To mark the close of the Spring semester of year two of the EMSEduCast we asked Chris Le Baudour to lead the conversation about saying goodbye to a finishing EMT or paramedic class and to discuss using the summer to reflect and recharge. Chris is a long-time EMS educator, author of six EMT textbooks, frequent presenter at EMS conferences, and a board member of the National Association of EMS Educators. Chris talked about his strategies to wrap-up an EMT class, stay connected with his students through email and class groups, and how he relates to different types of students. Central to Chris’ techniques is a strong commitment to teaching and leading in the affective domain.

We also discussed the importance of schools having a connection with alumni for student recruitment, instructor assistants, and for the pride that comes from knowing the great things former students are accomplishing as EMS professionals. We discussed how a learning management system, a Facebook group, or even an email group could be used as the foundation of a paramedic program alumni association.

Our conversation concluded with recommendations for using the summer to recharge for the coming school year. Chris and each of the hosts shared recommendations for books to read during the summer.

Links discussed during the show:

• ICareValues.org
• San Francisco Paramedic Association
• The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts–Verbal First Aid to Calm, Relieve Pain, Promote Healing, and Save Lives
• Man’s Search for Meaning
• My Ambulance Education: Life and Death on the Streets of the City
• Skels: A Novel

Cast:

• Chris Le Baudour – connect at ICareValues.org and Facebook
• Greg Friese – connect at EverydayEMSTips.com, @GFriese, and Facebook
• Rob Theriault – connect at Paramedic Tutor
• Bill Toon – connect on Twitter, @wftoon, and Facebook