Registry Insider

ALS practice continues to evolve, and certification must evolve with it.

In Episode 70 of Registry Insider, we explained how the ALS Practice Analysis helps ensure National Registry certification examinations continue to reflect the work EMS clinicians perform every day.

As part of this process, surveys were emailed to a randomly selected group of Paramedics and Advanced EMTs. Not everyone will receive one. But, if you were selected, please take the time to complete it. Your experience and perspective are essential to building an accurate picture of ALS practice across the country.

Watch the episode, then check your inbox to see if you were selected.

The future of EMS depends on research that drives better decisions, stronger systems, and improved patient care. 

In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with the National Registry's three current EMS Research Fellows to discuss their journeys into research, the groundbreaking projects they're leading, and how the fellowship is shaping the next generation of EMS scientists. From workforce resilience and cardiac arrest research to airway management and public health, the conversation offers an inside look at how research is helping advance the EMS profession. The fellows also share what it's like to balance doctoral studies with full-time work at the National Registry, the value of mentorship, and the unique opportunities the fellowship provides. Whether you're an EMS clinician, educator, leader, or someone passionate about the future of prehospital care, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people and research driving the profession forward. 

To learn more about the National Registry EMS Research Fellowship and upcoming application opportunities, visit NREMT.org.

Delivering a death notification is one of the most challenging tasks an EMS clinician can face, yet many are called to perform it without prior formal training. In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth sits down with Dr. Maia Dorsett, New York State Medical Director and National Registry Board Member, to discuss the critical importance of educating Clinicians on death notifications before they enter the field. Dr. Dorsett outlines how applying a structured framework, such as a grieving algorithm, provides Clinicians with a fundamental roadmap to navigate these compassionate conversations effectively while maintaining their own resilience. Tune in to discover how structured training, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies can transform a daunting procedure into a professional standard of compassionate care.

Are you preparing your EMS students to simply pass an examination, or are you truly preparing them for the realities of the field?

In this episode of the Registry Insider podcast, Bill Seifarth sat down with Dr. Lance Villers from UT San Antonio. Together, they explored the critical shift from basic educational effectiveness to true field readiness. Dr. Villers introduced four foundational pillars designed to help educators bridge the gap between classroom learning and real world performance, ensuring every student develops into a highly capable Clinician.

These four pillars focus on using proven learning science to challenge students, building trust in their hands-on skills, helping them grow into proud professionals, and using advisory teams to prepare them for the real world. By implementing these structured frameworks, programs can move beyond testing muscle memory and begin teaching the critical emotional regulation, ethics, and communication strategies that every Clinician needs on the street.

How do you evaluate student competence beyond a written examination? Assessment in EMS education requires looking at the whole picture to ensure future Clinicians are ready for the field.

In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth connects with Dennis Edgerly, Director for the EMS Academy at Arapahoe Community College. Filmed on location at the Accreditcon conference in New Orleans, they dive into the essential components of student and program assessment.

The conversation focuses on balancing cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains to ensure comprehensive student development. Dennis outlines how the affective domain serves as a daily continuum rather than an isolated unit, highlighting the importance of evaluating professional presentation, preparation, and peer interaction. They also discuss utilizing the clinical judgment model to build deeper examination questions, moving away from superficial recall and aligning classroom education with real-world practice.

Watch the full episode to learn more about optimizing your program assessment tools and leveraging National Registry blueprints for student success.

In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth sits down with Dr. George Hatch, Executive Director of CoAEMSP, at the Accreditcon Conference in New Orleans to discuss the organization's expanded commitment to research and what it means for the profession.

Together, they explore how accreditation and certification work hand in hand to prepare future Clinicians, address post-pandemic challenges facing paramedic programs, and use practice analysis data to ensure education standards remain grounded in scientific evidence. Learn how these collaborative efforts will strengthen EMS education and help protect public health.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform. 

Are you maximizing the educational and professional experiences you already possess?

In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with Dr. Michael Miller, the Associate Director from the Committee on Accreditation for EMS Programs. Together, they dispel common myths surrounding the advanced placement process and discuss how educational programs can utilize credit for prior learning. 

The discussion highlights how this advanced placement process benefits a diverse range of candidates, from transitioning domestic healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, to international EMS personnel looking to practice in the United States. While building a custom curriculum presents initial operational challenges for program faculty, it serves as a vital tool to address ongoing workforce shortages and support the professional growth of every future Clinician.

What truly separates an exceptional EMS professional from the rest of the field? While technical expertise and quick clinical decision making are vital, the interpersonal behaviors and professional habits displayed by a Clinician often dictate their ultimate success.

In the latest episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with Dr. Kim McKenna, a board member for both CoAEMSP and the National Registry. They explore the critical concept of the affective domain in EMS education, highlighting how empathy, communication, and teamwork are just as essential as passing a cognitive examination. Dr. McKenna notes that most professional workplace issues stem from behavioral breakdowns rather than clinical errors. By establishing clear expectations on day one and providing structured mid-semester feedback, educators can guide students to build strong professional habits early in their careers.

Watch the full episode of Registry Insider on your favorite platform to learn more.

How do we address Paramedic shortages in rural communities?

In the latest episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth speaks with Deputy Chief Phillip Ferguson and EMS Educator Michael Cornett of Hopkinsville Fire and EMS about an innovative training model that expands access to Paramedic education across Kentucky while maintaining rigorous educational standards.

By bringing instruction closer to where students live and work, their program has helped develop more than 60 new Paramedics in just over a year and created a sustainable pipeline for rural EMS agencies.

Tune in as they discuss the challenges facing rural EMS, lessons learned, and opportunities to strengthen the future workforce.

This installment of Registry Insider features a conversation between Bill Seifarth and Samantha Hilker, Vice President of Programs and Services at the American Ambulance Association, regarding the critical role of leadership development within the profession. Samantha shares the history and vision behind the EMSNext Program, an initiative designed to empower emerging leaders and ensure the future of the industry is in capable hands. They also explore the vital distinction between specialized leadership tracks and broader mentorship opportunities available to the EMS community. This discussion offers a unique look at how these programs address workforce needs and provide Clinicians with the support necessary to take the next step in their professional journeys.