In our last edition, we covered MEMSA’s first Paramedic Practical Familiarization program which took place in Kansas City on October 19, the evening before the October 20 Paramedic Practical test at Blue River College.  The object of the familiarization class is to allow test takers the chance to familiarize themselves with pass/fail criteria as well as the use of specific equipment for the practical test the following day.

 

The hands-on preparation course included nine NREMT Advanced Level Practical Examination stations, each manned with facilitators to guide students through the expectations of the next day’s course of testing.  Stations include Oral Station, Static Cardiology, Dynamic Cardiology, Bleeding Control/Shock Management, Dual Lumen Airway Device, Intravenous Therapy, Patient Assessment – Trauma, Pediatric Intraosseous Infusion, Pediatric Ventilatory Management (2 yrs), Ventilatory Management (Adult), Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient) and Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient).

Testing results from the October 20 exam showed an improvement in scores overall says event facilitator and lead trouble shooter, Jim Cox.  “We saw a dramatic increase in test scores over past test results,” says Cox.  

Cox, the lead paramedic instructor with MAST Ambulance and past MEMSA board member, says his own class was present for the familiarization program and had very positive comments about the experience.  A student survey was issued to each test taker as well, which cited very positive feedback as well.  NREMT representatives found the familiarization program very helpful as well, according to Cox.

“The students unanimously agreed that the hands-on experience with equipment and plenty of time for questions and answers both the evening before and the morning of the test, made a great deal of different for them,” said Cox.

Survey results from the Paramedic Practical Familiarization program will be published in the near future.

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