Eastern Florida State College and Health First held their fifth annual EMS Skills Fair from August 12 to 14, 2026, at EFSC’s Public Safety Institute in Melbourne. The three-day event drew 411 participants from 13 agencies, including municipal fire rescue departments, emergency medical services providers, and healthcare organizations across Brevard County. The fair aimed to improve lifesaving techniques and promote collaboration among first responders through hands-on training and scenario-based exercises.
Dr. Larissa Dudley and Kim Eddleman organized the event, which took place at EFSC’s Emergency Medical Services training facilities. The fair included sessions on advanced patient care, trauma response, and equipment use, with participants practicing real-world scenarios under the guidance of instructors from Health First and local agencies. Attendees ranged from seasoned paramedics to new recruits seeking certification.
The event emphasized the importance of standardized protocols in emergency care, with training modules designed to address challenges specific to Brevard County’s geography and population. Health First, a regional healthcare provider, contributed resources and staff to support the workshops, which covered topics like stroke recognition, pediatric emergencies, and hazardous material incidents.
This year’s fair followed previous events that have trained hundreds of emergency personnel across the Space Coast. Organizers said the collaboration between EFSC and Health First ensures that training remains relevant to local needs, with feedback from participants shaping future programs. The next skills fair is expected to be held in 2027.