Registry Insider

Got questions about the National Registry examination? You're not alone! In this insightful episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth and National Registry Board Chair Michael McEvoy address the most common queries they hear from candidates. From understanding the adaptive testing format to demystifying the scoring process and even what happens if you run out of time, this episode provides the answers you need. 

What happens when the worlds of emergency medical services and law enforcement collide? Get ready for an insightful discussion on the latest episode of Registry Insider! Join host Bill Seifarth as he delves into the fascinating intersection of EMS knowledge and its crucial role in law enforcement with National Registry Board Member Dr. Braxton Morrison. Drawing on his unique background as both a paramedic and a police officer, Braxton shares his firsthand experiences and sheds light on the evolving ways these two vital public safety sectors are working together. Discover the surprising benefits of cross-training, the life-saving impact of...

Ready to dive into the crucial work happening behind the scenes at the National Registry? In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with Board Chair Michael McEvoy for an insightful discussion about the National Registry's evolving role in the EMS landscape. Discover how their long-standing commitment to research is now powerfully intertwined with a proactive approach to advocacy for EMS clinicians nationwide. Learn why this shift is essential for the future of the profession and how the National Registry's unique data insights are being leveraged to champion the needs of EMTs, EMRs, and paramedics. Tune...

Let's have an honest discussion about fire-based EMS with the latest episode of Registry Insider! Join host Bill Seifarth as he engages in a compelling conversation with National Registry Board Chair, Michael McEvoy, a fire chief, active EMS clinician, and past chair of the IAFC EMS Section, about how the fire service is changing in real time. With a large percentage of EMS responses nationwide coming from fire departments, the traditional "we fight fires" mindset is giving way to a new reality: EMS is the fire service in many communities. From building their own accredited training programs to innovating...

Ever wonder what the future holds for emergency medical services and how it's evolving beyond the traditional ambulance ride? Join Bill Seifarth in this thought-provoking episode of Registry Insider as he delves into the revolutionary concepts of community paramedicine and mobile integrated health with experts Dr. Alex Ulintz and Dr. Joel Rowe. Discover how EMS is breaking traditional boundaries, potentially reshaping healthcare delivery, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for both patients and practitioners. Are we on the cusp of a healthcare evolution led by those on the front lines? Tune in to find out!

Get ready to be inspired on the latest episode of Registry Insider! Host Bill Seifarth sits down with the dynamic Austin Mandeville, Director of Education for South Carolina EMS, to explore the incredible impact state associations are having on the future of EMS education. You'll hear about their groundbreaking work to bridge the education gap across the state and the fascinating ways they're leveraging technology to train the next wave of EMS heroes. If you're passionate about EMS and eager to learn about innovative solutions in education, you won't want to miss this engaging conversation!

Ever wondered how the daily stressors of EMS work truly impact your well-being? Join Bill Seifarth as he interviews Enzo Plaitano, a PhD candidate and paramedic, about a groundbreaking new study. This research dives deep into the real-time effects of stress on EMS clinicians, using cutting-edge technology to uncover hidden patterns. Learn how this research aims to create targeted digital interventions for EMS professionals, exploring the link between stress, self-regulation, and health behaviors.

In this episode of Registry Insider, join Bill Seifarth as he sits down with Henry Lewis, Executive Director of the South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA), to delve into the power of unified advocacy. Discover how SCEMSA overcame fractured interests to become a powerful, singular voice for EMS in South Carolina. Hear the inside story of their journey, from tackling workforce challenges to achieving legislative victories, and learn how they're forging critical partnerships. Find out how they're tackling current challenges like provider protections and economic stability, and how you, as a street-level provider, can make a difference. This episode reveals...

Get the inside scoop on EMS advocacy with Registry Insider's latest episode! Bill Seifarth talks with NAEMT President Christopher Way about the crucial EMS on the Hill day, coming up on April 3. Learn about the fight for Medicare extenders, permanent funding solutions, and the challenges of potential budget cuts. Discover how EMS professionals are uniting to influence federal legislation and how you can get involved, whether in D.C. or from home. Hear about the urgent need for a unified voice to address critical issues like reimbursement and the future of EMS care.

In this episode of The Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with Samantha Grimsley, Texas' EMS Educator of the Year, to discuss her journey from aspiring firefighter to passionate EMS instructor. Samantha shares her insights on what makes a great educator, the importance of mentorship, and the keys to shaping the next generation of EMS professionals. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptability, and the lifelong learning that defines the EMS community!  

The EMS workforce shortage is a critical issue, but what if the solution was global? In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth talks with Dannie Wurtz, CEO of International Medic Solutions, about a unique approach to addressing this challenge. Discover how her company is bridging the gap between a surplus of paramedics in Australia and the desperate need for them in the United States. Dannie reveals the intricate process of recruiting, training, and transitioning these international medics, offering a potential lifeline for struggling EMS agencies. Could this be the key to alleviating the staffing crisis? Tune in...

Did you know paramedics are working inside hospitals in specialized roles? On this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth talks with Graham Pierce and John Clark from the International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC) about the growing trend of paramedics practicing beyond their traditional scope within hospital settings. They discuss IBSC's role in developing specialty certifications for paramedics, covering fields like critical care, flight medicine, tactical medicine, and even wilderness medicine. Tune in to learn about the evolving landscape of paramedic practice and how IBSC is helping to define it.

Curious about Community Paramedicine (CP) or Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)? Are they the same thing?
In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth talks with Dr. Alex Ulintz, an emergency medicine physician and EMS researcher from Ohio State University, to break down these innovative healthcare models. They explore the challenges and opportunities ahead, from evolving regulations to shifting reimbursement models. Is this the Wild West of healthcare innovation? Tune in to find out!

Join Bill Seifarth on Registry Insider as he sits down with Susan Bailey, past president of the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), to celebrate a monumental milestone: their 50th anniversary! This special episode dives into the rich history of the NAEMT, exploring its pivotal role in advocacy and education for EMTs across the nation and even globally. Discover the key moments that shaped the organization and get a sneak peek at the exciting plans for their anniversary celebrations, including the upcoming EMS on the Hill event and a grand celebration this October. This is a must-listen for...

Ever wonder how artificial intelligence could revolutionize emergency medical services? On this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth talks with Josh Tilton, Chief Clinical Officer at Empire Department and AI PhD candidate, about a groundbreaking project using AI to enhance EMS quality assurance. Discover how this innovative approach is uncovering hidden trends in patient care, leading to targeted training and ultimately, better outcomes for patients. Tune in to explore the exciting potential of AI in shaping the future of EMS.

What will the future of EMS look like? In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth talks with EMS innovator Donnie Woodyard about how artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize emergency medical services. From autonomous vehicles to AI-powered documentation, the potential is huge—but are we ready? Woodyard shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession and issues a call to action. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation about the future of saving lives.

Back For A New Year!  Registry Insider guest Dr. Ash Panchal discusses the critical challenges facing the EMS workforce in the United States.

This episode highlights three key areas:

Relive the Best of the Registry Insider, Part 2!
Take a look back at our second set of 10 of the most insightful and informative past episodes. From expert insights to conversations with industry leaders, we’ve curated the smartest and most memorable moments just for you.
Enjoy this special collection of highlights before we return in January with fresh episodes and exciting new content. Don’t miss this second installment of our Best Of series!

The National Registry is updating its BLS Certification Exam to reflect the latest knowledge and skills expected of EMTs and EMRs. April 4, 2025, will be the last day to take the current BLS examination for either EMR or EMT.

The latest episode of the Registry Insider podcast provides an in-depth look at this update, highlighting the comprehensive process used to ensure the exam remains relevant and fair. Key changes include a stronger emphasis on assessment skills, underscoring the vital role of patient evaluation in EMS. The episode also addresses questions about passing rates, assuring listeners that the exam...

 In this episode of the Registry Insider, we dive deep into the importance of exam security. Our guests discuss the impact of compromised exams on the reliability, validity, and fairness of the certification process. Learn about the measures we take to protect the integrity of our exams and the consequences for those who violate exam security policies. 

Relive the best moments from our first 10 episodes of the Registry Insider podcast! Get ready for laughter, insights, and expert advice. Stay tuned for our Best Of 11-20 episode on December 17th.

Dive into the fascinating world of EMS research with the latest Registry Insider episode! National Registry CEO and podcast host Bill Seifarth chats with Jonathan Powell, who is nearing completion of his EMS Research Fellowship and PhD dissertation. Jonathan shares his journey, the unique opportunities within the fellowship, and the groundbreaking studies shaping the future of EMS. Discover the importance of research at the National Registry, the collaborative approach to data-driven insights, and how this program prepares leaders to tackle critical issues in EMS. Listen now to uncover how EMS research is making a difference!

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your EMS certification examinations? Join Bill Seifarth as he dives into the fascinating world of psychometrics with two experts from the National Registry.  If yo have ever wondered how we confirm each test item’s accuracy, or how psychometrics helps make critical pass/fail decisions, this episode is for you! Whether you're an EMS clinician or simply curious about the testing process, this episode offers a captivating look into the world of psychometrics.

Ever wondered how the National Registry examinations are designed? In this episode of the Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth sits down with two psychometricians to unravel the myths and misconceptions surrounding National Registry examinations. From the criterion-referenced scoring system to the intricacies of computer-adaptive testing, we will dive deep into the science that ensures fair and accurate assessments.Learn how these examinations are developed, how they're scored, and why they're essential for maintaining high standards in prehospital care. Tune in to demystify the testing process and gain valuable insights into the future of EMS certification.

EMS workers are facing a growing threat: violence. From physical assaults to verbal abuse, these frontline clinicians are increasingly at risk. In this episode of the Registry Insider Podcast, we dive into the shocking reality of violence in EMS. Hear from researchers investigating these issues and explore strategies to mitigate this concerning trend. Learn how de-escalation techniques and more training can help protect our EMS workers.

In this episode of The Registry Insider, we explore the importance of preceptors in shaping the future of EMS. The Preceptor Project, a collaboration between the Idea Task Force and Prodigy EMS, aims to improve the preceptor experience and create a more inclusive environment for new EMS professionals. Through a series of short videos, the project shares real-life stories of preceptors and learners, highlighting the impact of mentorship and belonging on success in the field. Discover how these resources can help you enhance your preceptor training and foster a more welcoming culture within your EMS organization.

In this episode of The Registry Insider, titled Simulation in EMS, host Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry, discusses the evolving role of simulation in EMS education. Recorded live at the National Association of EMS Educators Symposium, the episode features Dr. Andrew Spain and Tim Whitaker from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The conversation highlights the importance of simulation as a critical educational methodology, addressing its application across various healthcare fields, including EMS. The guests delve into challenges, best practices, and available resources, such as certification programs and educational guidelines, aimed at improving patient safety and enhancing...

In Episode 19 of The Register Insider podcast, Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry of EMTs, interviews Dr. Christian Martin-Gill, President of the Prehospital Guidelines Consortium (PGC) and Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss the PGC's mission of developing and promoting evidence-based guidelines for EMS, born out of a national effort to advance EMS science. Dr. Martin-Gillexplains the systematic reviews and professional reading lists that PGC provides, free of charge, to help EMS personnel stay current on best practices in clinical care and operations. They highlight key updates for 2024, including new guidelines on pain management, cardiovascular...

In this week’s Registry Insider podcast, host Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry of EMTs, is joined by Jay Scott from the Commission for Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). Together, they discuss the role of CAPCE in ensuring that EMS practitioners receive high-quality, innovative, and evidence-based continuing education. Jay explains the course and organizational accreditation processes, which help maintain relevant and dynamic education standards. They also highlight CAPCE's new data-sharing initiatives, including real-time course completion reporting and a newly developed mobile app that simplifies record-keeping for EMS clinicians. The episode emphasizes the importance of evolving EMS ed...

In this episode, Registry Insider host Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry of EMTs, sits down with Dr. George Hatch from CoAEMSP to discuss the significance of accreditation in EMS education. They explore how accreditation has evolved since its inception in 1978, its critical role in ensuring high educational standards for paramedics, and its upcoming expansion to Advanced EMT programs. Dr. Hatch highlights the value of accreditation in protecting the public and enhancing educational quality, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between CoAEMSP and the National Registry to uphold these standards and prepare competent EMS professionals. 
 

In this episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth sits down with Donnie Woodyard, Executive Director of the EMS Compact, to explore the transformative impact of interstate agreements on EMS licensure. They discuss how the EMS Compact enables EMS professionals to have their licenses recognized across state lines, allowing for greater mobility and faster response times, particularly in non-emergency situations. Woodyard also highlights the Compact’s role in ensuring public protection and outlines its ambitious vision for nationwide adoption. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of EMS in the U.S. 

Join Registry Insider host Bill Seifarth as he dives deep into the fascinating history of EMS in the U.S. with special guest Donnie Woodyard, EMS Compact Director and author. From the groundbreaking 1966 white paper to the formation of the National Registry of EMTs in 1970, they explore the pivotal moments that shaped emergency medical services as we know it. Discover the origins of the iconic EMS symbol and the lesser-known stories behind its evolution. Plus, get an insider’s look at Woodyard’s latest book, EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity, as they uncover the hist...

In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth, CEO and Executive Director of the National Registry of EMTs, hosts a conversation with three esteemed medical directors and board members of the National Registry: Dr. Kevin Mackey, Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, and Dr. Maia Dorsett. The discussion delves into the crucial topic of continued competency in the EMS field, exploring the roles and responsibilities of medical directors in maintaining and enhancing the skills of EMS clinicians. Each guest shares insights from their diverse experiences, highlighting the importance of regular training, innovative educational approaches, and a system-wide perspective to ensure high-quality patient...

On this week’s episode of Registry Insider, we welcome Michael Kaduce from the National Association of EMTs. We learn more about the NAEMT, their mission, advocacy for EMS clinicians and the EMS profession, and the education they provide for the industry. You can check them out at NAEMT.org and remember NAEMT’s upcoming annual meeting, September 9-13 in Las Vegas.

In this week’s episode of Registry Insider, host Bill Seifarth, CEO and Executive Director of the National Registry of EMTs, interviews Dr. Braxton Morrison, a National Registry board member and paramedic, with a PhD in crisis intervention and traumatic stress. Dr. Morrison shares his personal journey from military service to EMS, highlighting the pressing need for crisis intervention and culturally competent mental health support for EMS professionals. They discuss the unique challenges EMS workers face, often without adequate resources or support, and advocate for increased research, stigma reduction, and the development of peer support systems. This conversation aims to...

In this episode of Registry Insider, Bill Seifarth, CEO and Executive Director of the National Registry of EMTs, sits down with Dr. Paul Rosenberger to discuss the exam development life cycle at the National Registry. The conversation covers the seven-step process, including practice analysis, job task identification, item writing and review, pilot testing, and standard setting. Dr. Rosenberger emphasizes the involvement of subject matter experts (SMEs) from the EMS community, ensuring the exams reflect real-world practice and are fair and representative across various demographics and regions. The episode also highlights opportunities for EMS clinicians, educators, and medical directors to...

National Registry CEO & Executive Director Bill Seifarth speaks with Dr. Bill Young (Director of Emergency Medical Care at Eastern Kentucky University), Bryan Ericson (Director – EMS Program at Tarrant County College), and the National Registry’s Paul Rosenberger. The panel discusses the challenges facing EMS educators and education programs. Additionally, the panel discusses possible solutions or responses to those challenges and problems.  

National Registry CEO & Executive Director Bill Seifarth speaks with Dr. Bill Young (Director of Emergency Medical Care at Eastern Kentucky University), Bryan Ericson (Director – EMS Program at Tarrant County College), and the National Registry’s Paul Rosenberger. The panel discusses Clinical Judgment, including what it is, why it is important in EMS, and why the National Registry assesses it on its examinations.

This episode overviews the BLS practice analysis recently completed for EMR and EMT, as well as the impact that the analysis will have on future examinations.  Joining me for this episode are Dr. Mihaiela Gugiu, Dr. Nadine McBride, and Dr. Paul Rosenberger.   

This episode discusses the future of the National Registry and the initiatives to be undertaken by the nation’s EMS certification organization. Joining me in this episode are Dr. Mike McEvoy, Dr. Scott Gilmore, and Mr. Alan Arguello.