Ellijay, Ga. (October 2, 2025) – More than 25 healthcare professionals, including a multidisciplinary team from Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, participated in the Rural Interactive Trauma Simulation Course held on Wednesday at the Ellijay Community Center. Hosted by the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, the full-day course was designed to equip rural trauma providers with the skills and strategies needed to deliver life-saving care in resource-limited settings.
The course combined a two-hour interactive didactic session with a four-hour hands-on simulation, allowing participants to engage in realistic trauma scenarios that reflect the challenges faced in rural environments. Medical professionals from a range of disciplines—including Nursing, Emergency Medicine, and Paramedics—worked together to practice trauma survey techniques, perform critical procedures, and refine their decision-making under pressure.
Participants were trained to recognize the unique priorities of trauma care in rural settings, apply evidence-based approaches to stabilization and transfer, and perform essential interventions such as airway management, tube thoracostomy, pelvic binder application, intraosseous access, and hemorrhage control. The simulation also emphasized effective communication, leadership, and role delegation during high-stress trauma scenarios.
“Our team is proud to take part in this kind of advanced training, which directly supports our mission to provide high-quality care in every situation,” said Nick Zelinsky, RN, Director of Emergency Services in Jasper and Ellijay. “Courses like this prepare our providers to respond confidently and effectively when every second counts.”
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital remains committed to clinical excellence and community health. By investing in education and regional collaboration, Piedmont continues to lead in delivering compassionate, expert care throughout North Georgia.
For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and its trauma care services, visit piedmont.org/mountainside.