[ES-ALS-Providers] Continuing Education 2010-2011

[Kevin Holloway]

Good Morning,
 
First, I am pleased to announce that Benjamin R. "Ray" Miles, NREMT-P (EMT-Instructor/ALS Coordinator, Town of Chincoteague EMS) has been appointed to assume the role of ALS/BLS Continuing Education Coordinator (presently held be ME) for the Eastern Shore EMS Council effective July 1, 2010.  Ray's contact information will be available on the published schedule (forthcoming).  While either Hollye Carpenter (TEMS Field Coordinator) or myself remain available to answer specific questions regarding certification/recertification requirements, any inquiries regarding the BLS/ALS CE Schedule (instructor scheduling, CE card issues, etc) should be directed to Ray beginning July 1.  I will continue to handle CE issues through June 30 (card/posting errors, etc.)
 
Secondly, the format for BLS and ALS CE scheduling has changed.  As a result of the projected loss of OEMS Training Funds which typically provide nearly 100% of the funding for these programs (mainly ALS), some changes were needed to assure that programs could continue to be delivered while being cost effective for the EMS Council.  As a result, the decision has been made to offer CE sessions as "joint" BLS/ALS sessions, meaning, for example, that a lecture on Chest Pain would offer Cat 1-Medical Emergencies for the BLS provider and Cat 1-Cardiac Compromise for the ALS provider.  Lectures/workshops will be designed so that particular topics are addressed from both the BLS and ALS perspective.  It is my belief that this will ultimately enhance learning on both levels, exposing BLS providers to ALS interventions while reemphasizing to our ALS providers, the importance of BLS care.  The schedule will remain consistent with our current ALS CE format and
 we will abandon the poorly attended weekend sessions that were part of our BLS program.  The program will be announced as simply "EMS Continuing Education."
 
In addition, site changes for this year will include the permanent move of the Machipongo classes to the Northampton EMS Training Center (former Northampton Middle School), and the move of our Melfa site to the Eastern Shore Regional Fire Training Center (Beacon Road, Melfa) beginning with the July session, in partnership with the Fire Training Center.  I am extremely grateful to Melfa Fire & Rescue for their continued use of their station over the years.
 
On a final note, it needs to be stressed to providers of all levels, that the accumulation of CE credits is an individual responsibility.  I/we are seeing a spike in the number of providers who are finding themselves in "jams." With the success of the Train Virginia program, in addition to our basic courses, EMS CE program, and other CE programs held in individual stations, providers now have more opportunities than ever before to accrue CE hours.  Providers can find complete schedules of local course offerings on our website at www.es.tidewaterems.org  
 
Again, I remain available to your questions or concerns regarding training, or any other topic that can be addressed by the Eastern Shore EMS Council.  Thanks to each one of you who are part of our long history of providing top-notch EMS care to the residents and visitors of the Eastern Shore.  
 
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Kevin T. Holloway, BA, NREMT-P
President
Eastern Shore EMS Council
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