How EMS Continuing Education Requirements Improve Response and Care

Missouri’s paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMT) must renew their certification/licensure every five years. Renewal requires that each EMS professional accrue a specified number of continuing education hours if they do not currently hold certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). 

Without current NREMT licensure, Missouri mandates that individuals holding an EMT Basic certification must complete 100 CE hours; EMTs, paramedics, and advanced EMTs need to complete 144 hours of continuing education. Missouri’s strict adherence to mandating continuing education for EMS professionals is not unique. Learning and advancement are crucial to ensuring that emergency medical technicians and paramedics stay current on proper life-saving techniques, care protocols, medical technologies, policy/insurance updates, and best practices. 

EMT Training Scenarios and Continuing Education

Many EMS districts require EMTs and paramedics to hold specific certifications to remain on staff or be considered for EMS employment. For example, many Districts require a PALS certification; this denotes that the individual can administer Pediatric Advanced Life Support medical care and assistance. PALS certification requires mastering cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants/children and understanding how to respond to respiratory emergencies of pediatric patients. 

Classes and coursework related to required District certifications accrue towards continuing education credits for EMT licensure. These classes also provide crucial training scenarios that prepare students for the emergencies they will encounter as first responders. The NREMT requires that coursework for continuing education include training in these emergency situations:

• Airway & respiration

• Cardiovascular

• Trauma

• Medical

• Operations

Airway Management Continuing Education

CPR certification must be renewed regularly for EMTs and paramedics. This is one of the most important certifications that must be completed. Some emergency districts require advanced-level CPR (including PALS certification).

All EMTs and paramedics must master managing all airway emergencies, from respiratory distress related to an allergic reaction (and swelling) to choking or full airway obstruction. Emergency crews respond to water emergencies that also require quick CPR response.

While CPR techniques have not evolved dramatically through the years, the technological support that aids standard CPR has advanced considerably. For this reason, EMTs and paramedics must stay current on all CPR training techniques and best practices. 

Training for EMT Cardiovascular Emergencies

Continuing education classes for NREMT licensure also require training in managing a variety of cardiovascular emergencies. EMTs and paramedics must know how to handle, care for, and manage cardiac arrest and the post-resuscitation care of these patients. 

Cardiovascular emergencies include stroke patients, and emergency personnel must know how to identify the signs of a stroke. EMS team members also need to understand the clinical differences between a heart attack and a panic attack. 

Again, continuing education enables first responders to navigate the changing medical care best practices related to managing the needs of patients experiencing cardiovascular emergencies. For example, the understanding of mental health conditions like anxiety has increased awareness of panic attacks and their common symptoms. Panic attacks (or anxiety attacks) can be very similar to heart attacks. 

While heart attack symptoms persist, panic attacks begin to dissipate in a matter of minutes. In addition, sensory disruptive treatments like ice in the hand can stop a panic attack completely (as the fear response is in the mind and has nothing to do with ventricular or atrial disruption). 

Continuing Education for Trauma Care

EMTs and paramedics respond to a variety of trauma cases. These include patients who are suffering from deep wounds, hemorrhages, broken bones, and CNS injuries (spinal cord injuries and brain injury). Without constant training and continuing education, EMS teams would not have the most up-to-date knowledge about these types of trauma. 

Brain and spinal cord injuries require first responders to understand how to move patients without further injuring them. Individuals with brain trauma (including serious concussions) also could require breathing support, specialized wound care, and other advanced life support.

The treatment of deep wounds and hemorrhages also has advanced. Now EMTs learn about XStat (an injection that seals wounds with a spongy material) and even freeze-dried platelets. While not all districts utilize the same strategies, the advancement of care and understanding of these new methodologies are crucial for first responders as they assess the critical needs of patients. 

EMS Training to Manage All Medical Care Demands

Cardiovascular, trauma, and airway emergencies are only a few of the medical demands required of EMS teams. EMTs and paramedics must also know how to manage emergencies in all medical situations. 

The public does not always understand the depth of knowledge that first responders must hold regarding medical care response and on-the-scene care. Not only do they respond to trauma and heart attacks, but they also must train to respond to OB/GYN emergencies (including how to deliver a child), manage psychiatric emergencies (like psychotic episodes), mitigate drug overdoses and poison ingestion (especially pediatric cases), and they learn how to properly administer life-saving medications related to diabetic emergencies, seizures, and other medical care situations. 

Without constant education and training, first responders would be unable to meet all their jobs' medical demands and care requirements. Not only do CE courses ensure they remain current on all medical advancements, but these courses serve as training for an emergency they may not yet have managed (but will in the future).

Continuing Education Supports Daily EMS Operations

Continuing education courses for EMS professionals also address learning and professional development that supports the daily operations of the District. Some courses focus on crew hygiene, best practices for ambulance navigation, how to triage effectively, and the latest EMS guidelines.  

While staying current on care support and methodologies is a crucial part of first response, EMS crews must also understand the business side of emergency service. District leadership often takes continuing education courses and training to better understand best practices for management, hiring, and even new DEI recommendations and training. 

Continuing Education Courses Offered by Missouri Ambulance Association

MAA offers leadership training for ambulance and fire boards. These classes ensure that Board members understand their roles and responsibilities to best serve their District and its residents. Board training classes are held throughout the year. Sign up today!