Class Enrollment

2026 Academy Day 1 FF Inservice-BLS Renewal/PEARS/Medical Overview
Date/Time:	Wed 4/1/2026 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Location:	Nashville Fire Academy
Class Price:	$0.00

Nashville Fire Department Training Academy

2026 Firefighter Medical In-Service Training

BLS Refresher, PEARS, and LUCAS Device Overview

Course Description:

This 8-hour in-service training is designed to provide firefighters with a comprehensive refresher on fundamental life-saving skills and pediatric emergency recognition, while also familiarizing them with mechanical CPR device operations. The course includes three integrated components:

1. Basic Life Support (BLS) Refresher (2 hours):
   Participants will review and practice high-quality CPR techniques for adult, child, and infant patients, including single-rescuer and team-based resuscitation scenarios, AED operations, and airway management skills, ensuring maintenance of AHA BLS standards and clinical competency.
2. Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS) Certification (4 hours):
   This segment equips participants to systematically assess, recognize, and manage pediatric patients at risk for respiratory or circulatory compromise. The PEARS curriculum enhances skills in early identification of shock, respiratory distress, and failure in pediatric patients to improve outcomes prior to ALS arrival.
3. First Responder Overview: LUCAS Mechanical CPR Device (1 hr):
   Participants will receive an operational overview and hands-on practice with the LUCAS mechanical chest compression device, including indications, contraindications, deployment techniques, and integration into resuscitation protocols to optimize CPR quality and safety during patient transport.
4. Brief Medical Review (1 hr)

A brief review of current updates in EMS equipment and procedures relevant to first responders, including:

• Transition to 4 mg intranasal Narcan (replacing 2 mg prefilled doses)
• Use and assembly of the MAD (Mucosal Atomization Device)
• Saline lock setup and flushing techniques
• Operation of the newly issued stair chair.
• Glucometer calibration and use of control strips

Target Audience:
All firefighters requiring annual BLS recertification, PEARS certification, or initial training on the LUCAS device.

Course Length:
8 Hours

Prerequisites:
Current certification as a firefighter and prior completion of BLS for Healthcare Providers.

Certification:
Successful completion will result in renewal of BLS certification and the issuance of a PEARS provider card.