An Assessment of a Pilot Hybrid Conference Model for Emergency Medical Service Instructors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Services Instructor Guidelines course could be delivered in hybridconference model format to assist in filling the current gap that exists in the availability of this course in Minnesota. Minnesota state statute requires that 50% all initial Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic courses be taught by aninstructor who has completed the course. The research methodology was quantitative in nature using a pre-course and post-course participant survey. Thirty-threestudents registered for the course of which 28 chose to participate in the study. Students identified that accessibility, flexibility, and convenience was not only what drew them to the course, but what allowed them to take, and complete the course. Further development and offerings of the hybrid conference model must be offered and conducted to fill the gap in instructor course offerings. The hybrid conference model can also serve as the foundation for developing online version of instructor course making it available for and filling a significant gap in educational offerings in rural Minnesota.