Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition

12/30/2025

🚨 EMS, You’re Invited! 🚨

Registration is officially LIVE for the Pediatric Emergency Preparedness Training Summit, hosted by the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition at FGCU!

Important: This training is open to all EMS staff across Southwest Florida—no need to be a coalition member or department lead. Whether you’re a field EMT, Paramedic, or in a leadership role, this training is designed for you.

💡 Audience: EMS, ED staff, Students & other healthcare Professionals

💡 What to Expect:

• Hands-On Learning: Small groups (5 specialized teams) for high-quality, focused instruction

• Limited Capacity: Only 120 seats available for the region

• Cost: FREE, including breakfast, lunch, & snacks

• Location: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

⚠️ Seats are limited—don’t wait!

🔗 Register Now: swflhcc.readyop.com/fs/4jld/25e91998

🌐 More Info: swflcoalition.org/pediatric-exercise-summit

Pediatric Emergency Preparedness Summit Ready for Every Child This comprehensive one-day training event is designed to elevate the readiness of our region's healthcare professionals in responding to pediatric emergencies. The summit has been scheduled for full day Wednesday, February 25, 2026. We we...

12/24/2025

12/18/2025

🎄 Happy Holidays from the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition!

Please see our Weekly Training Updates below and plan ahead for upcoming opportunities to strengthen your preparedness and skills.

🚼 Registration is now open for the Southwest Florida Pediatric Preparedness Summit: Ready for Every Child
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | Hosted at FGCU

This one‑day, hands‑on training event is designed for EMS personnel, ED staff, students, and other clinical roles, and will include:

✅ Hands‑on pediatric training
✅ Small‑group focused instruction
✅ Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided

⚠ Capacity is limited — secure your spot now!

👉 Register for the Pediatric Summit:
https://swflhcc.readyop.com/fs/4jld/25e91998

In this week’s SWFL Healthcare Coalition Training Update, you’ll also find:

• Pediatric Care Task Force meeting recap with button‑battery injury presentation
• Upcoming trainings: Family Reunification, HICS, PER 294, Florida Hurricane Week
• Virtual tabletop exercises and ICS resources

📂 Access the full weekly update here:
https://hpcswf0-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/valerieteachout_hpcswf_com/IQBIcJWeS-D6TZDYdHzjPvcnAfAA5TVY65fysUWnyfArZkM?e=riEAAe

Professional development and preparedness strengthen our region. Thank you for all that you do to keep Southwest Florida safe!

11/25/2025

🌟 SWFL Healthcare Coalition in Action! 🌟
Last Friday, we were proud to help sponsor the FGCU 2025 Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation — an incredible hands-on training event that brought together students from Nursing, PT, PA Studies, OT, Exercise Science, Social Work, Counseling, Performing Arts, and more.

This large-scale simulation helps build real-world readiness for future healthcare professionals and first responders, and we’re grateful to be part of strengthening Southwest Florida’s preparedness.

Huge shout-out to the organizers, volunteers, actors, faculty, and students who made this event such a success!

📸 Check out some highlights from the day below!

11/20/2025

🌟 Supporting Pediatric Patients Across Southwest Florida 🌟

The Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition is continuing its effort to better support children with sensory sensitivities during medical emergencies. As part of this regional initiative, we partnered with Lee County EMS to deliver Pediatric Sensory Assistance Kits for every ambulance in their fleet. 🚑💙

These kits are designed to help create a calmer, more supportive environment for pediatric patients experiencing sensory overload or communication challenges during emergency care.

Each kit includes:
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Sunglasses
• A variety of fidget and tactile toys
• Visual and written communication tools

A special shout-out to Captain Nichole Hansen for her leadership and support in making this partnership possible. We’re grateful for Lee County EMS’s enthusiasm and commitment to making emergency care more accessible and comforting for all children in our community. 💛

11/13/2025

📣 Expanded Weekly Update from SWFL HCC: Elevate Your Preparedness! 📣
Your Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition (SWFL HCC) is committed to providing essential, high-level training to all regional partners. Registration is open for several critical courses designed to strengthen your skills across the emergency management spectrum.

FEATURED HIGH-IMPACT TRAINING:

• Family Reunification Webinar: Learn how to unwrap the onion on reunification and be better prepared, featuring Emergency Management Specialists. (Dec 9, 2025)

• Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) Course: Gain a working foundation of HICS concepts, train on Command Staff/General Staff primary positions, and conclude with a one-hour scenario. Perfect for healthcare leadership! (Feb 5, 2026)

• SWFL Pediatric Preparedness Summit: Ready for Every Child: This partnership with FGCU is a comprehensive, one-day event tailored for EMS, ED staff, and frontline providers. It includes critical clinical training, hands-on scenarios, and a dynamic escape room challenge. (Feb 25, 2026)

• PER-294: Testing an Emergency Operations Plan in a Rural EOC (Tuition-Free): A DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour performance-level course focused on proactively testing EOPs. Essential for Law Enforcement, Fire Service, Healthcare, Emergency Management, and Community Mental Health Personnel! (Feb 26, 2026)

ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED OPPORTUNITIES:

• Virtual TTX: Sustaining Care - An Extended Downtime: Sharpen your skills in managing long-term operational downtime. (Nov 18, 2025)

• Implementation Science in EMS: A webinar for Prehospital Professionals offering CAPCE & CME credits, covering strategies for implementing clinical guidelines and improving adoption. (Dec 11, 2025)

• TEEX Free Virtual Course (AWR-401 THIRA-SPR): Learn the six-step Threat & Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (THIRA) process to generate actionable preparedness data for planning and response.

🗓️ Upcoming Coalition Meetings (Members Note Your Calendar):
• Pediatric Care Task Force Meeting (Nov 18, 2025)
• SWFL HCC Quarterly Membership Meeting (Dec 10, 2025)
• Resources and Gaps Task Force Meeting (Dec 11, 2025)

Ready to register? View the full calendar and secure your spot today! 🔗 https://swflcoalition.org/calendar/

10/17/2025

🌴Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition – October Highlights🌴

There is a lot happening this month. Don’t miss these important opportunities to strengthen preparedness across our region.

💰 Funding Request Cycle Now Open
Apply now for coalition project funding to support your agency’s preparedness needs.
🗓️ Q&A Session: October 29 at 1 PM

🧠 Mind the Gaps: Supporting Adults with Cognitive Difficulties TTX
🗓️ October 28 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Join this interactive virtual tabletop exercise.
👩‍💻 Register today

👶 Save the Date – Pediatric Preparedness Summit
🗓️ February 25, 2026 | FGCU
A one-day summit designed for EMS, ED staff, and healthcare professionals.

🚨 Activation 101 & After-Action Resources
Check out updated materials, templates, and recordings to support your response and recovery planning.

📣 Upcoming Meetings
Training & Exercises TF – Nov 6
Pediatric Care TF – Nov 18
Quarterly Membership – Dec 10

📅 For all upcoming trainings and events, visit our calendar: https://swflcoalition.org/calendar

Events Next Upcoming Event Type: CONTENTS

10/09/2025

🌴 Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition Updates – October Highlights! 🌴

We have a lot happening this month, and you will not want to miss these important opportunities and updates:

💻 October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
Check out CISA’s latest information on the growing risks tied to the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).

🧠 Mind the Gaps: Supporting Adults with Cognitive Difficulties
Join our interactive virtual tabletop exercise on October 28, 2025 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET) to strengthen preparedness and coordination across our region.
👉 https://www.allclearemg-training.com/offers/7fssrc6K/checkout

💰 Coalition Project Funding Now Open!
Our 2025–2026 funding request cycle is officially open. This is your opportunity to support your agency’s preparedness goals.
Two live Q&A sessions: October 16 and October 29 at 1 PM

👶 Save the Date: Pediatric Preparedness Summit
📅 February 25, 2026 | Florida Gulf Coast University
Join us for our first-ever full-day summit featuring hands-on training, educational sessions, and a pediatric “escape room” exercise.

🚨 Activation 101 Recap and Resources
If you missed the workshop, you can access the presentation, local contact list, and recording anytime.

🧩 Upcoming Trainings and Volunteer Opportunities
From emergency operations courses to airport exercises, there are many ways to get involved and strengthen our healthcare preparedness community.

📅 Next Meetings

Pediatric Care Task Force – October 14, 2025

Training and Exercises Task Force – November 6, 2025

📎 See all details, registration links, and resources on our calendar⬇️
👉 https://swflcoalition.org/calendar/

View the full training info here: https://hpcswf0-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/valerieteachout_hpcswf_com/Ebo7ATjYGjNHrN3V9rUbJr0BUa54mnEdavTYGPR8qOuZeA?e=UalxzV

💙 Thank you for helping make Southwest Florida a more prepared and resilient community.

Events Next Upcoming Event Type: CONTENTS

10/03/2025

📣 Friday Training Spotlight: Mind the Gaps TTX 📣

Join us for Mind the Gaps: Supporting Adults with Cognitive Difficulties – a virtual tabletop exercise open to all!
🗓 Wednesday, October 28, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET

This interactive discussion will help you assess your organization’s preparedness, strengthen regional collaboration, and walk away with actionable improvements. ✅ Plus, all participants receive a Certificate of Participation.

Register Here: https://www.allclearemg-training.com/offers/7fssrc6K/checkout

✨ Looking for more trainings, exercises, and events? We’ve gathered everything you need in one place – check out the full list here: https://hpcswf0-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/valerieteachout_hpcswf_com/Ea1h0wow4lRFquoMkHpwjR0Bw-pWTptzdRrsRYlmTwWahg?e=bhPe0t

Together, we’re building a stronger, more prepared Southwest Florida! 🌴💪

09/26/2025

Thank you for the important reminders Charlotte County Emergency Management!

As we close out Florida Preparedness Month, Charlotte County Emergency Management reminds all residents and visitors to stay prepared throughout the remainder of hurricane season:
🏠 Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
📝 Make a Plan
💼 Build a Kit
⛽ Halfway Full is Halfway There
🚙 Evacuate Tens, Not Hundreds of Miles

📍 Find your evacuation zone: www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/KnowYourZone

📖 Explore the Charlotte County Disaster Guide: CharlotteCountyFL.gov/disasterguide

09/26/2025

Friday vibes from our friends North Port Fire Rescue. 😎

09/26/2025

🎉 Happy Friday! 🎉

Looking for upcoming trainings, exercises, and opportunities? We’ve pulled together everything you need in one place! From task force meetings and free trainings to special exercises and summits — there’s something for everyone.

✨ Highlight: Mind the Gaps: Supporting Adults with Cognitive Difficulties Tabletop Exercise — October 28, 2025. Open to all!

👉 Check out the full list here: https://hpcswf0-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/valerieteachout_hpcswf_com/Eccl5KaGRVRMrYYfobFflZsBrtuO3-rNPqbKAbrIXzlGmw?e=EB9c48

Stay connected, get involved, and let’s keep Southwest Florida prepared and resilient! 💪🌴