Imagine a life hanging in the balance, every second counting. That’s the reality EMS professionals face daily. But are we giving them the tools they need to truly excel?
The 2020 National EMS Assessment estimated that there were 1,030,760 licensed EMS clinicians in the US, including both paid and volunteer workers. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies EMS providers at various levels: EMT, Advanced-EMT (AEMT), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and Paramedic. To ensure that they are always ready to serve and protect their communities, ongoing training and education are vital.
Generally speaking, emergency medical workers need to be recertified every 2 years by completing continuing education or passing the NREMT recertification exam. The model requires continuing education in three components: (1) a national component, (2) a local/state component, and (3) an individual component. But training for this highly complicated, yet specialized job presents several challenges, including:
- Retention of Knowledge and Skills – EMS providers must continually update their knowledge on medical protocols, procedures, and technology. In a high-stakes environment, a lapse in memory can mean the difference between life and death. How can we ensure crucial protocols are always at their fingertips?
- Adapting to Advancing Technology – EMS professionals must keep up with evolving medical devices, software, and telemedicine integration while ensuring competency in traditional methods. According to JEMS, the lack of technological change is a major “counterproductive” measure holding the EMS industry back.
“The landscape of EMS workforce management is laden with outdated practices and missed opportunities for innovation. Ignoring the potential of technology is a surefire way to increase operational burdens on EMS staff. Without leveraging modern software solutions, agencies risk overwhelming their teams with manual processes and inefficient systems, thereby escalating job dissatisfaction and turnover rates.”
– Dr. Orlando E. Rivera in Journal of Emergency Medical Services
- Limited Training Resources – Access to high-quality training, simulation equipment, and experienced instructors can be limited, especially in rural or underfunded EMS systems.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations – EMS providers must navigate complex legal and ethical issues, such as patient consent, medical liability, and decision-making under pressure.
- Time Constraints – Many EMS professionals balance training with full-time work, making it challenging to dedicate time to continuing education. Exhausted after a 24-hour shift, EMS providers are expected to find time for recertification.This leads to burnout and compromised learning.
Rethinking Training Delivery
This is where adaptive microlearning technology, also known as spaced learning, can make a significant impact. We’ve previously discussed how microlearning works, and The Learnery’s platform boosts retention by up to 80% by delivering information in small, digestible microlessons with repeated exposure through spaced learning – perfect for in-between calls or during downtime. This method reinforcers knowledge over time, enhancing both learning and retention.
The EMS industry would benefit greatly from a continuing education platform that utilizes online learning modules, microlearning techniques, and gamification to reinforce critical knowledge. Additionally, bite-sized lessons fit into even the busiest of schedules. The Learnery’s modular training allows trainees to complete coursework at their own pace using quick reference guides, protocol updates, and on-the-go learning.
Spaced Learning for World’s Largest EMS Org
The world’s largest fully volunteer free emergency medical services (EMS) organization, United Hatzalah of Israel, already knows the value The Learnery can bring to its workforce. The Isreal-based non-governmental organization (NGO) utilizes The Learnery’s cutting-edge microlearning software platform, empowering its 8,000 emergency medical volunteers to acquire and retain information more effectively through customized bite-sized training and educational modules.
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver swift and effective emergency medical response, ultimately saving more lives in communities around the world,” says Dovi Maisel, V.P. of Operations, United Hatzalah.
Our founder, Nick Dobrzelecki, began his journey in the EMS field, and understands the critical importance of continuous learning and staying at the forefront of advancements in healthcare. The Learnery content meets rigorous standards for accuracy and is composed from nationally recognized sources. Content created for The Learnery can be easily developed and seamlessly used on the platform in nearly any language.
Ready to transform EMS training? Let’s discuss how The Learnery can empower your team.