EMS System Review - State of New Jersey

State of New Jersey, DHSS, OEMSConsulting Services: EMS System ReviewOne focus group mentioned the lack of EMS education programs available tocommunities with significant minority and immigrant populations. Information from specificcommunities was not presented, but community colleges and technical schools already haverequirements and programs for access to these populations. More attention should be paid to thissituation.Another issue discussed was the recent decision to drop the National Registry of EMTsEMT-Basic examination and return to the Mid-Atlantic Regional EMT-B testing program. OnJanuary 2, 2007, the National Registry began its transition into computer-based testing for thedidactic portion of EMT-B. After completing the EMT-B program, candidates report to anauthorized testing site and take the computer-based test. Test results are usually available within24-hours. 30 NJOEMS officials and NJSFAC leaders had two main concerns, cost andaccessibility. Each exam costs approximately $70 and there are only five test sites statewide. TheNational Registry and NJOEMS have attempted to resolve this but to no avail. The Mid-Atlanticexamination is acceptable and psychometrically sound, but there are bigger issues to consider.The National EMS Scope of Practice Act has identified a four-part framework, each having aninterdependent relationship with the others. The basis of EMS practice should be education,certification, licensure, and credentialing. Certification is an external verification ofcompetencies that involves an examination to determine minimal competency. Other medicalprofessions have a national certification board that has developed a nationally recognizedexamination. The issue in New Jersey hinders the adopting of the National Scope of Practice. 31ALS training is delivered by one of four community colleges throughout the state. Focusgroup members believe that this is adequate but that it should not restrict other interestedinstitutions. Another issue concerned difficulties with reciprocity between states.The focus group scored this component M = 2.22, SD = 0.36, that is considered marginal(Figure 10).30 NREMT. (2007). The Registry: The Newsletter of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.Spring, 2007, p. 1.31 NHTSA (2005). The National EMS Scope of Practice Model. Washington, DC: Department ofTransportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.TriData, a Division of 40September 2007System Planning Corporation