Before the stage lights flicked on and the main sessions of FAST25 ignited the Lexington air with energy, something incredible was already happening behind the scenes. On May 19, 2025, hundreds of clinicians, medics, nurses, and physicians gathered for an immersive, high-impact day of Pre-Conference Workshops designed to push the limits of education and practical mastery.
These weren’t your average CEU sessions. The FAST25 Pre-Cons were hands-on, high-caliber training experiences led by some of the most respected names in EMS and critical care. With topics ranging from ultrasound to ECMO, OB emergencies to mechanical ventilation, this lineup turned the day before the conference into its own standalone event.
The Lineup That Delivered
1. The FlightBridgeED FP-C, CCP-C, CFRN®, CTRN Review Course Led by Eric Bauer and Bruce Hoffman, this course is the gold standard in advanced certification prep. Attendees didn’t just get a review—they received a full-on masterclass in clinical reasoning, case application, and exam strategy. This wasn’t passive learning; it was interactive, energetic, and tailored to real-world practice.
2. Critical Care Cadaver Lab
Sponsored by Intersurgical and taught by a team of expert instructors, this lab brought anatomy to life—literally. Providers got hands-on experience with real human tissue, honing procedural skills in airway management, vascular access, and more. For many, this was a once-in-a-career opportunity to learn and practice in a high-fidelity environment.
3. High-Risk OB Amy Loucks, Elizabeth Garcher, and Dr. Trevor Quiner brought the heat with this OB-focused intensive. Attendees navigated the complexities of critical OB transport, hemorrhage management, and high-risk delivery scenarios, leaving empowered to handle the calls that shake even seasoned medics.
4. FBEPOCUS: Basic Edition
JR Waller, in partnership with Butterfly and FlightBridgeED, made ultrasound approachable, usable, and impactful. This course gave providers confidence with probe-in-hand scanning techniques and reinforced when and how to apply POCUS in the field. It was a game-changer for many who had only watched from the sidelines.
5. High Performance Ventilation
Legendary educator Bob Page broke down the principles of efficient, high-performance ventilation in critical patients. This session delivered practical, repeatable strategies that every provider could implement the moment they returned to their unit.
6. ECMO: Circulating Hope
Michael Lauria, Bruce Hoffman, and Matt Weider led a session that was as inspiring as it was informative. ECMO may still be an emerging frontier in prehospital and transport medicine, but this course equipped attendees with the foundation to understand, manage, and advocate for these complex cases.
7. Pediatric Critical Care
With an all-star faculty including Amy Loucks, Dr. Elizabeth Garchar, Dr. Trevor Quiner, Kiera Homann, and Christie DeBerg, this workshop tackled one of the most intimidating domains of transport medicine. Attendees left not only more clinically prepared but also more confident and compassionate in their pediatric care.
8. Mechanical Ventilation Master Class
Eric Bauer returned with a deep dive into mechanical ventilation that went far beyond the basics. This course explored ventilator settings, waveform interpretation, and advanced troubleshooting, earning rave reviews from new learners and seasoned flight crews alike.
9. SLAP THE CAP: Comprehensive Capnography Course
Nobody teaches capnography like Bob Page. With passion and precision, Bob brought CO2 monitoring to life, proving again why his courses are standing-room only wherever he teaches. Every attendee walked away with a deeper understanding of how capnography can be a lifesaving tool, not just a monitor.
Why It Matters
The Pre-Conference Workshops at FAST25 weren’t just about racking up credit hours—they were about transformation. These sessions set the tone for what FAST is all about: elevating practice, deepening understanding, and fostering excellence in prehospital and critical care medicine.
For many, the Pre-Cons became the most valuable part of the entire event. They offered direct access to world-class instructors, personalized feedback, and the chance to build real clinical skills in a supportive and expert-led environment.
If FAST25 was the concert, the Pre-Cons were the soundcheck—where the most dedicated got in early, tuned up, and stepped into the main event already warmed up and dialed in.
FAST26 is already on the horizon. And if you’re coming, don’t just show up for the main event. Show up early. Because mastery begins before the lights go up.