Emergency responders complete neonatal resuscitation training at Glen Oaks
The four-month Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) brought together 24 Medical First Responders, EMTs, and paramedics from communities including Burr Oak, Mendon, White Pigeon, Colon and Sturgis.
Two dozen emergency responders from across St. Joseph County and nearby areas have completed a neonatal resuscitation training program aimed at enhancing critical care for newborns in emergency situations.
The four-month Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) brought together 24 Medical First Responders, EMTs, and paramedics from communities including Burr Oak, Mendon, White Pigeon, Colon and Sturgis. The initiative was funded by a grant from the Michigan Rural EMS Network (MiREMS) and supported by Glen Oaks Community College, which hosted the hands-on training sessions.
“This program is a testament to the commitment of our emergency personnel to continually improve their life-saving skills and serve our rural communities with excellence,” said Dr. Chris Milligan, who led the effort.
Milligan collaborated with Lisa Cripe, MSN, RN, an NRP instructor with Beacon Health System in Three Rivers and a full-time nursing faculty member at Glen Oaks. Cripe facilitated in-person mock skills assessments, following an online course completed by each participant. The final portion of the training included a two-hour, hands-on session in the Glen Oaks Nursing Lab.
“This type of specialized training ensures that even the youngest and most vulnerable patients receive the highest quality care when it matters most,” Cripe said.
Officials say the training will enhance neonatal emergency care throughout the county’s rural communities, where rapid and skilled intervention can make a critical difference in outcomes for newborns.
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