As we head into the new year, residents at UCF Ocala continue to be involved in the community. Several residents have given academic lectures for EMT and paramedic students and informational lectures to local senior citizens’ groups.

Residents and faculty participated in a mass casualty simulation along with Marion County and the City of Ocala emergency rescue services. The simulation increased awareness of protocols and cooperation between pre-hospital emergency response teams, medical control and hospital providers.
We also had our annual “Fire Day” at the Florida State Fire College. Residents and willing faculty members completed (or attempted to complete) the same physical fitness training exercises that our fire rescue colleagues complete as part of their training. The day included obstacle courses in full fire gear, repelling down a six-story building and putting out a controlled fire—all under expert supervision, of course.

Both the mass casualty simulation and Fire Day increased our understanding and appreciation for the role emergency rescue services play in our community and within patient care. We would like to express our appreciation to Frank Fraunfelter, MD, UCF Ocala core faculty member and Medical Director of Marion County Emergency Medical Services, for coordinating both of these events for residents.

Outside of our local community, members of our third-year class attended ACEP19 in Denver. The senior residents had a great experience exploring Denver, networking and expanding their knowledge of emergency medicine. ■