Sorry for mulitple postings..
Recommendations to instructors. See if any of these sound familiar?
How to increase the performance level of the Basic EMT
- Must have strong institutions support
In other words, the school administration must want to have a
program rather than just a class. This involves total involvement, support financially and rules to ensure a quality program
- Strive institutional consistency through development of clear objectives, standard lesson plans & frequent communications
- Recant students and motivate students to succeed!
- Admit students who either through prerequisite course work of pre-testing have demonstrated that they have academic skills such as the HOBIT test.
- Develop student tests taking skills by frequent administration of written and practical assessments and provide timely feed back on performances
In other words, one should have multiple tests similar to the NREMT, as well as multiple skill testing within the course
- Encourage excellence by establishing passing standards that exceeds minimum of competency
Schools should develop
Mentor programs and
Study Groups. Allow the students to learn by investigating and reading multiple texts and resources.
Develop a cultural of excellence-demand a higher expectation! People will succeed!
Establish test that establishes success!
The primary purpose of the NREMT examination is public protection, BUT they frequently receive inquiries regarding topics and content areas that seem to be challenging for EMS community.
Biggest and Most DIFFICULTY areas in the Basic EMT Testing Area or in other words
HIGHEST FAILED AREAS:
- AHA- BLS Guidelines from the 2005 Health Care Provider
- Types, mechanism and signs and symptoms of the different types of shock
- Management of the various types of burns
At the
Paramedic Level there is NO consistent area that is failed, it is very general.
Low Point areas that is often seen on all examinations:
- management of extremity injuries
- To be able to IDENTIFY & DISTINGUISH between RESPIRATORY DISTRESS & RESPIRATORY FAILURE especially in pediatric patients
- Management of childbirth and pregnancy
- Differentiate between airway management,oxygenation, ventilation & respiratory efforts
The Future!
There are many agencies involved in the development of EMS in the future. NREMT is just one of many organizations: Here is some of those agencies recommendations and plans.
National Plan
- Recommends a single national recognized accreditation agency for EMS Educational Programs
- Provide National Consistency
- EMS is the ONLY licensed health care profession that does NOT require graduation from a nationally acquired educational program
Development Care Content
Be more pro active analysis, more EMS research, learn of past experience.
National EMS Care Content
- Defines the "domain" of EMS
- Addresses knowledgeable content globally
- Was completed by NAEMSP in 2004
SCOPE of PRACTICE
- Defines the National License Level
- Is a model for the state to follow in defining, what EMS professionals can do
Transition Toolbox 2009 (bench marked for 2011)
The three national levels for EMS will be EMT, EMT Advanced and Paramedic
Note, states may have different levels but nationally there will only be the three.
As well notice the term "Basic" has been removed, the term "Intermediate" also has been abolished as well the "EMT" from the Paramedic. These are expected to be released in 2009 but not really take affect until 2011.
EMT and Current Intermediates will have to take a transitional course. This course will ensure that all current EMT's are on the current level. Paramedics will not be required, however; new curriculum for Paramedics will cover such areas as 12 lead and increased medication(s).
National EMS Certification
- Provides a single National Independent Agency
- Verifying competency at a predetermined level of proficiency
- Serves as the basis for State EMS licensure
At this time there are only 4 States that do not use the NREMT.
National EMS Education Program Accreditation
- Single National Independent Agency
- A Non-Governmental Collegial process of Self and Peer assessment
- Defines Standards and evaluation programs relative to those standards
Accredited Programs vs. those that are NOT Accredited (Paramedic Level)
Accredited Programs produces higher score pass rates.
Practical simulators (high simulators) increases skills and pass rates
It is highly recommended that schools start preparing for accreditation. Developing a portfolio on each student. Providing information that the student was not just informed and evaluated but provide documentation that the student skill was re-emphasized. For example Cervical Immobilization with a C-collar not once, but three four times during the class.
Develop a Preceptor Essay and have a Psychomotor Package.
It is predicted (2010-2011) if the school is accredited and has such programs in place the graduating students of such programs those students may only have to test Trauma and Cardiac stations only in lieu of the other portions/stations involved.
Right now 14 states require accreditation for EMS Education Institutions.
Future of the NREMT reregistration process.
A "banking" type system will be put in place. In other words, re-registration will done on computer. You enter the authorized CEU and automatically get credit for it in your file. When you are due, you "withdraw" these CEU's and refresher course number, your education/supervisor/Director enters their authorized number as well as your medical director does the same. You then can pay through electronically like Pay-Pal, etc.. Receive your card in a few days. There are already test pilot areas in place that will perform this, at the end of this year.
NEW THINGS for NREMT
- Revision of Psychomotor Exams
- Implement Revised Educational Standards
- Community Relations Programs
- Promote more EMS Research
The main point is that changes takes time. Most of the changes that will be occuring started 10-15 years ago. It usually take > 10 years to make changes. So although it occurs, it is a very SLOW process.
I hope as NREMT goes to various states, that everyone that can attend do so. It is very informative. I do believe that the NREMT understands the majority of our problems. That they are often misunderstood as we even see posts here. They are just a testing agency for EMS. They do understand there is a DIFFERENCE between the field and Classroom setting, however; all one can do is test logical and didactic and psychomotor skills. They do understand it is NOT perfect, but is attempting to reduce errors.
R/r 911
