EMSKY

EMS Tool Kits

EMS Educator Toolkit

EMS educators play a critical role in shaping the next generation of emergency medical professionals. In Kentucky, educators must not only meet certification requirements but also demonstrate teaching excellence, curriculum development skills, and a commitment to student success. This toolkit is designed to guide aspiring and current EMS educators in Kentucky on how to become effective, impactful instructors.

1. Becoming an EMS Educator in Kentucky

  • Must hold a current Kentucky EMS provider certification (EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic).
  • Complete a KBEMS-approved Instructor Course.
  • Submit an application with proof of experience and credentials.
  • Maintain current provider and instructor certifications. Helpful Link: https://kbems.ky.gov/
  • 2+ years of field experience as a certified EMS provider. – Prior involvement in field training or precepting.

2. Core Competencies of a Successful EMS Educator

  • Instructional Skills: Ability to deliver engaging and understandable content.
  • Assessment Skills: Proficiency in creating and grading exams, skills checklists, and practical scenarios.
  • Curriculum Design: Familiarity with national EMS education standards and how to
    align content.
  • Student Mentorship: Willingness to guide, support, and coach students throughout
    their education.
  • Professionalism: Leading by example through reliability, communication, and ethical conduct.

3. Curriculum Development and Course Planning

  • Align content with the National EMS Education Standards.
  • Adhere to Kentucky-specific regulations and KBEMS curriculum requirements.
  • Define learning objectives.
  • Create lesson plans with timelines, activities, and assessments.
  • Integrate clinical and field components with classroom instruction.
  • Use lectures, case studies, simulations, and scenario-based learning.
  • Implement technology such as e-learning platforms and LMS systems.

4. Classroom and Clinical Instruction

  • Set expectations from the start.
  • Encourage interactive learning.
  • Use real-life examples.
  • Conduct skills stations with clear rubrics.
  • Use simulators for various case types.
  • Debrief after each simulation.
  • Collaborate with preceptors.
  • Monitor student performance using logs and feedback.

5. Student Assessment and Remediation

  • Written exams
  • Practical skills evaluations
  • Scenario-based testing
  • Identify struggling students early.
  • Create individualized remediation plans.
  • Use peer mentoring and tutoring.

6. Continuing Education and Professional Growth

  • Attend conferences (e.g., KY EMS Conference, NAEMSE).
  • Subscribe to EMS journals.
  • NAEMSE Instructor Course
  • Certified EMS Educator (CEMSE)
  • Join educator forums.
  • Mentor new instructors.

7. Tools and Resources

  • Lesson Plan Template
  • Student Evaluation Form
  • Remediation Plan Template
  • LMS: Moodle, Google Classroom, Canvas
  • Simulation: Laerdal SimMan, VRpatients
  • Assessment: FISDAP, Platinum Planner
  • https://kbems.ky.gov/
  • https://www.naemse.org/
  • https://www.emsworld.com/
EMS educators are vital to the quality and advancement of prehospital care. By meeting Kentucky’s requirements, honing teaching skills, and continuously seeking professional development, you can become a confident and effective EMS instructor. Use this toolkit as a foundation to support your journey and contribute meaningfully to the future of EMS in Kentucky.