Part of the Baltimore County Fire Department EMS Academy Training Series.
Emergency Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Developmental Disabilities
July 11, 2024, 7 pm
Training by,
Nikki Austin, PhD, MA, RN, CEN, CNE, CLNC
Professor Emerita
Dr. Austin is Professor Emerita from Towson University’s Department of Nursing. She holds a PhD in Nursing, master’s degrees in nursing and pastoral ministry. Dr. Austin has taught undergraduate students in prelicensure and degree completion programs and graduate students in theory, research, evaluation, and practicum courses. Her clinical experiences have been predominately adult critical care and flight nursing. Dr. Austin’s research includes mentoring new faculty and the implementation of university-sponsored mass casualty exercises with a focus on the inclusion of pediatric patients. She has been an EMS provider since 1975 and an RN since 1984. Dr. Austin is certified in emergency nursing, nursing education, and legal nurse consulting. Dr. Austin is an active member of the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company.
Carol Adams, PhD, RN
Dr. Carol Adams has been a nurse since 1995 and has worked with all age groups. She currently works with medically complex children at home and school settings. Dr. Adams recently successfully defended her dissertation, Barriers, Facilitators, and Competencies in Advocating for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities with Health Disparities through Duquesne University. Dr. Adams is also a nursing consultant for individuals who self-direct their services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Erica Elica Wheeler
Erica is Chair of the State of Maryland Ethan Saylor Alliance. Erica has presented to the Maryland Law Enforcement Commission and has lead numerous trainings to various Law Enforcement agencies and worked to update the process. Previously, as Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission for Community Inclusion of People with I/DD, she lead a listening tour of Maryland to hear from families and Law Enforcement about their interactions. In 2006, Patti Saylor and Erica received the Community Advocate of the year Award at ARC’s National Convention. She is also contracted with the ARC of Maryland as a Empowering Partners Facilitator. Erica is now serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the ARC of Carroll County.
