NCEMSF is pleased to offer Pre-Conference Workshops as part of the 33rd Annual Conference. These workshops offer a chance to go in-depth on a specific topic, and will be held on Friday, February 20. Registration will be limited to those who are also attending the full Conference. Links to register for a Pre-Conference Workshop will show once you have registered for the Conference and your payment has been processed. The following course descriptions and prices are provided for your planning purposes, but are subject to change. Additional courses may be listed at a later date. NCEMSF reserves the right to cancel a course or tour due to either low registration or if the hosting venue becomes unavailable. Listed times do not include any travel to off-site locations.
US Park Police Aviation Division Tour
Friday, February 20, from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm (exact times TBD)
Experience a rare behind-the-scenes visit to the United States Park Police (USPP) Aviation Division, one of the most respected and historic public safety aviation units in the country. Established in 1973 and headquartered at the famed "Eagle’s Nest" in Anacostia Park, the USPP Aviation Unit operates a fleet of Bell 412 and Bell 206L-3 helicopters to support the National Capital Region. A core mission of the unit is emergency medical evacuation (medevac), with aircraft crewed by a pilot and a nationally registered paramedic, allowing for advanced medical care to be initiated in the air. In addition to medevac services for Washington, DC and surrounding jurisdictions, the unit supports law enforcement aviation, search and rescue, high-risk prisoner transport, and Presidential and dignitary security, and regularly provides mutual aid to agencies in Maryland and Northern Virginia. During this exclusive tour, attendees will see the aircraft up close, learn about flight crew roles and aviation medicine, explore mission and medical equipment, and gain insight into how airborne assets integrate into large-scale emergency response—offering an unforgettable perspective for future EMS and public safety leaders.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to this location (about a 15 minute drive or ride share from the hotel; public transit not recommended). Exact transportation details will be provided by Thursday, February 19.
This tour does not provide additional CE.
Cost: Free
Class Size: 25 students maximum
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Arlington County Fire Department Station Tour
Friday, February 20, from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm (exact times TBD)
Tour an Arlington County Fire Department Firehouse! Arlington County has 400 firefighters, 9 Fire Stations, 9 Engines, 2 Trucks, 9 Ambulances and 2 Rescues, responding to 15,000 EMS responses per year. It is the lead agency for responding to the Pentagon, and was the lead agency responding to the 9/11 attacks.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to this location, so please allow extra time before the scheduled start time listed above. Exact transportation details will be provided by Thursday, February 19.
This tour does not provide additional CE.
Cost: Free
Class Size: 20 students maximum
{show usergrouplevels="Conf_Reg"}Register for this Workshop{/show}
Registration for the tours below is now closed.
GW CLASS Simulation Center Tour and Class
Friday, February 20, from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm (exact times TBD)
Tour a leading healthcare simulation center at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences then take part in a variety of simulations run by CLASS (Clinical Learning and Simulation Skills) Center staff using cutting edge simulators. The CLASS Center is a 17,000 sq foot state-of-the-art sim center with a procedural skills lab, 2 operating rooms, 2 high fidelity rooms, a labor and delivery suite. Come learn about why simulation is key to EMS and healthcare provider education and training, and how simulation improves patient safety and improves provider skill, teamwork and communication.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to this location (about a 30 minute train ride or 15 minute drive or ride share from the hotel). Exact transportation details will be provided by Thursday, February 19.
Additional CE credit will be provided.
Cost: Free
Class Size: 30 students maximum
This workshop is now full.
US HHS Secretary's Operations Center Tour
Friday, February 20, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm (exact times TBD)
The HHS Secretary’s Operations Center serves as the nation’s nerve center for public health and medical coordination. This exclusive tour provides participants with an inside look at the 24/7/365 operations that support and coordinate federal emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Tour Highlights:
- Operations Briefing: Learn how watch officers maintain continuous situational awareness of emerging health threats, from disease outbreaks to natural disasters affecting healthcare infrastructure
- Information Integration: Discover how the SOC synthesizes intelligence from over 50 data streams—including CDC surveillance, FDA safety monitoring, and international health alerts—to provide real-time decision support to HHS leadership
- Crisis Coordination: Understand how the SOC activates emergency response capabilities, deploys federal medical assets, and integrates with the National Response Framework
Notes: The SOC is currently operating from a temporary space while its permanent location undergoes modernization. This tour focuses on SOC capabilities and operations rather than facility infrastructure. As a response organization, all tours are considered tentative and may be cancelled at any time by the Secretary’s Operations Center (SOC) to support disaster and emergency response efforts. This tour opportunity is only open to U.S Citizens.
Security Requirements:
- Advance vetting deadline: Participants must sign up by February 17, 2026, for security review.
- ID requirement: REAL ID-compliant driver's license or US passport is required for facility access on tour day.
- Security screening: Facility access requires a screening similar to an airport. Pack and dress accordingly.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to this location (about a 45 minute train ride or 15 minute drive or ride share from the hotel). Exact transportation details will be provided by Thursday, February 19.
This tour does not provide additional CE.
Location: Off-Site (details to be provided to registered attendees the week of the Conference)
Cost: Free
Class Size: 20 students maximum
All attendees will be subject to a background check/security vetting as described above, and is only open to US Citizens.
Registration for this tour has closed.