Upcoming Events
| JANUARY 18-19
CAAHEP Board of Directors Meeting, Orlando
FEBRUARY 3-4
CoAEMSP Quarterly Board Meeting,
San Antonio
FEBRUARY 16
CoAEMSP Webinar,
1 pm Central Time,
Letter of Review
Register Now
MARCH 16
CAAHEP Board of Directors Meeting,
Teleconference
APRIL 26
CoAEMSP Webinar,
1 pm Central Time
(Topic & registration to be announced)
MAY 4
CoAEMSP Quarterly Board Meeting,
Teleconference
MAY 18
CAAHEP Board of Directors Meeting,
Teleconference
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2013 is Just Around the Corner:
Resources You Need to Become Accredited
January 1, 2013 is the date when big changes take place for EMS educational programs and EMS providers. Be sure you are ready.
NASEMSO members voted in 2010 to support CAAHEP as the national EMS programmatic accreditor. They also voted to require all Paramedic education programs be nationally accredited by January 1, 2013 in order for graduates of these programs to be eligible to take the NREMT Paramedic exam. The EMS community has been busy getting ready for these changes, which take effect in just eleven months.
If you still need to become accredited, or are working towards accreditation, all the resources you need are at your fingertips at the CoAEMSP website. You'll find:
- Accreditation Action Plan
- Accreditation Process Flowchart
- Standards & Guidelines
- Policy & Procedures
- Forms
- Sample documents
- FAQs
- Helpful articles
- Meeting and Event updates on accreditation
- Workshop and Webinar information on accreditation
- Archived eUpdates
- and more
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We've Moved!
Be Sure You Have Our New Address & Contact Information!
NEW ADDRESS / PHONE / FAX:
Suite 111-312
8301 Lakeview Pkwy
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445 phone
214-703-8992 fax
www.coaemsp.org
Don't let your mail get into the wrong hands! Change it now in your contacts, phone, address book, Outlook, and any other place you may have it stored!
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New Letter of Review Policy
Effective Immediately
Starting in 2012, CoAEMSP is implementing a Letter of Review (LoR) process, which will be the official designation that a Paramedic program is in the "Becoming Accredited" process.
The CoAEMSP Board, which includes representatives from its 13 sponsoring organizations, developed the LoR process in consultation with its communities of interest, including the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
While a program that qualifies for a LoR must still complete the entire process to demonstrate substantial compliance with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation Standards, and is not guaranteed an award of accreditation, holding a LoR does signify that the program is making satisfactory progress in the accreditation process. As such, after January 1, 2013, the NREMT will recognize graduates of CAAHEP accredited programs as well as graduates of programs holding a CoAEMSP LoR, as eligible for the national Paramedic certification examinations.
Programs will be classified into one of two types:
- Track 1: programs that have graduated one or more classes by July 1, 2012. These programs will be required to submit a complete Initial-Accreditation Self Study Report (ISSR).
- Track 2: programs that have graduated their first-ever class on or after July 1, 2012. These programs will be required to submit core information, which is contained in the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR).
All programs in both tracks will follow the same pathway to enter the accreditation system:
- Submit the CAAHEP Request for Accreditation Services (RAS) form along with the first CoAEMSP annual fee (prorated by month of submission of the RAS).
- Submit the ISSR or LSSR, as applicable, along with the Self Study Report Evaluation fee ($500) plus the Technology fee ($250) plus a $1000 deposit toward the site visit costs.
Once the LSSR/ISSR is received, CoAEMSP will conduct an Executive Analysis (EA). If the core information is satisfactory, a LoR will be issued to the program. If the core information is not satisfactory, then CoAEMSP will communicate that and wait for re-submission by the program to address the deficiencies.
The core information consists of the following parts of the ISSR: Title Page, General Information, Part A (Sponsorship), Part B (Goals & Objectives), Part C questions 1 through 5 and 12 through 13 (some components of Resources), Part E (Student & Graduate Evaluation), and Part F question 1 (a component of Fair Practices).
After a program receives the LoR, further submissions will depend on its Track category.
- Track 1 programs will have the complete ISSR reviewed. If it is not satisfactory, then the program will have 30 days after receipt of the EA to provide new information to address the deficiencies, otherwise the LoR may be revoked.
- Track 2 programs will have to submit a complete ISSR no later than 6 months after the graduation of their first class of students along with a second self study report evaluation fee of $500. If the complete ISSR is not satisfactory, then the program will have 30 days after receipt of the EA to provide additional information to address the deficiencies, otherwise the LoR may be revoked. The LoR may also be revoked if the 6 month submission deadline is not met.
Once the ISSR is satisfactory, a site visit will be scheduled. The site visit (including actual costs), post-site visit Findings Letter, CoAEMSP action, and CAAHEP vote will follow the regular procedure.
Any student who graduates from a program that holds or held a LoR anytime during that student's enrollment, will be considered eligible for the NREMT Paramedic Examinations. CoAEMSP and NREMT will be in close communication to maintain the list of programs holding a LoR and the students enrolled during that time.
CoAEMSP will conduct a webinar on the Letter of Review February 16, 2012 starting at 2:00p Eastern / 1:00p Central. See the Meetings & Events section of the CoAEMSP website for registration information.
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Take Advantage of these 2012
Learning Opportunities
ACCREDITATION WORKSHOPS
Plan to attend one of these informative accreditation workshops and mark your calendar. Details will be available soon.
- June 28-29, location to be determined
- August 6-7, Orlando at NAEMSE Annual Symposium
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WEBINARS
- Thursday, February 16, 1 pm Central Time
Starting in 2012, CoAEMSP is implementing a Letter of Review (LoR) process, which will be the official designation that a Paramedic program is in the "Becoming Accredited" process. The webinar will present the process and the requirements for a program to receive a Letter of Review. 
- Thursday, April 26, 1 pm Central Time
Topic will be announced and registration will open one month prior to the scheduled time. Watch for more information.
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SITE VISITOR WORKSHOP
During the NAEMSE Annual Symposium (exact date is to be determined).
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What are the Steps in the Accreditation Process?
Use this chart to plan and stay on track during the accreditation process.
Programs seeking both initial AND continuing accreditation will find this document helpful in planning tasks and managing time.
DOWNLOAD THE ACCREDITATION
FLOW CHART |
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Decrease Lag Time Between ISSR and Site Visit
Tips to Scheduling the Site Visit Date
Are you close to completing the Initial-Accreditation Self Study Report (ISSR)? Have you started to think about site visit dates? If not, now is the time to do so! Scheduling the site visit takes time on both your part and the CoAEMSP's.
Coordinating a date for your site visit means taking into consideration the schedules for the Dean, Medical Director, Program Director, and two site visitors. The following tips can help decrease the time between your ISSR submission and the site visit:
- When you are 30 days away from submitting your ISSR, call Jennifer at 214-703-8445, ext 114. Based on your target submission date, she will give you a three month range to provide site visit dates available.
- Identify ALL the dates your program is available to host the site visit. Plan on two days for the site visit. The program personnel that must be available include the Dean, Program Director, Medical Director, and students.
- Submit the site visit information form to jennifer@coaemsp.org. The site visit information form asks for nearest airport(s), recommended hotels, and site visit dates. The site visit information form is available here.
- Jennifer will secure a team based on the dates your program is available. Securing a team may take four to six weeks, sometimes longer. The site visitors are volunteering their time; therefore, they need as much lead time as possible.
- After securing a team for the site visit, your program is notified. If the ISSR has been accepted and the Executive Analysis (EA) written, the site visit will be confirmed. Otherwise, the site visit date is tentative.
Often the time between the submission of the ISSR and the site visit can be shortened with proper planning and communication. These tips should help make the process move along as quickly as possible.
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Passing of an "Icon"
Adolph H. "Buddy" Giesecke
1932-2011
Adolph H. "Buddy" Giesecke, MD died at his home surrounded by family on December 24, 2011. Dr. Giesecke had a long and distinguished career in Anesthesiology that spanned five decades. He served on the CoAEMSP as a member representing the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) as well as Interim Executive Director of the CoAEMSP during a transitional period six years ago. He was a trusted and loyal member of the Board of Directors who had a deep love and respect for the work done by EMS professionals throughout the world.
Dr. Giesecke spent the majority of his career at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas first as an anesthesia resident, then retiring as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and as Professor Emeritus, continuing to teach and inspire the next generation of his profession.
Giesecke published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, books and chapters on trauma anesthesiology, obstetric anesthesiology as well as the history of anesthesia. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society. He was recognized as a master teacher by those inside and outside of his profession as well as a mentor to many throughout his distinguished career.
"[Dr. Giesecke is] An icon in the field of anesthesiology, having introduced several practices considered standard care today. History will recognize Dr. Giesecke for his numerous contributions to the field of trauma anesthesiology and obstetric anesthesiology," noted Dr. Charles Whitten, Chairman of Anesthesiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
First introduced to trauma care as a flight surgeon in the United States Army, Dr. Giesecke authored a report on helicopter crash and death of 3 helicopter crews in northern California in the late 1950's that helped establish that spatial disorientation could cause accidents in poor visibility. The experience with trauma care changed his focus from wanting to become a pediatrician to that of anesthesiology.
Returning to UT Southwestern to continue his education, he was called to the emergency department on November 22, 1963 to attend to President John F. Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally following one of the most iconic events in the last century. The assassination of a United States President and his role in that historical event was merely one of the many things that this remarkable physician participated in during a long and distinguished career.
Chairman of the CoAEMSP, Douglas K. York said, "Dr. Geisecke was a knowlegeable, caring member of the Board. He contributed to the development of the EMS professions and will be missed by not only those that knew and worked with him, he will be missed by the entire EMS System."
Dr. Giesecke spent a sabbatical year in 1970 as a Fulbright Lecturer and Visiting Professor of Anesthesiology at Johannes Gutenberg University and learned much about the newly-formed German emergency ambulance service. In later years, as a Site Visitor and Team Captain, Giesecke was a tireless champion for EMS educational programs to assure that they gained greater "hands on opportunities" in the operating rooms. He was not shy about making his colleagues aware that they might require the airway management skills of paramedics in the field.
Dr. George Hatch, Executive Director of the CoAEMSP noted, " Buddy was a consummate Southern gentleman. He was a scholar, a mentor and friend who I greatly admired. I will miss his thoughtful discussions as well as his warm and gentle sense of humor. We have truly lost an outstanding gentleman and wonderful teacher."
Married 57 years to Roni, his college sweetheart whom he met while attending freshman biology at the University of Texas at Austin, he is survived by Roni, his four children and five grandchildren.
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Meet Board Member
PAUL BERLIN, MS, NREMT-P
Paul Berlin, MS, NREMT-P has been the Medical Division Chief for Pierce County Fire District #5 in Gig Harbor, Washington since 1991. He also has been the Visiting Medical Coordinator for the Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii since 1996.
Paul has been a certified Paramedic in the state of Washington since 1986 and is also a certified Senior EMT Instructor and Certified Health Care Assistant.
He is a contributor/writer for the First Aid Task Force and for the 2000 ACLS Provider manual and instructor materials. He has completed multiple bio-terrorism training programs over the past ten years. Paul has published a number of articles related to ACLS and advanced cardiac life support.
Paul received an MS in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. He was a finisher in the 2003 Ironman Triathlon World Championship, held in Kona, Hawaii.
Paul represents the IAFC on the CoAEMSP board.
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Site Visitor Highlight:
Jeff McDonald
Since 1986, Jeff has been the Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Service Program at Tarrant County College. In addition, he has performed EMT Skills Assessments for the National Academy of Professional Training in Doha, Qatar since 2006; and has contracted with Bell Helicopter through Tarrant County College to teach and develop Rescue Medic courses for foreign governments including the Royal Saudi Air Force, for a decade.
Jeff holds a B.S. in Emergency Health Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. He expects to receive his Masters in Instructional Design Technology from West Texas A&M in December of this year.
In addition to serving as a site visitor for the CoAEMP, Jeff is the Chair of the Mentor Committee for the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE); the primary educator for the CoAEMSP Accreditation assistance through the Education Committee of the Texas Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council; and participated in development of the International Certification program for Arabic Language EMS programs through National Academy of Professional Training, Doha, Qatar.
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Meet Our Sponsors:
The American Society of Anesthesiologists
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific association consisting of physicians committed to raising and maintaining standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and to improve patient care.
Founded in 1905, the ASA is 46,000 professionals strong, and considers its members leaders in patient safety. ASA professionals are dedicated to providing high quality care to patients requiring surgery or relief from pain. The ASA is the largest professional society for anesthesiologists and strives to provide its members with the education, research and practice tools they need to serve their patients and their profession.
Representing the ASA on the CoAEMSP Board is Murray A. Kalish, MD, MBA; and Abraham Layon, MD.
VISIT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WEBSITE
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Look for More Frequent Updates on Facebook and Twitter!
We are making a commitment in 2012 to regularly share valuable and informative news via Facebook and Twitter on a consistent basis.
Follow us and get important updates and information when you need it!
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Share Your Feedback and Suggestions
Is there something you would like us to cover in a future eUpdate? Let us know!
Jennifer Anderson Warwick, MA
jennifer@coaemsp.org
CoAEMSP |
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