Skill competitions and testing, such as those conducted Thursday at the 2009 Arkansas EMT Association Conference, help ensure quality medical care is provided in emergency situations, organizers say.

“It’s not just a fast ride to the hospital today,” said Mark Warford, who was in charge of the Fire EMS competition held at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Within 15 minutes of their arrival at an emergency, EMTs strive to have the patient ready for transport, said Warford, who works for the North Little Rock Fire Department.

“Treatment continues from the tim...

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