ASTM F1256-90(2008)

Standard Guide for Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services Instructor for Basic Life Support/Emergency Medical Technician (BLS/EMT) Training Programs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Since the quality of prehospital BLS/EMT training depends, in large measure, on the instructional abilities and competencies of the BLS/EMT instructor, it is imperative that the individual selected and used in this capacity possess the qualifications and capabilities necessary to provide effective instruction.
A BLS/EMT instructor must possess clearly defined knowledge and skills competencies, have clearly defined responsibilities and scope of authority related to instructional programs, and meet other specific requirements pertinent to the level of instruction.
Using this guide, EMS institutions and organizations should be able to develop requirements for selection and utilization of BLS/EMT instructors for BLS/EMT training and education programs. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR GUIDELINES   Top
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to assist emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and institutions in selecting and utilizing individuals who teach in EMT (emergency medical technician) training programs which include instruction in basic life support knowledge and skills.
1.2 This guide identifies six categories of instructor in a BLS/EMT (basic life support/emergency medical technician) training program: adjunct instructor, clinical/field preceptor, practical skills instructor, associate instructor, course instructor/coordinator (I/C), and course administrator. The guide recognizes that an individual may, depending on his/her level of practice and the training program involved, function in any or all of these categories.
1.3 This guide includes specific guidelines for qualifications, training, education, experience, scope of authority, responsibilities, continuing education, evaluation, and maintenance of competency when applicable.
1.4 This guide does not include specific guidelines for the course administrator or the adjunct instructor. While the guide recognizes, by offering a definition of each category, that these types of individuals function in many BLS/EMT training programs, the limited instructional roles played by these individuals precludes the need for specific selection and utilization guidelines.
1.5 This guide is intended to apply to any individual who teaches in BLS/EMT training programs regardless of the individual's present level of clinical practice.
1.6 This guide intentionally omits references to length of prehospital care experience, teaching experience, and continuing education requirements. This guide also omits reference to waiver or equivalency. These issues should be addressed by the appropriate agency.
1.7 This guide applies only to instructors who teach in basic life support training courses designed to prepare an individual for certification to practice as an EMT (basic) or first responder. It does not apply to instructors who teach in specialized courses that do not in themselves qualify the individual for a level of EMT certification.
1.8 This guide does not establish certification requirements. Such requirements should be established by the certifying agency in the jurisdiction in which the BLS/EMT instructor will function. This guide may be used to provide considerable guidance to the jurisdiction responsible for establishing certification standards.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1—Also see Practice F 1031.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2008
• ICS: 11.160 - First aid
• Technical Committee: F30 - Emergency Medical Services
• Drafting Committee: F30.02 - Personnel, Training and Education

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1256-90(2002) - Standard Guide for Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services Instructor for Basic Life Support/Emergency Medical Technician (BLS/EMT) Training Programs
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F1229-01(2016) - Standard Guide for Qualification and Training of EMS Air Medical Patient Care Providers
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1256 − 90 (Reapproved 2008)
StandardGuide for
Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services
Instructor for Basic Life Support/Emergency Medical
Technician (BLS/EMT) Training Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1256; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This guide applies only to instructors who teach in basic
life support training courses designed to prepare an individual
1.1 This guide is intended to assist emergency medical
forcertificationtopracticeasanEMT(basic)orfirstresponder.
services (EMS) agencies and institutions in selecting and
Itdoesnotapplytoinstructorswhoteachinspecializedcourses
utilizing individuals who teach in EMT (emergency medical
that do not in themselves qualify the individual for a level of
technician) training programs which include instruction in
EMT certification.
basic life support knowledge and skills.
1.8 This guide does not establish certification requirements.
1.2 This guide identifies six categories of instructor in a
Such requirements should be established by the certifying
BLS/EMT (basic life support/emergency medical technician)
agency in the jurisdiction in which the BLS/EMT instructor
training program: adjunct instructor, clinical/field preceptor,
will function. This guide may be used to provide considerable
practical skills instructor, associate instructor, course
guidance to the jurisdiction responsible for establishing certi-
instructor/coordinator (I/C), and course administrator. The
fication standards.
guide recognizes that an individual may, depending on his/her
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
level of practice and the training program involved, function in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
any or all of these categories.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.3 This guide includes specific guidelines for
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
qualifications, training, education, experience, scope of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
authority, responsibilities, continuing education, evaluation,
and maintenance of competency when applicable. NOTE 1—Also see Practice F1031.
1.4 This guide does not include specific guidelines for the
2. Referenced Documents
course administrator or the adjunct instructor. While the guide
2.1 ASTM Standards:
recognizes, by offering a definition of each category, that these
F1031 Practice for Training the Emergency Medical Tech-
types of individuals function in many BLS/EMT training
nician (Basic)
programs, the limited instructional roles played by these
individuals precludes the need for specific selection and
3. Terminology
utilization guidelines.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 This guide is intended to apply to any individual who
3.1.1 adjunct instructor—an individual with specialized
teaches in BLS/EMT training programs regardless of the
subject matter expertise, who, on occasion, instructs a specific
individual’s present level of clinical practice.
topic of a curriculum under the direction of the course
1.6 This guide intentionally omits references to length of
instructor/coordinator.
prehospital care experience, teaching experience, and continu-
3.1.2 associate instructor—an individual who possesses the
ing education requirements. This guide also omits reference to
qualifications and education/training of a course instructor/
waiverorequivalency.Theseissuesshouldbeaddressedbythe
coordinator, but, in a specific course, assumes a supportive or
appropriate agency.
assisting role to the course instructor/coordinator. This indi-
vidual may substitute for the course instructor/coordinator in
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on Emergency
Medical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.02 on
Personnel, Training and Education. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2008. Published March 2008. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F1256 – 90(2002). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F1256-90R08. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1256 − 90 (Reapproved 2008)
case of necessity or, in other courses, serve as a course BLS/EMT programs. It must, at a minimum, contain the
instructor/coordinator. elements of the DOT EMS Instructor National Standard
Curriculum.
3.1.3 basic life support—a level of pre-hospital emergency
medical care that includes any or all first responder and 3.1.15 practical skills instructor—an individual who assists
EMT-basic procedures as defined by the National Standard with practical skills instruction under the direction of the
3,4
Curricula. course instructor/coordinator.
3.1.4 basic life support/emergency medical technician (BLS/ 3.1.16 qualification—a requirement which shall be met by a
EMT) training program—a course of instruction that provides BLS/EMT instructor candidate prior to selection and practice
an individual with the knowledge and clinical skills of emer- as a BLS/EMT instructor.
gency medical care necessary to function at a level of first
4. Significance and Use
responder or EMT (basic) level of care. Such courses include,
but are not limited to, first responder and EMT-basic training
4.1 Since the quality of prehospital BLS/EMT training
programs.
depends, in large measure, on the instructional abilities and
competencies of the BLS/EMT instructor, it is imperative that
3.1.5 BLS/EMT instructor—an individual who provides in-
struction in a training or education program for prehospital the individual selected and used in this capacity possess the
qualifications and capabilities necessary to provide effective
BLS/EMT personnel. This term includes any individual who
functions as an adjunct instructor, clinical/field preceptor, instruction.
practical skills instructor, associate instructor, or course
4.2 A BLS/EMT instructor must possess clearly defined
instructor/coordinator.
knowledge and skills competencies, have clearly defined re-
3.1.6 certification—current, formal approval by the appro- sponsibilities and scope of authority related to instructional
programs, and meet other specific requirements pertinent to the
priate certifying agency to function at a specific level of
practice. This may also be referred to as approval or licensure. level of instruction.
3.1.7 clinical certification—a standardized process for 4.3 Using this guide, EMS institutions and organizations
evaluation and recognition of an acceptable level of compe-
should be able to develop requirements for selection and
tence in a specific aspect of patient care. utilization of BLS/EMT instructors for BLS/EMT training and
education programs.
3.1.8 clinical experience—exposure to and practice in an
area of patient care.
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR GUIDELINES
3.1.9 clinical/field preceptor—an individual who supervises
and evaluates the students during clinical or field experiences
5. Course Instructor/Coordinator
under the direction of the course instructor/coordinator.
5.1 An individual shall be considered eligible to serve as a
3.1.10 course administrator—an individual responsible for
BLS/EMT course I/C (instructor/coordinator) when require-
managing administrative details of a course, separate from
ments as outlined in 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 have been met by that
actual instruction of the course.
individual.
5.1.1 Qualifications—Prior to entering the instructor train-
3.1.11 course instructor/coordinator (I/C)—an individual
ing program, the course I/C candidate shall:
who is authorized by the appropriate entity to present and
5.1.1.1 Be at least a high school graduate or have a General
assess competence in all of the subject matter contained in a
Equivalency Diploma (GED); preferably a higher education
curriculum. This person also oversees all instruction in the
degree in a supportive discipline,
course and makes final evaluations concerning student compe-
5.1.1.2 Have prehospital patient care experience at least at
tence.
the level being taught,
3.1.12 course medical director—the licensed physician who
5.1.1.3 Be certified at least at the level being taught,
provides medical direction for all didactic and clinical instruc-
5.1.1.4 Demonstrate, at the level being taught, current
tion and clinical practice experience included in a BLS/EMT
competenceinandknowledgeofemergencycareoftheacutely
training program.
ill or traumatized patient to the satisfaction of the appropriate
3.1.13 evaluation—the process of verifying clinical and
agency, and
educational skills and knowledge competencies of a BLS/EMT
5.1.1.5 Demonstrate to the instructor training agency, read-
instructor.
ing and language skills commensurate with resource materials
3.1.14 instructor training program—an educational pro-
to be utilized in the BLS/EMT training program.
gram that provides a foundation of essential educational 5.1.2 Education/Training/Experience—The course I/C can-
principles to assist individuals to instruct in, or coordinate,
didate shall:
5.1.2.1 Have served as a practical skills instructor, clinical
or field preceptor, and successfully completed a supervised
Emergency Medical Services, First Responder Training Course—Instructor’s
Lesson Plans (U.S. DOT/NHTSA Report No. DOT HS 900–, 1984).
4 5
Emergency Medical Technician—Ambulance: National Standard Emergency Medical Services InstructorTraining Program:ANational Standard
Curriculum—Instructor’s Lesson Plans (U.S. DOT/NHTSA Report No. DOT HS Curriculum—Instructor’s Lesson Plans, First Edition, 1986 (U.S. DOT/NHTSA
900–, 1984). Report No. HS 900–086, February 1986).
F1256 − 90 (Reapproved 2008)
probationary teaching experience in a BLS/EMT training 5.1.4.12 Shall ensure that practical skills training equipment
program at the level to be taught to the satisfaction of the is maintained in a safe and acceptable operating condition,
appropriate agency,
5.1.4.13 Shall protect the privacy of students and the con-
5.1.2.2 Have advanced clinical certifications, provider or fidentiality of training course records as required by applicable
intructor, or both, as appropriate for the curriculum being laws and standards,
taught,
5.1.4.14 Should have knowledge of the administrative and
5.1.2.3 Be certified as a CPR instructor according to the
legislative processes affecting the local, regional, or state
current standards as promulgated by the American Heart
prehospital EMS system, or combination thereof, and
Association or the American Red Cross,
5.1.4.15 Shouldhaveknowledgeofthelawsandregulations
5.1.2.4 Become familiar with appropriate record keeping
affecting the local, regional, or state prehospital EMS system,
processes for students, sponsoring agency, or state EMS
or combination thereof.
agency, or both, and
5.1.5 Evaluation—The evaluation of a course I/C shall
5.1.2.5 Successfully complete an instructor training pro-
include:
gram that includes the knowledge and skills objectives con-
5.1.5.1 Analysis of student outcomes,
tained in the DOT Instructor Curriculum.
5.1.5.2 Classroom observation of the I/C, and
5.1.3 Scope of Authority—The course I/C shall have the
5.1.5.3 Review of students’ course evaluations.
authority to:
5.1.6 Maintenance of Competency—In order to maintain
5.1.3.1 Conduct BLS/EMTtraining programs with approval
competency, the course I/C shall:
of appropriate EMS agency,
5.1.6.1 Maintain certification at least at the level being
5.1.3.2 Document to the appropriate agency those students
taught,
successfully completing the BLS/EMT training program, and
5.1.6.2 Teach BLS/EMT related curriculum,
5.1.3.3 Regulate student behavior within the scope of the
5.1.6.3 Participate in continuing education programs, which
training program under the institutional guidelines for due
may include:
process.
(a) Practice-related topics, for example, management or
5.1.4 Responsibilities—The course I/C:
administration, vehicle maintenance, or communications,
5.1.4.1 Should provide a positive role model by:
(b) Clinical topics, and
(a) Maintaining personal mental and physical health,
(c) Educational methods and materials.
(b) Maintaining appropriate personal hygiene and
appearance,
6. Associate Instructor
(c) Actively pursuing personal and professional
6.1 The associate instructor shall possess the same
development,
qualifications, training and education as the course I/C.
(d) Recognizing personal limitations and seeking assis-
tance when appropriate,
6.2 The associate instructor differs from the course I/C in
(e) Demonstrating competent, respectful, and caring in-
that the associate instructor assumes a supportive and assisting
teractions with students, coworkers, and patients at all times,
role to the course I/C in a specific BLS/EMTtraining program.
and
(f) Demonstrating professional behavior in the classroom
7. Practical Skills Instructor
or in the presence of students.
7.1 Qualifications—Thepracticalskillsinstructorcandidate:
5.1.4.2 Shall ensure a safe and effective learning
7.1.1 Should be at least a high school graduate or have a
environment,
General Equivalency Diploma (GED),
5.1.4.3 Shall ensure competent training staff,
7.1.2 Shall have pre-hospital care experience or approval by
5.1.4.4 Shall maintain appropriate training records,
course I/C and course medical director, or both, and
5.1.4.5 Shallteachthecurriculumasadoptedanddefinedby
7.1.3 Shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the course I/C
the appropriate certifying agency,
and course medical director current competence in and knowl-
5.1.4.6 Shall inform students of the criteria for successful
edge of the skill(s) being taught.
course completion,
7.2 Education/Training/Experience—The practical skills in-
5.1.4.7 Shall consistently monitor student progress toward
terminal course objectives and provide appropriate feedback to structor candidate shall:
the students within guidelines established by the appropriate 7.2.1 Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills
certifying agency,
objectives contained in lessons 1, 8, and 9 of the DOT
5.1.4.8 Shall uphold state and national clinical standards for Instructor Curriculum,
practice at the appropriate BLS/EMT level, 7.2.2 Successfully complete a supervis
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