In what way does ICEMA suggest EMS personnel keep their skills updated?

The suggestion that EMS personnel keep their skills updated through participation in yearly refresher courses is grounded in the best practices for maintaining competency in emergency medical services. Continuous education is essential in the ever-evolving field of emergency care, where new protocols, technologies, and medical knowledge are regularly introduced. Yearly refresher courses allow EMS personnel to revisit important concepts, update their skills, and incorporate new evidence-based practices into their work. Through these courses, they can reinforce and enhance their foundational training, ensuring that they remain proficient and capable of providing the highest standard of care to patients.

This approach contrasts with relying on past training, which can lead to outdated practices and knowledge not reflective of current standards. Decreasing training frequency is counterproductive for skill retention and proficiency, as it may result in skills becoming rusty or forgotten over time. Focusing exclusively on specialty areas can also hinder overall competency in emergency response, as all EMS personnel must maintain a broad skill set applicable to a variety of situations they may encounter. Therefore, engaging in yearly refresher courses is a proactive and effective strategy for skill maintenance and professional development in the EMS field.