Attending MA EMT-B CE courses when you're unaffiliated

[atheist healer]

This question is as much about awkwardness as it is about continuing education.

I'm a Massachusetts EMT-B. I didn't find work right off the bat after I first got my ticket and now I'm trying to renew on my own without any affiliation (in region 1). I've pulled up a Massachusetts CE course listing here: 1.usa.gov/1bPKoDc

Rather than hiding in my darkened basement collecting coned hours online, I'm sure it would make me a better EMT to go out to some courses. Do I just give the coordinator's number a call and let them know I'm unaffilated and interested in, say, the m&m conference they're coordinating? What is an m&m conference? Should I call a coordinator at least a week in advance? What things should I avoid doing so I don't come across as a bonehead to the local EMS community I might be becoming a part of soon?

 

[medicdan]

This question is as much about awkwardness as it is about continuing education.

I'm a Massachusetts EMT-B. I didn't find work right off the bat after I first got my ticket and now I'm trying to renew on my own without any affiliation (in region 1). I've pulled up a Massachusetts CE course listing here: 1.usa.gov/1bPKoDc

Rather than hiding in my darkened basement collecting coned hours online, I'm sure it would make me a better EMT to go out to some courses. Do I just give the coordinator's number a call and let them know I'm unaffilated and interested in, say, the m&m conference they're coordinating? What is an m&m conference? Should I call a coordinator at least a week in advance? What things should I avoid doing so I don't come across as a bonehead to the local EMS community I might be becoming a part of soon?

The process to attend CEs is no different than previous yeas. You may attend any course on that list-- that list represents single-date courses that are approved for credit and open to the public. Virtually every hospital with an emergency department holds M&M for their EMTs and Paramedics, case reviews, either from EMS of the ED that are interesting, and warrant discussion. They are generally attended only by the local medics, but again are open. You should call the coordinator, but expect they won't be in, or will take some time to get back to you.
An alternative is to call your local FD/EMS, and ask if they open their courses to the community (even if not on that list). EMS Education institutions offer and hold con-ed in-person, and can/should be approached, and there are EMS Conferences (actually one two weeks ago in Western MA; massemsconference.com).
If you're interested in some specific contacts or names, shoot me a PM...

Good luck!

 

[atheist healer]

Hey medicdan, thank you for that reply! I've seen other posts of yours in this forum while doing searches, and so I really appreciate your activity here. I would be more than happy for some contacts that you think or know would include unaffiliated EMTs in their CE courses! But you will have to send me the PM, because I haven't made enough posts to actually send PMs myself.

Shucks that I missed that wmass conference.

This is embarrassing, but if you could tell me what m&m stands for I would really appreciate it.

 

[medicdan]

Hey medicdan, thank you for that reply! I've seen other posts of yours in this forum while doing searches, and so I really appreciate your activity here. I would be more than happy for some contacts that you think or know would include unaffiliated EMTs in their CE courses! But you will have to send me the PM, because I haven't made enough posts to actually send PMs myself.

Shucks that I missed that wmass conference.

This is embarrassing, but if you could tell me what m&m stands for I would really appreciate it.

M&M is Morbidity and Mortality rounds, see more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morbidity_and_mortality_conference
http://www.emsworld.com/article/111...providers-following-negative-patient-outcomes