Registry Insider

Navigating adult education in the EMS field presents unique hurdles, particularly when balancing time constraints and confidence challenges.
In the latest episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth is joined by Dave Page, Dr. Nicole Hansen, and Dr. Charles Foat to discuss breakthrough findings from the Prehospital Care Research Forum. Dr. Hansen shares survey insights regarding the primary obstacles learners encounter, while Dr. Foat and Dave Page explore how frequent low-stakes evaluations, clear content blueprints, and positive affirmations can transform student success. By understanding these dynamics, education programs can better prepare every Clinician for the certification examination and long-term professional growth.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or visit http://prehospitalcare.org to explore more research and find out how you can engage with upcoming educational workshops!

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 http://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.

How does the responsibility of the uniform extend beyond the emergency call?

In the second part of our conversation with Scott Moore, Bill Seifarth continues the discussion regarding essential non-clinical topics for the EMS community. While our profession is defined by clinical excellence and the successful completion of the national certification examination, true leadership requires a focus on the person providing care.

This episode highlights the importance of financial education to reduce the stress that many in our field face on a daily basis. Furthermore, Bill and Scott examine the reality of being a public figure in the digital age. Every Clinician represents the profession at all times, and understanding the impact of a digital footprint is vital for maintaining professional standards.

Watch the full episode of Registry Insider on our website or your favorite podcast platform!

#EMS #EMT #EMR #podcast #emergency #medical #healthcare #ambulance #research #education #examination #studying #NREMT

Why do dedicated Clinicians leave the profession when their medical skills are exceptional?

In the first installment of this two-part series, Bill Seifarth and Scott Moore, an attorney with WMK Law Group, examine the non-clinical factors that lead to professional separation. Scott Moore, an expert in employment law, observes that most employee retention challenges are related to conduct or personal stressors rather than clinical incompetence. The discussion highlights how orientation programs frequently neglect essential topics such as financial stability, work-life balance, and burnout.

Agencies can improve retention by analyzing data related to shift end times and uninterrupted meal breaks to support their staff. This focus on the human element is as vital for long-term success as passing an initial certification examination. Watch the full episode of Registry Insider to learn more about strengthening your organization!

Did you know that this year saw the highest number of EMS Clinicians recertify in over a decade?

The National Registry is celebrating a landmark achievement as over 170,000 EMS Clinicians successfully completed their recertification this cycle. Kristina Esposito, Director of Certification at the National Registry, sits down with Bill Seifarth and discusses how this 71% completion rate represents the highest engagement in over a decade. They credit this success to technical improvements, such as the tool that allows for the direct import of CAPCE-accredited education into an application. The episode also addresses the audit process, clarifying that selections are random and do not cause a certification to lapse while under review. Looking ahead, the National Registry is developing a visionary document to further advance the assurance of continued competence through technology and research.

Listen to learn more.

How can the National Registry ensure every voice connected to certification is heard at the highest level? In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth and Board Chair Dr. Scott Gilmore discuss the introduction of a new advisory group that creates a direct line of feedback to the Board of Directors before key decisions are made. This group reflects the full EMS community, including EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic, across both volunteer and career roles. It also includes educators, employers, and partner organizations who prepare, support, and rely on certified Clinicians every day. The result is a more informed and transparent process that ensures the perspectives of those closest to the work help guide the future of certification.

#NREMT #EMS #EMT #paramedic #podcast

How can a single professional voice influence the legislative landscape of the EMS profession?
In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth sits down with Rob Lawrence of Prodigy EMS, who is the current executive director of the California Ambulance Association. Rob joins the show during the EMS Association Summit to discuss the vital role of advocacy at every level of government. The conversation explores how every Clinician acts as a politician when they educate local and federal officials on the true cost of readiness and the necessity of fair reimbursement. Rob also shares insights on successful initiatives, such as implementing emergency medical dispatch requirements and building strong partnerships with labor unions.

How can EMS evolve beyond a traditional 911 response model to address the root causes of patient crises? In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth speaks with Nate Metz, CEO of Phoenix Paramedic Solutions, about overcoming “tradition bias” and redefining value in healthcare. Metz shares how his organization expanded into occupational and behavioral health, reducing 911 overuse by 38% and lowering annual care costs to $998 per patient. The conversation also explores how this mission shift can reduce burnout by empowering Clinicians to support long-term patient outcomes.

What happens when the traditional boundaries of rural healthcare and paramedicine begin to blur for the benefit of the patient? In this 75th episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth sits down with Shannon Chambers, the Senior Director of Provider Solutions at the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, to explore the vital intersection of rural health and EMS. They discuss how innovative partnerships and pilot projects are paving the way for the community Clinician to thrive through telehealth and home visits. Shannon also shares her insights on the journey toward securing national recognition and sustainable funding for community paramedics. This conversation offers a unique look at how collaborative efforts are bridging gaps in care and provides a roadmap for agencies looking to evolve through new resources.

Your gear evolves. Your protocols evolve. Your science should too. On this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth introduces a new podcast from the National Registry Research Team: From Science to the Scene. EMS Fellow Chris Gage explains how this new 10-minute series turns complex research and the Prehospital Guidelines Consortium reading list into practical takeaways for EMS Clinicians. No journals to sift through. No academic jargon. Just the evidence that matters for patient care. From airway management to mass casualty response and emerging EMS research, From Science to the Scene helps bring the latest science out of the journal and into the ambulance. Listen to the preview on Registry Insider today. The first episode drops Friday.

What happens when leaders from influential EMS organizations sit down at the same table for conversation? In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth hosts a powerhouse panel at the inaugural EMS Association Summit to discuss the unprecedented spirit of collaboration currently defining the profession. Featuring Jamie Pafford-Gresham (American Ambulance Association), Chris Way (National Association of EMTs), and Dr. Scott Gilmore (National Registry Board of Directors), the conversation dives into why a unified voice is critical for the future of the industry. From the halls of Congress to state-level advocacy, discover how these partners are "walking the walk" to push for legislative wins like treatment-in-place and sustainable reimbursement. The unique perspective of every Clinician can help shape the next era of emergency medical services.