Week 8 starts a new module and now I’m asking you to take the position of a training coordinator for an EMS service. Maintaining the certification of a group of medics is challenging. Trust me I know! We maintain the certifications of more than 1,800 EMTs and Paramedics for the San Antonio Fire Department.
Consider these issues we deal with in working with the SAFD:
1) How do you provide all CE hours needed to maintain the certification of 1,800 medics?
This requires 36, 1-week CE classes. This means that we offer a 40-hour CE course 36 times a year and maintain the required records needed for the state and the city. Another consideration is maintaining the motivation of instructors to teach the same material 36 times a year.
2) How do you present CE that meets state requirements, system issues, and is medically relevant to their direct practice?
We bring in experts from the major hospital systems to present a hour or 2 on topics that help medical care but that also helps with good communication and understanding between EMS and the receiving hospitals. Of course they must commit to presenting their topic 36 times a year which is not easy if you’re having outside presenters such as doctors and nurses.
During the 40-hour class, one day is dedicated to a special procedures lab using non-embalmed cadavers to help train on airway procedures and IO insertion by EMTB’s. Can you imagine how many bodies I purchase every year and what that costs?!?
3) What if your medical director wants to implement a new medication or piece of equipment?
It takes months to get all medics through special training sessions in additional to their required CE hours. Budget issues for not just the new equipment are a concern but you must include this for training sessions and continued training sessions.
Example- the medical director wanted to implement the use of the Handtevy system which requires new syringes, needles, and simulated medicine vials. This is often overlooked by budget planners in municipal systems where those responsible for the budgets and purchasing are far-removed from the needs of those who are doing the training and monitoring.
Lots to think about and consider when maintaining the training needs and certification requirements.
