ATTLEBORO, MA – Paramedics from the Attleboro Fire Department enhanced their pediatric emergency care skills this week through the Community Outreach Mobile Education Training (C.O.M.E.T.) program. The specialized training, held on Thursday, November 13, was led by pediatric emergency experts from Boston Medical Center.
The C.O.M.E.T. program brings advanced pediatric education directly to EMS providers in their own communities. Using state-of-the-art simulation equipment, instructors guide paramedics through realistic, time-sensitive scenarios that replicate the stress and unpredictability of real-life pediatric emergencies. Each simulation adapts in real time to the paramedic’s interventions, allowing crews to see the direct impact of their decisions and actions.
“Pediatric emergencies are low frequency but high acuity events,” said EMS Chief Steve Stellakis. “Our paramedics are highly trained for every type of emergency, but calls involving infants or children can be particularly complex. Having experts come to us and share their experience can’t be duplicated.”
Assistant Chief Dennis Perkins emphasized the importance of hands-on learning. “This type of scenario-based training allows our paramedics to sharpen critical thinking skills under realistic conditions,” he said. “It’s one thing to read about pediatric care in a book, but when you have to assess, treat, and adapt in real time, it builds confidence and preparedness that directly translates to the field.”
The training covered critical pediatric topics such as airway management, respiratory distress, seizure care, shock recognition, cardiac arrest, trauma, and safe medication dosing. Crews also reviewed pediatric assessment techniques, communication with families, and care for children with special healthcare needs.
Attleboro paramedics undergo rigorous education to achieve and maintain certification, including a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education every two years. Programs like C.O.M.E.T. ensure that Attleboro’s providers remain at the forefront of prehospital care and ready to respond to any situation.
The Attleboro Fire Department remains committed to the highest standards of patient care. The department will continue to pursue advanced training opportunities in all areas of Fire and EMS to uphold its mission of providing exceptional service to the residents and visitors of Attleboro.
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