How should we best acquire medical knowledge and skills so that we can easily retrieve and effectively use them in the field? Now that we are past the stressful March 31st recert deadline, hosts Maia Dorsett, Hilary Gates, Rob Lawrence delve into the issues surrounding EMS recertification and continuing education. Special guest Ethan Setnik, Chief Technology Officer at Prodigy EMS, offers unique insights into the design of learning from his perspective as a system engineer.

We know that the typical last-minute rush to recertify isn’t the most effective approach to learning, so listen and be inspired by evidence-based strategies for better knowledge retention. We discuss effortful retrieval, spaced repetition, and interleaving to enhance learning and improve clinical practice. Ethan shares insights about the ways technology and system design can support continuous competency and self-directed learning, moving beyond simply “checking the box” to fostering a meaningful educational journey for EMS clinicians.

Mentioned in the episode:

The graph of recert volume at Prodigy EMS:

"Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" https://a.co/d/0n5zMCr

Learning by Scientific Design: https://www.deansforimpact.org/tools-and-resources/learning-by-scientific-design

Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute."

The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.

Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!

Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

Does your classroom have a joyful buzz? Jonathan St. George has it figured out--as the founder of the Protected Airway Collaborative (PAC), Jonathan was inspired by a museum visit to create a learning environment like no other. Join us as we dive into his innovative world of airway management education. Prodigy EMS team members Maia Dorsett and Shane O'Donnell report from the PAC as they experienced the self-directed learning approach firsthand. Listen to their interviews with Jace Mullen and Andrew Merelman, and learn how to enhance your instructional delivery through this pioneering educational format.

Mentioned in the episode:

Protected Airway Collaborative: https://theprotectedairway.com/

Flipped Classroom: https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/flipped-classrooms

Self Directed Learning: https://www.self-directed.org/sde/

Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute."

The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.

Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!

Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

What if the best EMS educators weren’t clinicians, but patients themselves? In this episode, hosts Hilary Gates and Maia Dorsett welcome sudden cardiac arrest survivor Nova McCarthy and medical director Alicia Bond for an insightful discussion on how patient experiences can enhance EMS education. Nova describes her experience as a keynote speaker and explores the power of patient-centered learning. She details powerful moments from her near-death experience, including the compassion and kind words of the EMS clinicians who cared for her. Listen in to discover how EMS providers can learn directly from those they serve—gaining deeper empathy, refining communication, and improving decision-making in high-stakes moments. This conversation challenges traditional training methods and offers an innovative take on EMS education.

Mentioned in the episode:

Heartsight

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

Trauma Survivors Network

Near Death Experiences

Email Alicia Bond: jcemsmedical@gmail.com

Email Nova McCarthy: mccarthynova@gmail.com

State of Jefferson EMS Conference

Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute."

The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.

This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life. Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org

Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!

Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.