Search

This document, which replaces the 1985 national guidelines for emergency medical technician (EMT) continuing education (CE), presents guidelines for designing, implementing, and evaluating CE for EMTs. The introduction explains the process used to develop the revised guidelines. Section 1 discusses the following competency assurance principles underlying development of the revised curriculum: (1) assessment of practice outcomes; (2) assessment of potential to practice; and (3) assessment of professional qualities. Justifications for assessing each item and recommended evaluation methods are also presented. Section 2 details the roles played by state emergency medical services offices and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in developing and operating emergency medical services (EMS) and in training and certifying EMTs. Section 3 describes the following mechanisms for competency assurance: (1) needs assessment; (2) assurance of knowledge (structured CE, refresher programs, lecture programs and conferences, nationally recognized CE courses, approved self-study, case reviews, grand rounds, sentinel event review, directed studies, teaching); and (3) assurance of skill proficiency (field performance evaluation; hospital clinical performance evaluations; skills workshops; performance examinations; integration of new technology, procedures, protocols, and products; evaluation of educational programs). The bibliography lists 29 references. A table detailing advanced-level EMS provider recommended hours of CE is appended. (MN)