Pandemic: EMS leaders, doctors partner to provide free online recertification program

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A free online continuing education program developed by EMS leaders and doctors to meet the continuing education needs of EMTs and paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic, surpassed 44,000 enrolled EMS providers from throughout the United States, Canada and around the world. Those users have watched more than 1 million individual presentations and more than 23,000 users have completed the full program.

The program, launched in December 2020, helped EMS providers maintain their certification. The Refresh 2021 program, hosted by learning management system Prodigy EMS, provided CAPCE-approved lectures and presentations, based on the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP), in an online format, according to a press release. Refresh 2021 aimed to provide a completely free package of continuing education to meet local EMS operational needs, during a time of clinical, social and financial uncertainty for EMTs and paramedics.

“NREMT waived the limits on distributive education for this recertification season due to COVID-19. That means we have a unique opportunity to crowdsource a spectacular education experience for EMTs and Paramedics around the world,” said Tom Bouthillet, at the time the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Battalion Chief of EMS, who spearheaded the project.

The waiver on distributive education for NREMT recertification was made permanent in August, 2022.

“The limits on distributive education were initially waived due to the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Simply put, classrooms were not open or available,” said Bill Seifarth, the National Registry’s chief executive officer and executive director. “It became clear throughout the pandemic that many stakeholders wanted to retain the option for online education permanently.”

Bouthillet brought together a steering board to advance the project and provide guidance and technical expertise, consisting of Drs. Peter Antevy, Paul Pepe, Kelly Bouthillet and Remle Crowe, and EMS thought leaders James DiClemente, Keith Griffiths, Brian LaCroix, Rob Lawrence and Mike Taigman.

Several “household EMS names” created streaming video content for the program, which was available free for EMS providers to earn NCCP curriculum hours. Prodigy EMS also signed on early to host Refresh 2021 and administer CAPCE credit at no cost.

“It took a pandemic to allow EMS leaders from around the country to join forces to provide high-impact education, free to anyone, anywhere,” said Antevy, who was the first to join Bouthillet on the Refresh 2021 steering group. “As educators, this will be the silver lining of 2020 and it’s something that will propel us into a more promising 2021. We are humbled to do this for all those risking their lives each and every day.”

Though the Refresh 2021 program is no longer available, Prodigy EMS continues to offer online continuing education courses for individual EMTs and paramedics, as well as EMS organizations.

#Refresh2021 was an online learning community

During a period of social isolation, many Refresh 2021 participants used the hashtag #Refresh2021 to share their progress, discuss favorite courses and connect directly with the course instructors, steering board members and other participants.

“I’ve probably attended a dozen capnography CE courses at half-a-dozen national & regional EMS conferences. Robert Murray’s is the best I’ve completed,” wrote Greg Friese, EMS1 Editorial Director in a Tweet about Refresh 2021.

Refresh 2021 course participants include paramedics who have only been certified a few weeks and paramedics with decades of experience.

“I have been a medic for 30 years and an EMS educator. Worked from inner city to rural EMS,” Karen Moleterno, Firefighter/Paramedic wrote in a Tweet. “Watching #refresh2021 has been educational and enjoyable. Thanks to all the presenters.”

Earn CAPCE-approved paramedic and EMT continuing education credits from the Lexipol Academy.

This article, originally published December 9, 2020, has been updated with context about the Refresh 2021 program offering during the COVID-19 pandemic and additional resources.