How to Become an EMS Instructor

An Emergency Medical Service is a service that provides transport to a hospital and medical treatment to patients out of the hospital usually in emergency situations.

An EMS instructor is one who provides direction for Emergency Service Providers and takes part in program planning, evaluating and implementation.

How can you become an EMS instructor?

There is a process before one can become an EMS instructor.

Firstly, in order to become an EMS instructor, you need to complete an EMT instructor Aide ship at a recognized institution so that you can receive your license and certificate. You need to train as an EMT instructor and pass successfully through the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Here are some important steps to becoming an approved EMS instructor:-

• You must successfully complete the course for the program for desire to serve as an instructor. This is the NAEMT education program which is a national Emergency medical services professional organization representing all Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics.

• Acquire your license and certification from your state agency before applying to be an instructor. This is the most essential because every state’s course differs.

• Be connected with at least one approved NAEMT training center either as a member of their center or as an instructor applicant.

The process of becoming an EMS instructor.

• Look for a college or institution where you can pursue the education program.
• Take the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) course.
• Contact the EMS regulatory office to find out the required criteria.

An additional process of becoming an EMS instructor.

• It may be beneficial for you to get extra tutoring and guidance from a colleague who has more experience and is able to guide you on doing your job as required.
• Joining groups such as NAEMSE.
• Attend national or state forums to gain extensive information on EMS education.
• Look for online universities that provide professional training and development to boost your career.

Qualifications required for an Emergency Medical Services Instructor.

• Training.  Preparation for being an EMS starts with post high school education and training. This includes up to a 100 hours of basic training where students learn to test the patient’s condition, how to deal with cardiac emergencies, providing CPR and how to use medical equipment. Once completing the basic training, the student is able to care for patients at an emergency scene and be present during when transporting patients to the hospital.

Moving up to advanced training, technicians require up to a 1000 hours (1 month) of training where they are taught how to use complex equipment and medications. The Advanced training also includes both in class studying and hands on experience in an emergency room or in an ambulance. Students can also obtain the opportunity to take courses in anatomy and physiology, and obtain CPR certification.

• Certification. After completing training, an EMS is required to apply for certification through your state’s licensing agency. Rules and laws differ from state to state but most licensing is obtained through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. To secure a qualification, EMTs must pass a 2 hour exam that contains up to 120 questions on topics such as trauma as well as a practical examination concerning bone injuries, fractures, bleeding control and managing shock. You are also required to have a clear criminal record because otherwise your application will be denied.

• Characteristics. In order to provide maximum assistance for the sick and injured, an EMS needs both physical and personal abilities. They are required to be physically strong in case of emergencies where they are required to carry or lift a patient. They also need to have steady hands because they use specific medical equipment to stabilize patients until they can reach a hospital. Communication skills need to be excellent especially asking any questions where you are stuck. Critically ill or injured patients and their loved ones are mostly stressed out and therefore EMTs need to be source of comfort to them and assure them that they are doing their best and EMTs need to be emotionally supportive too.

The Duties of an EMS Instructor.

• To evaluate the work of the trainee and provide necessary guidelines for improvement.

• Provide feedback. This should be both positive and negative feedback along with what can be done to improve. Positive feedback may include praising and rewarding the trainee for the excellent job done while a negative feedback includes what went wrong and how it can be corrected.

• An EMS Instructor actively participates in planning, implementing and coordinating EMS educational programs.

• Administering the activities of course participants and delivering instructions and guidelines.

• Managing EMS program administrative requirements like calculating and submitting student grades, maintaining the program and ensuring it runs smoothly and preparing and submitting student data and reports.

• May lead, train and guide students or interns performing related work; may also be part of recruiting volunteers.

• Assess learner performances and provide feedback and necessary guidelines for improvement.

Knowledge and skills required to become an EMS instructor.

• Clear understanding of EMS theory and trends.
• Knowledge and awareness of current EMS curriculum and education standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.
• Ability to assess student performances and provide appropriate feedback.
• Problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of EMS education program standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of your state’s rules and regulations.

Your position as an EMS instructor requires you to be able to understand how to use lesson plans and tools based on your curriculum objective.

You are also required to be able to form effective and suitable learning environments for adult learners.

You need to be able to deliver instructions clearly and answer any questions accurately to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

You need to be able to plan and coordinate training and educational activities.