SOUTH BURLINGTON — More than 600 emergency providers from around Vermont have been gathering for an annual conference sponsored by the Health Department.

The four-day conference runs through today at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington.

The 23rd annual event includes workshops, educational sessions and a trade show.

This year’s feature presentations include rural rescue, the EMS response at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.; drug abuse and addiction issues; and how to prepare and respond to emergencies such as radiation from a so-called dirty bomb.