Ski and Mountain Trauma Conference Returns to Sun Valley November 6-8

More than 2.3 million people live in rural counties, and across the US, communities face “ambulance deserts,” placing them more than 25 minutes from services. 

Emergency medical services are a critical part of the healthcare system in Idaho and the surrounding region, and as staffing and funding needs continue, the annual Saint Alphonsus Ski and Mountain Trauma Conference returns from November 6-8 to Sun Valley to give full-time and volunteer first responders the life-saving tools they need to help bridge the gap. 

The conference, held at the Sun Valley Resort from November 6-8, will feature hands-on simulations, workshops, and lectures to bring state-of-the art techniques and tactics to Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, firefighters, ski patrol members, law enforcement officers and Search and Rescue teams. 

“First responders are the first line of rescue, making them a vital piece of any trauma program, and this conference marks our annual commitment to supporting volunteers and paid professionals with the tools they need,” said Dr. Brian Coates, Trauma Medical Director at Saint Alphonsus. “These responders build the foundation of a patient’s journey in the field by making critical care decisions to stabilize and transport patients in a timely manner. When they arrive to our trauma center, those first steps build the crucial building blocks that determine patient outcomes.”

The challenging nature of first responder work requires support, motivation, and a calling to serve others. At this year’s conference, attendees will hear from keynote speaker Dr. Michael Lauria, an Emergency and Critical Care Physician and US Air Force special operations veteran, along with national and regional trauma leaders. Through these presentations and interactions, attendees will return to their communities feeling reenergized and prepared with improved skills, teamwork, and an understanding of the vital role they play in saving lives. 

The conference will feature hands-on instructional courses, covering topics including stabilizing a patient for transport, backcountry management of hypothermia and frostbite, trauma management, avalanche rescue, delivering babies in emergencies, and wilderness trauma management. Additionally, conference sponsor Life Flight Network will offer a helicopter to support the Landing Zone Safety session the afternoon of November 6, weather permitting. 

Access is important in every aspect of healthcare, and attendance at this conference is no different. Coates shared that Saint Alphonsus is dedicated to making attendance affordable, with the inclusion of scholarships for individuals in need, along with smaller agencies and organizations. This year more than 25 scholarships were granted to attendees from across the region. 

Fremont County EMS is among the longtime agencies who send attendees to the conference, with more 12 years of attendance. This year, they will send 13 first responders. 

“Running an ambulance service in rural Idaho has its challenges,” said Bert Mecham, EMS Director for Fremont County.  “The training that we receive at the Ski and Mountain Conference is vital for our success in remote areas of Idaho.”  

The conference attendance extends beyond Idaho, drawing regional teams including Park City Ski Patrol. 

“The Ski and Mountain Trauma Conference is a great professional development opportunity that my team, and I look forward to attending each year,” said Robert Stoldal, Ski Patrol Training and Mountain Safety Supervisor, who will send a team of nine. “The conference provides important hands-on trainings, a forum for discussing best-practices in the industry and connects us with other industry professionals.” 

More than 500 people, including nearly 400 first responders representing agencies from 10 states are expected to attend the three-day conference.