Illuminations - EMD Track #72868 - Crush Injuries: Vehicle Accidents and More

APCO Institute’s EMD Illuminations program is and annual subscription-based service that allows you to obtain topic-specific, at-your-desk continuing education.

EMD Illuminations includes monthly topics of particular interest to emergency medical dispatchers, although the track is open to anyone. Subscribers earn one CDE for each.

2025 Topics Include:

November:

Crush Injuries: Vehicle Accidents and More This Illuminations course provides public safety telecommunicators with vital knowledge on managing crush injury emergencies. By the end of this course, participants will be able to understand the causes of crush injuries, from vehicle accidents to industrial incidents, and their severe impact on victims. Participants will learn how to gather critical information from callers, such as the details of the incident, the victim's condition, and any potential hazards. Additionally, they will be equipped to provide clear, calm life saving instructions to callers while awaiting responders, enhancing their ability to manage these complex, high-stakes situations with confidence.

December:

Common Causes of Industrial Accidents This EMD Illuminations course examines common causes of industrial accidents reported to the EMD. The participant will recognize accident causes such as chemical spills, equipment malfunction, falls, and fires. EMD instructions for injuries related to these incidents are identified. Pertinent safety information, including hazard identification, evacuation protocols, and Personal Protective Equipment, are reviewed.

2026 Topics Include:

January:	Suffocation and Entrapment Incidents Join us this month as we explore the high-risk and emotionally charged world of suffocation and entrapment incidents. In this class, we'll cover everything from accidental child suffocation to industrial workplace entrapments and medical emergencies involving confined space oxygen deprivation. As a 911 telecommunicator, you’ll gain critical insight into what callers may report, how to recognize key signs of life-threatening situations, and the appropriate questions to ask to assess urgency and risk. We’ll also take a closer look at the sensitive and often misunderstood topic of erotic asphyxiation—examining the terminology callers may use, the tone or hesitation in their voices, and the importance of maintaining professionalism and situational awareness during these potentially distressing calls. Don’t miss this powerful and eye-opening training designed to sharpen your skills and prepare you for the complex calls that require quick thinking and calm, clear communication.
February:	Silent Toxicity at Home This EMD Illuminations course identifies hazards like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, mold, natural gas, and freon, which are often unseen in the home. Hazards like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, mold, natural gas, and freon are discussed. Participants will demonstrate the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and manage emergency medical calls involving these household toxins.
March:	Injuries Involving Personal Medical Devices – What 911 needs to know. Join us this month as we explore the critical and complex world of personal medical devices—such as insulin pumps, LVADs, pacemakers—and medical alert systems, which many individuals rely on during emergencies. This course will cover how these devices function, the types of emergencies that may arise from misuse, damage, or malfunction, and how telecommunicators can recognize and respond to these situations. You'll learn what callers may say when describing these devices, key questions to ask, and how to relay vital information to field responders. We'll also dive into medical alert devices like pendants or bracelets, focusing on issues of misuse, confusion, or system failures, and how to verify and confirm critical information when an alert is triggered. By the end of this class, you’ll be better equipped to navigate these sensitive, high-stakes calls with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
April:	Illicit Drugs and Reactions This EMD Illuminations course prepares the EMD to effectively manage emergency medical calls involving illegal drugs and the patient’s physiological and behavioral reactions. Recognizing commonly abused substances such as opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, and fentanyl, the participant will identify drug effects, overdose symptoms, and associated risks such as violence and other scene hazards.
May:	Medical Needs in Hoarding Environments Join us this month as we explore the challenging world of Medical Needs in Hoarding Environments. In this class, we’ll examine the unique obstacles telecommunicators face when assisting callers whose living conditions may obstruct access to care or create additional hazards for both the patient and responders. From blocked entryways to unsafe sanitary conditions, hoarding situations can complicate everything from accurate caller information to safe responder arrival. This course will provide valuable insight into the safety risks, questioning strategies, and scene awareness needed to support both callers and field units effectively. Don’t miss this important discussion on navigating medical emergencies in environments where clutter can become a critical barrier to care!
June:	AEIOU: Altered Levels of Consciousness Causes This EMD Illuminations course examines altered levels of consciousness, exploring the primary causes using the AEIOU mnemonic. Participants will recognize causes of altered levels of consciousness, including medical, traumatic, and drug related. The participant will identify signs of awareness, responsiveness, and cognitive function, ranging from confusion to complete unresponsiveness.
July:	Medical Emergencies During Mass Gatherings Join us this month as we dive into the dynamic and high-pressure environment of Medical Emergencies During Mass Gatherings. From concerts and sporting events to parades and festivals, large crowds bring unique challenges that demand quick thinking and sharp assessment skills from 911 telecommunicators. In this class, we'll explore common medical emergencies related to crowd density, including crush injuries, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and the need for rapid triage when multiple callers are reporting chaos. You'll gain insight into how to identify early signs of mass casualty events, how to manage overwhelmed callers in noisy environments, and how to support responders effectively in fast-evolving, large-scale incidents. Don’t miss this critical training designed to sharpen your skills and help you stay prepared for high-impact situations that require calm, control, and clear communication!
August:	Liability and the EMD Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) are vital to the emergency response system, making rapid decisions that can save lives. Emergency medical dispatch also involves liability risks, from operational errors to legal compliance issues. In this session, participants will learn ways to reduce liability with training, strict protocol adherence, and robust documentation to minimize risks, protect organizations, and ensure high-quality emergency care. Topics include communication errors, documentation lapses, privacy breaches, and negligence.
September:	Calls Involving Medical Neglect of Abuse Join us this month as we explore the sensitive and vital topic of Calls Involving Medical Neglect or Abuse. In this class, we'll uncover how subtle clues in caller dialogue, tone, and background details can suggest possible cases of elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect. As a telecommunicator, recognizing red flags in these high-risk situations can mean the difference between continued harm and timely intervention. This course will provide valuable insights into identifying signs of neglect or abuse, understanding the dynamics that may be present in caregiver-patient relationships, and asking appropriate, non-leading questions that can uncover hidden dangers. We'll also discuss the importance of documentation, how to communicate effectively with responders, and the role telecommunicators play in supporting mandated reporting procedures. Don’t miss out on this crucial training that highlights your role as the first point of protection for vulnerable individuals in distress!
October:	Obstructed Airway In addition to choking, airway obstruction can stem from swelling, structural issues, functional problems, or medical conditions. Each cause varies in onset and severity, but all can hinder breathing and require urgent attention to restore airflow and prevent life-threatening consequences. This course equips EMDs with the knowledge and skills to identify obstructed airway emergencies and guide callers through life-saving interventions. Participants will recognize the signs of choking and partial or complete airway obstruction in adults, children, and infants.
November:	Unique entrapment and trauma considerations Join us this month as we explore the unique and often complex world of Injuries Involving Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Equipment. In this class, we’ll take a closer look at the unexpected trauma and entrapment scenarios that can occur in these everyday environments. From limbs caught in escalators to elevator malfunctions and accidents involving industrial machinery, these calls can escalate quickly and require a calm, informed response. As a telecommunicator, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions, recognize potential life-threatening situations, and provide life-saving pre-arrival instructions when seconds count. Don’t miss out on this critical training that sheds light on a lesser-known but vital area of emergency response!
December:	Female Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain in females can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Participants will recognize common and serious causes and complications of female abdominal pain, including gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy-related pain from miscarriage or labor complications.

COST: Annual Subscription (per student): Payable in U.S. Funds
(No refunds, transfers, or substitutions allowed for this program)

Options	Price
Non-Member	$145
APCO Member	$125
Group of 26-50 registrants	$115 per person
Group of 51 and up registrants	$105 per person

APCO Institute is committed to bringing you affordable, quality training and education. Please take the opportunity to try out this new learning medium and invite a co-worker or two to join you!