In a powerful example of intercampus collaboration, the UC Davis Fire Department is raising the bar for prehospital emergency care by training all career firefighters to use an advanced airway management device called “i-gel.” This initiative, made possible through a partnership with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at UC Davis Health, highlights how sharing expertise across campuses can help save lives. 

The i-gel is a supraglottic airway device that sits in the throat just above the opening to the windpipe rather than going into the trachea like a traditional breathing tube. It’s easier to use, requires less training and can be inserted by a single provider, which are critical advantages in high-pressure situations. 

“Expanding our EMS capabilities with the i-gel is a meaningful step forward in prehospital care,” said Fire Chief Nate Hartinger. “It’s a great example of what we can achieve through collaboration with our health system colleagues.” 

While all UC Davis career firefighters are EMT-certified, with this new training, they’ll be equipped with a new tool to respond faster to cardiac emergencies, when every second counts. 

“This level of training is unmatched in our region,” said EMS Captain Scott Hatcher. “It’s something we’re proud to offer and speaks to the strength of our collaboration with UC Davis Health.” 

The fire department’s i-gel training, just completed in summer 2025, builds on a partnership established in 2021, when CRNAs began working with the department to train paramedics. It has since grown to include classroom instruction and hands-on simulation training. 

“As CRNAs, we manage airways in a variety of situations, from routine surgeries to complex emergencies,” added Sherri Sokolovich, CRNA. “It was a natural fit to expand that training to our local first responders. These could be the very people responding to emergencies for our families one day.” 

Though the i-gel is an advanced tool, it has been approved for use under Basic Life Support (BLS) protocols by the Yolo County Emergency Medical Services Agency, thanks to a comprehensive training plan developed by the CRNAs. 

“This isn’t something required of BLS providers, but we believe it’s the right thing to do for our community,” said Dr. Lisa Mills, Medical Director for the UC Davis Fire Department and Director of Emergency Management Ultrasound for UC Davis Health. “We want to thank Chief Nurse Anesthetist Manager Kimberly Beres, Nurse Anesthetists Sherri Sokolovich and Rebecca Orlino, and the Department of Anesthesiology for going above and beyond to teach this skill to our firefighters.” 

This training benefits not only the UC Davis community but also surrounding areas. 

Under automatic aid agreements, the UC Davis Fire Department often responds not only on campus but also to neighboring areas like the City of Davis and West Sacramento. While not all local fire departments currently use the i-gel, UC Davis Fire Department’s adoption of the tool could inspire others to do the same. 

“Part of our mission is to not only care for our own community, but also to share what we’ve learned to help improve outcomes across the region,” said EMS Captain Scott Hatcher. “This training is just one example of how we’re working to extend that impact.” 

Reflecting on this partnership, Chief Nurse Anesthetist Kimberly Beres recognizes the potential impact her team can have on the care provided by the fire department. “As the UCDH CRNAs, we proudly launched this advanced airway clinical and classroom training exclusively for our UC Davis Fire Department brethren—and we’re honored to continue it today," said Chief Nurse Anesthetist Kimberly Beres. "These professionals represent the very best in our community, and we’re committed to equipping them with the critical skills that support their success in the field.”