FASTCANADA - DAY 1

Sep 03, 2025 8:00 AM - Sep 03, 2025 4:25 PM
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

FASTCANADA 2025 - Day 1 Opening

8:15 AM - 9:00 AM

Great Teams Surprise You

GEOFF MURPHY
GEOFF MURPHY
Master Your Medics

Speaker Bio

Geoff is one of our best friends and colleagues from way up north in Canada. He has been an active flight paramedic for the past eight years and is the founder and lead instructor of Master Your Medics (https://masteryourmedics.com). Part of the reason he created Master Your Medics is because he remembers going through paramedic school and trying to teach himself by reading textbooks repeatedly. He was frustrated that I was only making progress in small steps, understanding just the surface of medicine – similar to why we created FlightBridgeED and FAST. Seven years ago, Geoff became committed to teaching students WHY we do the things we do. He wanted to teach EMTs and Paramedics to dig below the surface of medicine and truly understand it. He has taught thousands of EMS students at several EMS colleges and has provided consultation to other educators to help improve their courses. We are excited to bring Geoff Murphy to the main stage and our Workshop offerings.

About this talk

What separates the good from the unforgettable? Geoff explores how high-performing EMS teams rise to the occasion—often in unexpected ways. Walk away with practical strategies to build team culture, resilience, and clinical excellence in every shift.

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM

Not what we've always done: EBM as your lifeline to better care.

EDDY LANG
EDDY LANG
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Cumming School of Medicine - University of Calgary

Speaker Bio

Eddy Lang is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine- University of Calgary. He served as the Zone Clinical Department Head and the Emergency Strategic Clinical Network Scientific Director for the past decade, completing these roles in 2024.  He is known for his contributions to evidence-based medicine; Dr. Lang serves on the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, where he plays a pivotal role in developing national guidelines that promote high-value care and reduce overdiagnosis. An advocate for minimizing harm and low-value interventions, he is internationally recognized for his research and leadership in addressing overdiagnosis and promoting judicious healthcare delivery. Dr. Lang has expertise in applying the GRADE methodology for developing clinical practice guidelines, contributing to improvements in clinical practice across emergency medicine and beyond. As a thought leader, he combines academic excellence with a commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and sustainability. Thirty-three years in emergency medicine have been an incredible privilege, offering the chance to make a real difference in moments of crisis. I’m grateful for the patients who have trusted me, the colleagues who have inspired me, and the countless lessons this career has taught me.

About this talk

This presentation will revisit the core principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and show how they can be applied to prehospital care to ensure it is optimal, safe, effective, and efficient. Drawing on the hierarchy of evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values, it will highlight how paramedics can integrate the best available research into rapid, high-stakes decision-making. The session will also explore why paramedicine is emerging as a leader in the EBM space—bridging the gap between the scene of an emergency and hospital care, and driving innovation in protocols, training, and patient outcomes.

9:25 AM - 9:55 AM

BREAK

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

MANUAL MODE: Ventilation Without the Machine

MELODY BISHOP
MELODY BISHOP
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Certified Clinical Anaesthesia Assistant (CCAA)
Ornge

Speaker Bio

Melody Bishop (B.Sc.) is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Certified Clinical Anaesthesia Assistant (CCAA). She has worked in diverse areas of critical care medicine for over 15 years with a special focus on intensive care, prehospital and critical care transport, and the operating room. Her love for complex medical challenges brought her to the flight medicine world, where she worked as an emergency first responder flying into remote communities in Northern Canada. In her roles as a Clinical Educator for Ornge and a college professor, she has been involved in teaching and educating a wide range of medical professionals over the last decade at the post-secondary, post-graduate, and professional level—specializing in Critical Care RN and paramedical mechanical ventilation and respiratory education. Her mission as a teacher is to simplify the “scary” topic of ventilation and respiratory physiology and present it to all medical professionals in an easy-to-understand and approachable way. Follow Melody’s Instagram (@melodybishop_rt) for free ventilation and respiratory education.

About this talk

Join Melody for an exciting exploration of mechanical ventilation powered by YOU!

10:25 AM - 10:45 AM

Vasopressors and Shock: What You’re Missing

JAMES BOOMHOWER
JAMES BOOMHOWER
Boston MedFlight | Stay Fit 4 Duty, LLC.

Speaker Bio

James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM, has been involved in EMS for over 20 years in various health systems throughout New England. He currently functions as a critical care transport specialist and paramedic, lead peer support director with Boston Medflight of Bedford, Massachusetts, and crisis and peer supporter for the ECHO FAST team and the state of RI CISM team. His desire to bring mental health awareness to the EMS arena has spurred him to create the Stay Fit 4 Duty platform and work to implement a peer support program in his workplace. James is working to realize his goal of promoting recognition, management, and acceptance of acute stress in EMS providers worldwide, alongside obtaining licensure as a professional licensed counselor.

About this talk

Shock is never simple. James breaks down how vasopressors really work, when to reach for them, and how to avoid common missteps in their prehospital use—a must-see for medics looking to master the nuances of perfusion under pressure.

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Anaphylaxis: Faster, Smarter, Sharper

BRUCE HOFFMAN
BRUCE HOFFMAN
FlightBridgeED
American International College | Bay State Health

Speaker Bio

Bruce Hoffman is a registered nurse, paramedic, and educational leader with graduate degrees in nursing, health professions education, and advanced practice. His professional interests include acute care cardiology, critical care transport, servant leadership, adaptive education, and mobile healthcare simulation.

Bruce is passionate about inspiring others to think differently, lead with integrity, and create positive change through education and service. He is appointed as full-time faculty at American International College and works part-time as a critical care transport nurse for Baystate Health. He is a senior educator for FlightBridgeED and a regular speaker at a variety of specialty conferences. Bruce holds board of director positions for Simulation in Motion-Montana and the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. He lives in North Central Connecticut with his wife Stephanie, their three children — Ava Mae, Addy Lue, and Jackson Lee — and their furry friends: Bella, Stella, and Ella (a Boston Terrier and two Great Danes).

About this talk

Anaphylaxis doesn’t give second chances. Bruce brings case-driven insights and the latest updates to help you rapidly identify, treat, and escalate anaphylaxis with precision under pressure.

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM

LUNCH

12:35 PM - 12:55 PM

The F Word: Embracing the Suck

STEPHANIE SUZADAIL
STEPHANIE SUZADAIL
Flight Nurse and Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Speaker Bio

Stephanie Suzadail is a flight nurse, educator, and advocate for turning failure into growth. With a background in ICU and emergency nursing, she now works nationwide in critical care transport, bringing advanced care to rural and high-acuity environments. She’s a BCEN exam item writer, former chair of the ENA EMS Advisory Council, and a passionate mentor to emerging clinicians. Known for her sharp, relatable teaching style, Steph blends evidence-based practice with stories that highlight the human side of medicine—focusing on clinical judgment, team dynamics, and the lessons we learn when things don’t go as planned. She shares her insights on stage, in the classroom, and through her blog, Scrubs n’ Sirens. When she’s not flying or teaching, she’s usually chasing coffee or being her dog Gemini’s emotional support human.

About this talk

“The F Word: Embracing the Suck” will challenge the stigma around failure by reframing it as a powerful tool for growth. Backed by research and real-world insight, the session will highlight how learning from failure, rather than avoiding it, builds resilience, adaptability, and long-term success. Attendees will walk away with a fresh perspective: it’s not just okay to suck—it’s part of the process.

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Enhancing Peri-Intubation Outcomes: The Role of Push-Dose Pressors & Human Factor Checklists in Improving First-Pass Success

DAVID OLVERA
DAVID OLVERA
Clinical Manager
AirLife

Speaker Bio

David J. Olvera, MBA, FP-C, NRP, CMTE, is a highly accomplished Clinical Manager with extensive expertise in airway management, clinical research, and healthcare education. David has a proven record of developing innovative clinical solutions and delivering hands-on workshops to enhance medical practices. His experience spans over 20 years, including roles as Director of Clinical Research, paramedic, and safety officer, where he advanced prehospital care and airway management research.

David has presented at international conferences, authored peer-reviewed publications, and developed groundbreaking tools like the HEAVEN airway assessment criteria. David combines clinical knowledge with strategic acumen. A veteran of the U.S. Army and recipient of multiple industry awards, he remains committed to improving patient outcomes through research, education, and collaboration in the healthcare community.

About this talk

Peri-intubation crashes aren’t just unfortunate—they’re preventable. This session explores the critical role of push-dose pressors in maintaining hemodynamic stability during airway management and how structured human factor checklists can dramatically improve first-pass success. Attendees will walk away with practical, evidence-informed strategies to anticipate complications, reduce cognitive overload, and optimize conditions for intubation in high-stakes environments. Whether you’re working solo in the field or as part of a critical care team, this talk will refine your approach and improve your outcomes when every second counts.

1:25 PM - 1:45 PM

STUPIDITY — Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions (in EMS and in Life)

KRIS KAULL
KRIS KAULL
Partner
RedFlash Group

Speaker Bio

Kris Kaull has fueled innovation and positive change in EMS for over 30 years, combining his enthusiasm for EMS and technology to create resources and platforms that enhance patient care and operations. He is now recognized as an authoritative voice in EMS, healthcare, online media, and technology.
Throughout his career, Kris has taken on various key roles in EMS and fire services, such as firefighter captain, training officer, paramedic, field training officer, and ambulance service director. He remains active as a critical care flight paramedic in rural Montana and Yellowstone National Park, significantly impacting frontline medical care.
On the corporate side, Kris founded Paramedic.com and spearheaded marketing efforts for major industry platforms like EMS1.com, FireRescue1.com, and PoliceOne.com. He later served as Chief Growth Officer at Pulsara, a platform that connects first responders, emergency management, and hospitals through improved communication and logistics. Kris is a partner at RedFlash Group, a national consulting firm focusing on marketing, communication, and outreach strategies for the public safety sector, serving federal, commercial, and nonprofit organizations.

 

About this talk

It’s not just about IQ—it’s about those moments when even smart, capable people (like us) miss the obvious. Drawing on a conversation between Shane Parrish (a former Canadian intelligence officer) and Adam Robinson (a chess master who cracked the SAT), Kris Kaull, an EMS leadership expert, applies these insights to emergency services. We’ll explore the factors that lead to “stupid” decisions, including specific risks, overload, and fatigue, and how these traps contribute to rushing and pressure. Through engaging stories and practical takeaways, this motivational session will explore why smart people make mistakes and how to develop the habits and safeguards that keep us sharp on the job and in our personal lives.

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

BREAK

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Precepting with Purpose: Shaping the Next Generation

BEN TACY
BEN TACY
Educator
Master Your Medics | Bridgeport Fire Departmement

Speaker Bio

Ben Tacy is a nationally registered paramedic, certified critical care provider, and holds a Master’s in Education. He currently leads training and education at Bridgeport Fire Department, where he’s known for developing progressive mentorship and precepting models that elevate EMS training culture. With a passion for empowering the next generation of providers, Ben brings both classroom expertise and street-level wisdom to every session. At FASTCAN 2025, Ben will explore what makes a great preceptor—and how strong mentorship can transform not just students, but entire teams.

About this talk

Being a preceptor is more than just teaching—it’s leadership. Ben offers a guide to becoming the mentor you wish you had, with strategies to empower, evaluate, and elevate paramedic students in the field.

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM

RSI Revolution : Mastering Suction for Airway Domination

JIM DUCANTO
JIM DUCANTO
Anesthesiologist, Author, Educator, Inventor
SSCOR | Advocate Aurora Health

Speaker Bio

Dr. James (Jim) DuCanto is a practicing Anesthesiologist at multiple practice locations in the Advocate Aurora Health Care system. He has practiced for 28 years in the Aurora Healthcare hospital system.

Through the phenomenon of FOAMed (Free Open Access Medical Education), he has collaborated with Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Prehospital and Retrieval Medical educators worldwide. Through his collaborations with colleagues in these diverse specialties, he has produced innovations related to Prehospital, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care airway management with the invention of a specialized rigid suction catheter (the “SSCOR DuCanto Suction Catheter”) as well as techniques to manage the massively soiled airway (the “SALAD” Technique), and a simulator to demonstrate and practice the SALAD technique (the Nasco Life/form® S.A.L.A.D. Simulator).

About this talk

From the innovator himself—Jim breaks down the SALAD (Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination) technique and how it can revolutionize your airway management, especially in the messiest situations.

3:10 PM - 3:25 PM

BREAK

3:25 PM - 3:45 PM

"Everyone Looks Confident Until You Ask” — Imposter Syndrome in EMS

SOPHIE FULLER
SOPHIE FULLER
@paramedicsophie
Life and Sirens Podcast

Speaker Bio

Sophie Fuller is a critical care paramedic, flight paramedic, and president of the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers. A passionate advocate for leadership development and the evolution of modern EMS culture, she focuses on mentorship, training, and reshaping the way EMS professionals grow within the field. Through public speaking engagements, educational outreach, and social media, Sophie challenges outdated industry norms and pushes for progressive change in leadership, education, and provider development.

As a co-founder and host of Life and Sirens, she fosters open conversations about the realities of EMS, advocating for a stronger, more supportive profession. With a strong presence on social media as @ParamedicSophie, she uses digital platforms to engage with EMS providers worldwide, sharing insights, educational content, and discussions on the future of emergency medicine.

About this talk

In a profession built on competence and composure, many EMS professionals silently wrestle with the feeling that they don’t belong—that they’re not good enough, smart enough, or experienced enough. This is imposter syndrome, and it’s more common than we talk about.

In this powerful and honest session, Sophie Fuller pulls back the curtain on the internal struggles faced by paramedics, educators, students, and leaders alike. Through real stories, current research, and practical takeaways, Sophie helps attendees identify imposter syndrome in themselves and others, understand its impact on performance and mental health, and build strategies to overcome it. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud in uniform, this session is for you.

3:50 PM - 4:10 PM

Things I Wish I Knew When I Started

JACQUES COPPENS
JACQUES COPPENS
Paramedic / Education Leader
Stars Air Ambulance

Speaker Bio

Jacques Coppens is a dedicated flight paramedic with STARS air ambulance with over 20 years of experience in the field. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to patient care and emergency medical services. Over the past 15 years, Jacques has embraced his second passion of education. Sharing his knowledge and passion for the profession by educating and mentoring aspiring paramedics, helping to shape the next generation of emergency responders.

Outside of his professional duties, Jacques continues to advocate for ongoing education and innovation in emergency medical services, believing that continuous learning is essential for excellence in patient care. He is passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration and support among paramedics, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in high-pressure situations.

About this talk

Wisdom isn’t just earned—it can be shared. Jacques takes you through the real lessons, regrets, and insights from years on the road. Whether you’re just starting out or mentoring others, this talk will reshape how you grow in EMS.

4:10 PM - 4:25 PM

FAST25 Day 1 Closing Remarks


FASTCANADA - DAY 2

Sep 04, 2025 8:35 AM - Sep 04, 2025 3:35 PM
8:35 AM - 8:50 AM

FASTCANADA 2025 - Day 2 Opening

8:55 AM - 9:25 AM

Pediatric Sepsis: Speed Over Complexity

PETER ANTEVY
PETER ANTEVY
FlightBridgeED
Handtevy | Pediatric Resuscitation System

Speaker Bio

Dr. Peter Antevy, the innovator of the Handtevy Pediatric Resuscitation System, is a nationally recognized lecturer and expert in the field of pre-hospital pediatrics. He serves as the EMS Medical Director for Davie Fire-Rescue, Coral Springs Fire Department, Southwest Ranches Fire Rescue and MCT Express, Associate Medical Director for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Miramar Fire Rescue and Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue, and is an Associate Medical Director for FlightBridgeED.

About this talk

Pediatric sepsis hides in plain sight—and seconds matter. Dr. Antevy walks you through early recognition, decisive interventions, and why simplifying your approach might save more lives than memorizing protocols.

9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Frozen But Not Gone: Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest

MILES RANDELL

About this talk

Miles explores the unique physiology of cold cardiac arrests and how to manage the patient who might look dead—but isn’t. Learn the do’s, don’ts, and how to give these patients their best shot at survival.

9:50 AM - 10:20 AM

BREAK

10:25 AM - 10:45 AM

From the Front Lines: Trauma Lessons from Ukraine

MIKE TURCONI

About this talk

Battle-tested and brutally honest—Mike shares the hard-won trauma insights from his time in Ukraine. Walk away with practical pearls on hemorrhage control, triage, and managing chaos under extreme conditions.

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Bizarre and Unusual Airway Cases

ALLEN WOLFE
ALLEN WOLFE
2024-2025 Board of Directors Chairperson | Senior Director of Clinical Education
BCEN | Life Link III

Speaker Bio

Allen C. Wolfe Jr., MSN, CFRN, CTRN, TCRN, is a nationally recognized leader in transport nursing with over 35 years of nursing experience, including 29 years in critical care transport by air and ground. He began his volunteer service with BCEN in 2009, has served on its board since 2015, and became board chair in 2024. He also serves on BCEN’s CFRN/CTRN Exam Construction Review Committee.

Allen is Senior Director of Clinical Education at Life Link III and previously directed clinical education at Air Methods, overseeing training for 1,300 clinicians at 160 helicopter bases. His earlier career includes leadership and clinical roles with MedSTAR and Arlington Hospital Center.

A leading U.S. authority on prehospital LVAD management, Allen is widely published, a national speaker, and co-editor of Patient Transport: Principles & Practice (6th ed.). He holds multiple BCEN certifications and has received numerous industry honors, including the AAMS Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a past president of ASTNA and a member of the inaugural Academy of Air & Surface Transport Nurses. Allen holds BSN and MSN degrees and a Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion Certificate.

About this talk

Not all airways follow the rules. Join legend Allen Wolfe as he takes you through some of the most bizarre, challenging, and downright unforgettable airway cases he’s encountered in his career. From strange anatomy to unpredictable obstructions, this talk dives into the unpredictable world of airway management and what to do when nothing goes by the book.

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM

What Works in Cardiac Arrest

ALBERTA CARDIAC ARREST CONSORTIUM

About this talk

Data meets the street. The Alberta Cardiac Arrest team reveals what actually improves outcomes based on real-world results—compressions, defibrillation timing, airway strategy, and more.

11:35 AM - 12:55 PM

LUNCH

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Post-ROSC: How to Keep a Pulse When It Matters Most

ALBERTA CARDIAC ARREST CONSORTIUM

About this talk

Getting a pulse back is just the beginning. This session dives into the vital moments after ROSC—ventilation, blood pressure, temperature, and transport strategies that tip the scale toward survival.

1:25 PM - 1:45 PM

Phactors: Impacting the Platinum 10 in the Post-Intubation Phase

ERIC BAUER
ERIC BAUER
Chief Executive Officer
FlightBridgeED

Speaker Bio

It’s hard to write a short bio about the guy who started this whole thing, right? Let me try to hit the highlights. Eric Bauer is the CEO and co-founder of FlightBridgeED. When critical care transport medicine was shrouded in mystery, and critical care transport education was lacking in many areas, Eric walked into the darkness and turned on the lights. More than a decade later, Eric’s dedication to our industry continues to open doors, advance the practice, and bring about a positive change that helps responders and providers of all types provide better patient outcomes. He was the first to demystify mechanical ventilation for transport providers – a curriculum that has become the award-winning foundation of in-the-field ventilator management. Speaking of awards, Eric and his work at FlightBridgeED has won multiple awards, most recently being the only Paramedic to be given the title of Fellow of the Academy of Air and Surface Transport Nurses (FAASTN). We could go on, but this would get lengthy. Suffice it to say that Eric’s talks at FAST have always been a highlight of the conference, or any conference for that matter! Eric is an advocate and mentor to so many in the industry. He loves meeting, talking with, and helping nurses and paramedics directly. His email inbox is an open door, and FAST25 allows Eric to meet with the people in the industry he loves face-to-face. The only direction we were given for this bio from Eric was that he wanted to invite you to FAST25 personally! We can’t wait to see you there!

About this talk

Join Eric for an enlightening lecture on IMPACTING THE PLATINUM 10 IN THE POST-INTUBATION PHASE where we delve into the critical first ten minutes after intubation, a period known as the Platinum 10. This session will focus on the importance of minimizing the risk of post-intubation cardiac arrest, a crucial factor in improving patient survival and recovery. Discover resuscitation considerations and advanced techniques to optimize post-intubation care, ensuring that each action taken during these vital moments contributes to the best possible outcomes. Learn about the latest research and clinical practices that can help healthcare providers anticipate and manage potential complications effectively.

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM

Saving Lives Through Teamwork

ROBERT O'DONNELL
ROBERT O'DONNELL
Flight Paramedic
Boston MedFlight

Speaker Bio

Bobby O’Donnell is a critical care flight paramedic with Boston MedFlight with over a decade of EMS experience. An accomplished author, his book, Running Wild: A Quest for Healing Across Seven Continents, describes his journey around the world in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombing. The story articulates the importance of how we talk about and manage our mental health in both the personal and professional setting, aiming to decrease stigma through discussion. Bobby has presented on topics involving mental health, critical care medicine, and human factors around the United States and abroad. In addition to speaking and clinical work, he is a subject matter expert with the IBSC, aiding in their development of the Wilderness Paramedic Certification (WP-C) and now continuing to item write for both that and the FP-C exam. Bobby spends most of his free time running and skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his wife.”

About this talk

More info to come. Stay tuned!

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM

BREAK

2:35 PM - 2:55 PM

Deliberate Practice: Train With Purpose, Not Just Repetition

DANNY KUSTRA and RANCE LILLEY

About this talk

Practice doesn’t make perfect—deliberate practice does. Danny outlines how to move from passive repetition to focused training that actually improves clinical performance and decision-making.

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Answering the Call: EMS Mental Health Without the Fluff

JAMES BOOMHOWER
JAMES BOOMHOWER
Boston MedFlight | Stay Fit 4 Duty, LLC.

Speaker Bio

James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM, has been involved in EMS for over 20 years in various health systems throughout New England. He currently functions as a critical care transport specialist and paramedic, lead peer support director with Boston Medflight of Bedford, Massachusetts, and crisis and peer supporter for the ECHO FAST team and the state of RI CISM team. His desire to bring mental health awareness to the EMS arena has spurred him to create the Stay Fit 4 Duty platform and work to implement a peer support program in his workplace. James is working to realize his goal of promoting recognition, management, and acceptance of acute stress in EMS providers worldwide, alongside obtaining licensure as a professional licensed counselor.

About this talk

James gets real about the emotional cost of the job. From peer support to real tools you can use right now, this is the mental health talk EMS has been waiting for—raw, relevant, and refreshingly useful.

3:20 PM - 3:35 PM

FASTCANADA 2025 – Day 2 Closing