In this in-depth episode, host Scott Wildenheim is joined by regular contributors Caleb Ferroni and Ray Pace, along with special guest Falon Steiner, EMS Manager of Initial Training Programs. Together, they explore the full spectrum of modern EMS education—from foundational program structure and mentorship to test-taking psychology, AI integration, and simulation-based training. The team addresses real challenges that students, instructors, and program directors face while sharing actionable insights to build better clinicians and more effective EMS educators.

As the crew prepare to head out of the studio for the live version of the podcast, the discussion of medical math and “teaching for the test” vs. preparing providers for “the real world” of EMS, becomes a thing. And, yes, you still will have to memorize some things. Finally, how about letting potential students sit in on the courses? Might that help interested students to realize that EMS is not what they want for a career, earlier, vs. waiting until the end of the course?

Continuing the EMS education talk with Falon Steiner of the UH EMS Institute team and discusses what is practical education for EMS students and the ability to understand “why” vs. “how/when” to treat patients. The national registry is also a topic as far as assessing student competency.