ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – Paramedics with the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) are gearing up for some of the most intense training they’ll encounter, aimed at preparing them for high-stakes, life-or-death situations.
Wednesday’s training is part of the “Trauma Lanes Program.” It immerses participants in realistic scenarios that mimic severe emergencies like serious motorcycle crashes, multi-injury car fires, and even ambulance rollovers.
According to SCCAD Deputy Chief John Romeo, this level of detail in the simulations puts paramedics’ skills to the test, requiring them to make split-second decisions on wound packing, airway management and extrication.
The program’s realistic approach features live volunteers playing the roles of victims, which adds authenticity and challenges paramedics to respond as they would in real life. Trainees are moving quickly through each scenario with the same pressure they’d face in the field.
The Trauma Lanes Program is open to firefighters and paramedics across St. Charles County, with at least 300 participants expected over the next several weeks. Training sessions will continue through the end of the year, helping emergency responders sharpen their skills to better serve the community when seconds matter most.