NORWAY — LifeFlight of Maine recently brought its signature Pediatric Patients on the Edge conference to Stephens Memorial Hospital.

Led by Dr. Eric Gunnoe, pediatric intensivist at Maine Medical Center, the training combines classroom lecture with the newest hands-on patient simulation technology to teach emergency physicians, nurses and paramedics the skills they need to provide the best possible care.

Hundreds of emergency medical professionals from across the state have received this grant-funded training.

“We have a relatively low volume of pediatric patients here at Stephens and any opportunity to learn and practice is invaluable,” said registered nurse Jeanne Rosato.

“The combination of lecture and hands-on experience makes this course an excellent learning opportunity,” she said. “How often do we actually get to observe the lung tissue during assisted respirations and see the result of our interventions?”

In the classroom portion of the training, Gunnoe presented case studies that help illustrate the most current best practices in pediatric critical care.

Following the lecture, LifeFlight crew members facilitated small-group, hands-on training using a combination of high-tech patient simulators and common medical equipment.