ASTM F1257-90(2008)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services Instructor for Advanced Life Support/Emergency Medical Technician (ALS/EMT) Training Programs
Standard Guide for Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services Instructor for Advanced Life Support/Emergency Medical Technician (ALS/EMT) Training Programs
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Since the quality of prehospital ALS/EMT training depends, in large measure, on the instructional abilities and competencies of the ALS/EMT instructor, it is imperative that the individual selected and used in this capacity possess the qualifications and capabilities necessary to provide effective instruction.
An ALS/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 ALS/EMT instructors for ALS/EMT training and education programs. ADVANCED 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 that include instruction in advanced life support knowledge and skills.
1.2 This guide identifies six categories of instructor in an ALS/EMT (advanced 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 ALS/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 ALS/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 advanced life support training courses designed to prepare an individual for certification to practice as an EMT above the level of the EMT (basic). 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 ALS/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 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
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F1257 − 90(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
Selection and Practice of Emergency Medical Services
Instructor for Advanced Life Support/Emergency Medical
Technician (ALS/EMT) Training Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1257; 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 ing education requirements. This guide also omits reference to
waiverorequivalency.Theseissuesshouldbeaddressedbythe
1.1 This guide is intended to assist emergency medical
appropriate agency.
services (EMS) agencies and institutions in selecting and
utilizing individuals who teach in EMT (emergency medical 1.7 This guide applies only to instructors who teach in
technician) training programs that include instruction in ad- advanced life support training courses designed to prepare an
vanced life support knowledge and skills. individual for certification to practice as an EMT above the
level of the EMT (basic). It does not apply to instructors who
1.2 This guide identifies six categories of instructor in an
teach in specialized courses that do not in themselves qualify
ALS/EMT (advanced life support/emergency medical techni-
the individual for a level of EMT certification.
cian) training program: adjunct instructor, clinical/field
preceptor,practicalskillsinstructor,associateinstructor,course 1.8 This guide does not establish certification requirements.
instructor/coordinator (I/C), and course administrator. The Such requirements should be established by the certifying
guide recognizes that an individual may, depending on his/her agency in the jurisdiction in which the ALS/EMT instructor
level of practice and the training program involved, function in will function. This guide may be used to provide considerable
any or all of these categories. guidance to the jurisdiction responsible for establishing certi-
fication standards.
1.3 This guide includes specific guidelines for
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
qualifications, training, education, experience, scope of
safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility
authority, responsibilities, continuing education, evaluation,
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
and maintenance of competency when applicable.
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
1.4 This guide does not include specific guidelines for the
limitations prior to use.
course administrator or the adjunct instructor. While the guide
recognizes, by offering a definition of each category, that these NOTE 1—Also see Practice F1031.
types of individuals function in many ALS/EMT training
2. Referenced Documents
programs, the limited instructional roles played by these
2.1 ASTM Standards:
individuals precludes the need for specific selection and
F1031 Practice for Training the Emergency Medical Tech-
utilization guidelines.
nician (Basic)
1.5 This guide is intended to apply to any individual who
teaches in ALS/EMT training programs regardless of the
3. Terminology
individual’s present level of clinical practice.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.6 This guide intentionally omits references to length of
3.1.1 adjunct instructor—an individual with specialized
prehospital care experience, teaching experience, and continu- subject matter expertise, who, on occasion, instructs a specific
topic of a curriculum under the direction of the course
instructor/coordinator.
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 service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F1257 – 90(2002). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F1257-90R08. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1257 − 90 (2008)
3.1.2 advanced life support—a level of pre-hospital emer- 3.1.13 evaluation—the process of verifying clinical and
gency medical care that includes all EMT-basic procedures and educational skills and knowledge competencies of an ALS/
any or all additional procedures, interventions, or techniques EMT instructor.
3,4
defined by the National Standard Curricula.
3.1.14 instructor training program—an educational pro-
gram that provides a foundation of essential educational
3.1.3 advanced life support/emergency medical technician
principles to assist individuals to instruct in, or coordinate,
(ALS/EMT) training program—a course of instruction that
ALS/EMT programs. It must, at a minimum, contain the
providesanindividualwiththeknowledgeandclinicalskillsof
elements of the DOT EMS Instructor National Standard
emergency medical care necessary to function at a level of
Curriculum.
EMT practice beyond the level of EMT (basic). Such courses
include, but are not limited to, EMT-intermediate and EMT-
3.1.15 practical skills instructor—an individual who assists
paramedic training programs.
with practical skills instruction under the direction of the
course instructor/coordinator.
3.1.4 ALS/EMT instructor—an individual who provides in-
struction in a training or education program for prehospital
3.1.16 qualification—a requirement which shall be met by
ALS/EMT personnel. This term includes any individual who
an ALS/EMT instructor candidate prior to selection and prac-
functions as an adjunct instructor, clinical/field preceptor,
tice as an ALS/EMT instructor.
practical skills instructor, associate instructor, or course
instructor/coordinator.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.5 associate instructor—an individual who possesses the
4.1 Since the quality of prehospital ALS/EMT training
qualifications and education/training of a course instructor/
depends, in large measure, on the instructional abilities and
coordinator, but, in a specific course, assumes a supportive or
competencies of the ALS/EMT instructor, it is imperative that
assisting role to the course instructor/coordinator. This indi-
the individual selected and used in this capacity possess the
vidual may substitute for the course instructor/coordinator in
qualifications and capabilities necessary to provide effective
case of necessity or, in other courses, serve as a course
instruction.
instructor/coordinator.
4.2 An ALS/EMT instructor must possess clearly defined
3.1.6 certification—current, formal approval by the appro-
knowledge and skills competencies, have clearly defined re-
priate certifying agency to function at a specific level of
sponsibilities and scope of authority related to instructional
practice. This may also be referred to as approval or licensure.
programs and meet other specific requirements pertinent to the
level of instruction.
3.1.7 clinical certification—a standardized process for
evaluation and recognition of an acceptable level of compe-
4.3 Using this guide, EMS institutions and organizations
tence in a specific aspect of patient care.
should be able to develop requirements for selection and
utilization ofALS/EMT instructors forALS/EMT training and
3.1.8 clinical experience—exposure to and practice in an
education programs.
area of patient care.
3.1.9 clinical/field preceptor—an individual who supervises
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR
and evaluates the students during clinical or field experiences
GUIDELINES
under the direction of the course instructor/coordinator.
5. Course Instructor/Coordinator
3.1.10 course administrator—an individual responsible for
managing administrative details of a course, separate from
5.1 An individual shall be considered eligible to serve as an
actual instruction of the course.
ALS/EMT course I/C when requirements as outlined in 5.1.1
and 5.1.2 have been met by that individual.
3.1.11 course instructor/coordinator (I/C)—an individual
5.1.1 Qualifications— Prior to entering the instructor train-
who is authorized by the appropriate entity to present and
ing program, the course I/C candidate shall:
assess competence in all of the subject matter contained in a
5.1.1.1 Be at least a high school graduate or have a General
curriculum. This person also oversees all instruction in the
Equivalency Diploma (GED); preferably a higher education
course and makes final evaluations concerning student compe-
degree in a supportive discipline,
tence.
5.1.1.2 Have prehospital patient care experience at least at
3.1.12 course medical director—the licensed physician who
the level being taught,
provides medical direction for all didactic and clinical instruc-
5.1.1.3 Be certified at least at the level being taught,
tion and clinical practice experience included in an ALS/EMT
5.1.1.4 Demonstrate, at the level being taught, current
training program.
competenceinandknowledgeofemergencycareoftheacutely
ill or traumatized patient to the satisfaction of the appropriate
agency, and
Emergency Medical Technician—Intermediate: National Standard
Curriculum—Instructor’s Lesson Plans (U.S. DOT/NHTSA Report No. DOT HS
900–091, August 1986).
4 5
Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic: National Standard Curriculum— Emergency Medical Services InstructorTraining Program:ANational Standard
Instructor’s Lesson Plans, 1985 (U.S. DOT/NHTSAReport No. DOT HS 900–089, Curriculum—Instructor’s Lesson Plans, First Edition, 1986 (U.S. DOT/NHTSA
August 1986). Report No. HS 900–086, February 1986).
F1257 − 90 (2008)
5.1.1.5 Demonstrate to the instructor training agency, read- 5.1.4.9 Shall evaluate the students for safe and effective
ing and language skills commensurate with resource materials performance,
to be utilized in the ALS/EMT training program.
5.1.4.10 Shall orient, supervise and evaluate adjunct, prac-
5.1.2 Education/Training/Experience—The course I/C can- tical skills, associate instructors, and clinical/field preceptors,
didate shall:
5.1.4.11 Shall coordinate student field or clinical activities
5.1.2.1 Have served as a practical skills instructor, clinical with the clinical/field preceptors,
or field preceptor, and successfully completed a supervised
5.1.4.12 Shall ensure that practical skills training equipment
probationary teaching experience in an ALS/EMT training
is maintained in a safe and acceptable operating condition,
program at the level to be taught to the satisfaction of the
5.1.4.13 Shall protect the privacy of students and the con-
appropriate agency,
fidentiality of training course records as required by applicable
5.1.2.2 Have advanced clinical certifications, provider or
laws and standards,
instructor, or both, as appropriate for the curriculum being
5.1.4.14 Should have knowledge of the administrative and
taught,
legislative processes affecting the local, regional, or state
5.1.2.3 Be certified as a CPR instructor according to the
prehospital EMS system, or combination thereof, and
current standards as promulgated by the American Heart
5.1.4.15 Shouldhaveknowledgeofthelawsandregulations
Association or the American Red Cross,
affecting the local, regional, or state prehospital EMS system,
5.1.2.4 Become familiar with appropriate record keeping
or combination thereof.
processes for students, sponsoring agency or state EMS
5.1.5 Evaluation—The evaluation of a course I/C shall
agency, or both,
include:
5.1.2.5 Successfully complete an instructor training pro-
5.1.5.1 Analysis of student outcomes,
gram that includes the knowledge and skills objectives con-
5.1.5.2 Classroom observation of the I/C, and
tained in the DOT Instructor Curriculum.
5.1.5.3 Review of students’ course evaluations.
5.1.3 Scope of Authority—The course I/C shall have the
5.1.6 Maintenance of competency—In order to maintain
authority to:
competency, the course I/C shall:
5.1.3.1 Conduct ALS/EMT training programs with the ap-
5.1.6.1 Maintain certification at least at the level being
proval of the appropriate EMS agency,
taught,
5.1.3.2 Document to the appropriate agency those students
5.1.6.2 Teach ALS/EMT related curriculum, and
successfully completing the ALS/EMT training program, and
5.1.6.3 Participate in continuing education programs, which
5.1.3.3 Regulate student behavior within the scope of the
may include:
training program under the institutional guidelines for due
(a) Practice-related topics, for example, management or
process.
administration, vehicle maintenance, communications,
5.1.4 Responsibilities— The course I/C:
(b) Clinical topics, and
5.1.4.1 Should provide a positive role model by:
(c) Educational methods and materials.
(a) Maintaining personal mental and physical health,
(b) Maintaining appropriate personal hygiene and
6. Associate Instructor
appearance,
6.1 The associate instructor shall possess the same
(c) Actively pursuing personal and professional
qualifications, training and education as the course I/C.
development,
(d) Recognizing personal limitations and seeking assis-
6.2 The associate instructor differs from the course I/C in
tance when appropriate,
that the associate instructor assumes a supportive and assisting
(e) Demonstrating competent, respectful, and caring inter-
role to the course I/C in a specificALS/EMTtraining program.
actions with students, coworkers, and patients at all times, and
(f) Demonstrating professional behavior in the classroom
7. Practical Skills Instructor
or in the presence of students.
7.1 Qualifications— The practical skills instructor candi-
5.1.4.2 Shall ensure a safe and effective learning
date:
environment,
7.1.1 Should be at least a high school graduate or have a
5.1.4.3 Shall ensure competent training staff,
General Equivalency Diploma (GED),
5.1.4.4 Shall maintain appropriate training records,
7.1.2 Shall have pre-hospital care experience or approval by
5.1.4.5 Shallteachthecurriculumasadoptedanddefinedby
the course I/C and course medical director, or both, and
the appropriate certifying agency,
7.1.3 Shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the course I/C
5.1.4.6 Shall inform students of the criteria for successful
and course medical director current competence in and knowl-
course completion,
edge of the skill(s) being taught.
5.1.4.7 Shall consistently monitor student progress toward
7.2 Education/Training/Experience—The practical skills in-
terminal course objectives and provide appropriate feedback to
t
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