What is NAEMSE?

Dan Palladino, CCEMT-P; Director of Education, Delta Ambulance

Published in the Fall, 2003 edition of the Maine EMS I/C News

NAEMSE is the National Association of EMS Educators, and was established in 1995. The original intent of the group was to allow EMS educators throughout the country to have a voice in the development of EMS programming. This focus still holds true today. NAEMSE strives to promote EMS education, develop and deliver educational resources, and advocate research.

A president and board of directors elected from the membership body govern the organization. There is also an office staff that provides for the day-to-day operations of the Association. The Association has several standing committees that work on projects throughout the year. These include Publications, Education, Distance Learning, Programming, and many others.

There are many projects that NAEMSE works on during the year. These include model curriculum development, legislative lobbying, offering an annual symposium, and maintaining a very informative web-site that includes a section called the “Trading Post. “

The Trading Post is an outstanding resource for instructors. Posted here are all types of useful media items. You can find photographs, drawings, audio and video clips, and even complete lecture outlines and PowerPoint presentations. Members are encouraged both to contribute and to use these resources regularly.

Each year NAEMSE holds a symposium designed to provide EMS educators with the latest updates on what’s new in EMS Education. These programs provide new instructors and education veterans with exciting, cutting edge information on what is happening in the world of EMS education. This gathering also gives the attendees an opportunity to network with educators from around the country. As with any other national meeting of this nature, there are vendors showing off the latest in textbooks and technology. The next symposium will be held in Los Angeles in September.

On a personal note, I have belonged to different national organizations over the years, and I must say that NAEMSE is one of the best. The national office staff is a hard working, energetic group who have the membership’s needs in mind. In cooperation with the Programs Committee, they do an outstanding job of putting together a wonderful annual symposium. They are also available daily to answer questions or provide direction.

For more information about NAEMSE, check out the website at <www.NAEMSE.org> or contact me at <d.palladino@deltaambulance.org>.