Web-Based Training for EMT Continuing Education

Abstract

Objective. New Internet technologies offer the opportunity to delivery quality instruction to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a cost-effective manner. The purpose of this study was to determine whether web-based continuing education (CE) could be developed at a low cost andprovide a high level of satisfaction andacceptance among EMTs. Methods. EMTs completed web-based CE modules in place of traditional instructor-led instruction. The EMTs in the study completed a questionnaire that assessed acceptance andsatisfaction. Expenses for producing anddelivering web-based instruction anddelivering instructor-led instruction were tracked for all aspects of the project. Results. Seventy-four percent of the EMTs strongly preferred the web-based modules over instructor-led modules. Other survey items indicated a high level of acceptance of the format (87%). The web-based modules in this study were produced anddelivered at a cost of $3 per EMT/module, which is less than the costs of traditional instructor-led training, ranging from $21 to $82 per EMT/module. Conclusion. Although not a replacement for all instructor-led training, web-based training can be a cost-effective andacceptable alternative for achieving instructional objectives within the cognitive domain. It offers other benefits such as improved administration of training records andconsistent delivery of content.

Keywords:

• emergency medical technician
• continuing education
• distance education