Optimize Competency While Reducing EMS Training Costs

A recent decision by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) has paved the way for some significant changes in how and where EMS providers may be trained. As of September of 2022, NREMT has permanently waived the limits on distributive education giving these first responders more options when pursuing continuing education, recertification, state licensure, refresher, and re-entry training. The removal of these restrictions offers EMS providers and the agencies for which they work greater flexibility when pursuing education and can result in substantial cost savings for their employers.

The decision to remove these restrictions could not come at a better time. Pandemic restrictions had made in-person training nearly impossible and like virtually every other segment of the healthcare industry, there are staff shortages of both providers and instructors making in-person training increasingly impractical and difficult.

Flexible Solutions for EMS Training

Removing requirements for synchronous, in-person training is an important first step as it means that agencies will no longer need strategies to address the inherent difficulties in scheduling and executing in-person training for these first responders. EMS providers need a broad scope of knowledge that covers assessment and clinical skills as well as the critical thinking skills that will keep both them and their patients safe in the often-chaotic circumstances in which they work. So, with barriers to distributive learning now removed, what is the best approach to EMS training?

HealthStream’s EMS Program is a comprehensive online program that includes more than 70 hours of courseware. The content is approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). Using HealthStream’s EMS program means that EMS providers and emergency management leaders can be confident that their training is relevant, medically accurate, and properly referenced.

HealthStream’s EMS Program is as comprehensive as it is flexible. It covers all five of the NREMT components:

• Airway: respiration and ventilation
• Cardiology and Resuscitation
• Trauma
• Medical/Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Emergency Medical Services Operations

Efficient and Cost-Effective Solutions for EMS Training

HealthStream’s EMS Program is designed to meet recertification requirements for all EMS personnel. The 70 hours of CAPCE-approved courseware is available on an easy-to-navigate platform that can be accessed anywhere on any type of device. In addition to the existing CAPCE-approved content, the program also offers users the option to create their own content that can help agencies address the unique requirements of their organizations and/or municipalities.

 It also takes the guesswork out of record-keeping. Managers can monitor and document individual and department-wide progress through the solution’s easy-to-use reporting features.

The solution is comprehensive and cost-effective. Leaders can be confident that:

• they are not overspending to keep their EMS providers properly trained and re-certified
• they are using the best, most up-to-date material available
• they have eliminated barriers to training by offering a solution that is easy-to-navigate, and accessible anywhere at anytime
• they are offering training that will help them attract and retain talent