This week, the Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, and Education (SPECTRE) program at The University of Texas Medical Branch partnered with Galveston Emergency Medical Services to deliver hands-on personal protective equipment (PPE) training at UTMB's Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU).
Seventy Galveston EMS responders trained using their own agency-approved personal protective equipment policies and procedures. Training with agency-specific protocols is critical to ensuring responders practice exactly how they will operate during real-world events, supporting safety, consistency, and clear communication.
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The session also reinforced the importance of close collaboration between emergency medical services and the Biocontainment Care Unit team, particularly during the transport and handoff of patients requiring specialized care.
The training was led by Edwin Smith, Nursing Program Manager, Biocontainment Care Unit, and Jennifer Lisette, Clinical Educator, Biocontainment Care Unit.