Interior Region EMS Council

06/24/2026

All About Prehospital Blood – Why It Matters

Blood isn’t just one thing — it’s made up of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, each playing a critical role in trauma care. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues, plasma provides vital clotting factors, and platelets help form clots to stop bleeding.

In hemorrhagic shock, patients rapidly lose not only blood volume but also the ability to clot, making early replacement of these components lifesaving.

Prehospital care increasingly focuses on delivering whole blood or balanced blood components to better replicate natural blood and improve outcomes. While individual components offer flexibility in treatment and storage, whole blood provides a more complete resuscitation option.

Fresh blood products are more effective, and many EMS systems now use universal donor blood (Type O) to avoid delays in emergencies.

Understanding how blood works highlights a simple truth: early, effective blood transfusion can save lives—and reinforces the ongoing need for blood donation to support patients when it matters most.

Ethan Miles, MD - North American Tidewater Search & Rescue

Further Reading Here: https://www.narescue.com/nar-blog.html

06/08/2026

Free Mental Health First Aid Training - Alaska Health Fair (AHF)

This week's Mental Health First Aid two-part class will be held on both Thursday (06/11/26) AND Friday (06/12/26) in Suite 202 (next to AHF office Suite 201) – on the 2nd floor of the Fairbanks Community Food Bank from 8am-1pm both days.

Pre-registration is required. This class is normally a $180.00 fee (per attendee) for the 3-year certification; but we are very lucky as the costs are being covered by a grant.

For medical professionals there are 8 CEU’s.

Snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

Register via email: Ginger Trudgen ([email protected])

06/06/2026

Did you know IREMSC is a NREMT agency you can affiliate with?

The primary function of the National Registry of EMTs is to validate the knowledge and competencies of EMS professionals through standardized testing and certification.

However, agency affiliation means that IREMSC can help with ensuring your skills stay up-to-date at the time of certification renewal and that you remain classed as active.

You can align with more than one agency but IREMSC is here for you if you need us or do not have any other affiliations.

Reach out to our training coordinator, Mark Tozer, if you have any questions.

06/05/2026

The Interior Region EMS Council wants to acknowledge the hard work of Fairbanks FD in being awarded this accolade by the EMSC.

The Alaska EMS for Children (EMSC) program offers a voluntary Pediatric Recognition Program for both ground ambulances and emergency departments.

It verifies that agencies have the required pediatric-specific equipment, medications, training, and a designated Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) to ensure high-quality, specialized care for critically ill or injured children

Learn more about the program here:

https://health.alaska.gov/en/division-of-public-health/rural-community-health/emergency-medical-services-ems/emergency-medical-services-children/

Well done, City of Fairbanks Fire Department!

Fire Department

06/03/2026

June is National Safety Month -

National Safety Month is a reminder that safety depends on prevention, preparedness, and caring for the well-being of those who respond.

For EMS and ED teams, it is also an opportunity to strengthen provider wellness, readiness, coordination, and clinical response - so be sure to check out the June highlighted trainings below!

This National Safety Month, move your agency's MCI readiness forward with our advanced START Triage course. Designed for both pre-hospital and in-hospital professionals, this training sharpens your rapid-assessment skills to eliminate chaos and save more lives.

A limited number of free learning licenses are available for the S.T.A.R.T. Triage course for community partners.

To register, please send the participant’s first name, last name, and email address; names may be submitted individually or in batches to [email protected], and Disaster Management Systems will provide login information directly.

There is no immediate completion deadline and licenses remain available through the end of the year, while supplies last.

This opportunity is sponsored by Alaska Native Medical Center with funding provided through Alaska Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) sub-awards.

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06/03/2026

Heartsaver classes focuses on the essential skills needed to respond to sudden cardiac emergencies.

We have a blended learning opportunity for HeartSaver CPR & First Aid Skills Check on June 9.

The course centers on CPR and AED use, giving participants the knowledge and hands-on experience to act quickly if someone collapses or becomes unresponsive.

To participate in this class, you must complete the Part One online module through the AHA.

Class Description: HeartCode® HeartSaver CPR & First Aid Skills Check
Class Type: Blended Learning
Class Date: June 9
Class Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Class Cost: $110
Class Enrollment Link: https://interioremscouncil.enrollware.com/enroll?id=12655359

Please make use of this limited time promocode: CPRFB15

**Online courses must be purchased and completed separately. Please visit the American Heart Association website to complete your online class:elearning.heart.org

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

CPR & AED Awareness Week is June 1-7 and the American Heart Association is reminding everyone that the power to save a life is in your hands.

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and when it does, the best chance of that person surviving is when the people nearby are prepared.

More than two in three people believe only those with special training should perform CPR, a mistaken belief that costs lives.

This year, the American Heart Association is especially focused on reaching:

- Parents and people in caretaking roles
- Millennials and Gen X
- Rural communities where access and emergency response times may be limited

These audiences represent incredible opportunities to make a real impact by sharing practical, immediate CPR and First Aid education where it is needed most.

Helpful Resources:

Download official CPR & AED Awareness Week materials here: https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers

Follow our CPR & First Aid page for content, updates, and shareable resources: https://www.facebook.com/AHACPR/