SLV Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa and Conejos County Hospital in La Jara.

"This training potentially can save lives," commented Justin Fricke, Director of Specialty Clinics at San Luis Valley Health. "It definitely makes a difference for our staff, and we appreciate the continuing education provided to us from Children's Hospital Colorado."

On Oct. 12 and 13, in-person training was provided by a team of professionals from Children's Hospital Colorado at San Luis Valley Health. They addressed a wide variety of topics addressing critical pediatric patient situations.

"With SLVH offering these classes, it shows how much we as an organization care about our community and taking care of our kids. What a privilege to be able to learn from some of the best pediatric specialists in Colorado and to see our staff so engaged and eager to learn. It was truly remarkable. This commitment to learn and strengthen our skills did not go unnoticed by the Children's Hospital trainers. They were very impressed with our team of professionals," commented Robin Mendiola, RCP, BSHCA, Director of Cardiopulmonary at SLV Health.

Paramedic Erika Wickham added, "Absolutely phenomenal job! Very educated instructors and this was so helpful."

Marche DePriese is an RN in the Emergency Department at the medical center. She was one of 20 SLVH employees to receive this hands-on training and remarked, "This was an excellent class, I loved it!" It was a comprehensive 2-day course. SLVH had a wide range of interdisciplinary staff that attended. It included physicians, EMS, Respiratory Therapy, and Emergency Nursing.

Brittany Sours is the SLVH Professional Development and Practice Specialist. She coordinated with Nicole Shonka from Children's to bring this training to Alamosa. The Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support Course is focused on the stabilization and treatment of children who are critically ill or injured.

As pediatric emergencies often center around respiratory diseases and trauma, there was a strong focus placed on airway management and trauma care. This included a mix of interactive hands-on skills stations and robust lectures.

The Clinical Education Outreach Program Director, Nicole Shonka, stated that during the course she was "impressed by the teamwork SLV staff have". It is wonderful to work with our partners in healthcare to facilitate the ongoing professional development of frontline staff and to bring the best practices and care to our patients.

This program was put on by the Children's Hospital of Colorado outreach program at no cost to the hospital or attendees.