December 2025 - EC Meeting Minutes
CERT, LLC — Educational Coordinator Meeting Minutes
Date: December 3, 2025Location: Virtual MeetingDuration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Attendees
CERT Administration
Dr. Aman Shah — Medical Director
Michael Salazar — Program Director
Thomas Harkin — Education Coordinator
Marie Powell — Education Coordinator
Richard Yuras — Education Coordinator
Jared Priddy — Education Coordinator
1. Meeting Purpose
To review current instructional practices, establish program consistency across all academies, clarify EC responsibilities, discuss clinical protocols, and outline steps for 2026 program expansion.
2. Key Discussion Topics
2.1 Program Consistency and Standards
CERT Admin emphasized the need to standardize the “CERT Method” across all academies in preparation for summer expansion.
The group agreed to develop a Program Protocols Manual to ensure consistency in procedures, documentation, and instructional delivery.
2.2 EC Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures
ECs are responsible for classroom management, discipline, uniform enforcement, and attendance.
A three-step disciplinary structure will be standardized: verbal warning → written warning → administrative referral (Ceilidh).
Uniform infractions after a written warning will result in dismissal for the day, with credit reinstated only upon compliance.
2.3 Educational Approach and Demographic Adaptation
Noted demographic shift toward younger students; instructors encouraged to adapt communication style to maintain engagement while upholding professional standards.
Emphasis on consistent tone, pre-established expectations, and documentation instead of confrontation.
2.4 Clinical Protocol Clarifications
Traction Splints: Dr. Shah confirmed open femur fractures remain a contraindication. He will share NAEMSP’s position statement for reference.
Cravats and Skin Contact: Acceptable for short duration; ensure knots are not on the skin.
Hypotension: Defined as systolic BP <90 for adults; pediatric ranges vary by age.
Medication Administration: Subsequent doses (e.g., nitroglycerin) require medical control authorization.
Five Rights: Clarification to be distributed by Michael Salazar; “right time” refers to expiration date.
2.5 Critical Failure Standards
Omission of aspirin for chest pain and blood glucose check for AMS are critical failures.
Oxygen administration only a critical failure when inappropriate after specific instruction; stewardship emphasized.
Stroke assessment omission constitutes failure unless clearly diverted by scenario context.
2.6 Instructional Consistency and Lab Instructor Development
Variations in skill instruction identified as a concern.
Plan to hold a Lab Instructor Update & Consistency Workshop (late January/early February) to standardize demonstration methods.
Program will implement recorded lectures and standardized skill videos for consistent student preparation.
2.7 Academic Standards and Student Preparedness
Quizzes will become mandatory for class participation.
Non-compliant students will face probation and potential removal.
Use of Pearson MyLab to track assignments and enforce completion deadlines.
2.8 Equipment and Uniform Standards
Required: CERT shirt/polo, black/navy uniform pants, black closed-toe shoes (steel-toe recommended), and watch with a second hand.
Smartwatches permitted if used appropriately and screen remains visible during vitals assessment.
2.9 Addressing Psychomotor Exam Performance
Flex-12 Academy showed higher failure rates in splinting.
Adjustments will include increased open lab sessions and exploration of more lab-focused scheduling.
2.10 Curriculum Enhancements
Two new modules to launch:
Fundamentals of Leadership (2 hours) — leadership, communication, presence.
Communicating Standards & Generational Differences (45 minutes) — to be taught Day 1 as a professionalism primer.
2.11 Simulation, Physical Training, and MCI Drills
Greater emphasis on moulage, realism, and physical readiness through EMS obstacle courses or relay events.
Full MCI Drills planned for all academies with ≥18 students using mall spaces (e.g., former DMV, Forever 21).
Professional actors will be used to increase realism.
2.12 Clinical Rotations and Ride-Alongs
Students must complete background checks prior to participation.
CERT Admin exploring affiliations with:
Virginia Hospital Center
Prince William Hospital
Loudoun Healthplex / Ashburn
Cantara (Woodbridge)
New eligibility checklist to be implemented to approve students for advanced clinical experiences.
2.13 Expansion Plans
Planned 2026 academies in Fair Oaks, Chantilly, Sterling, and Manassas.
Exploring volunteer fire department partnerships for classroom space exchange agreements (training for use of halls).
Henrico expansion delayed due to space conditions; zoning delays at Manassas Mall.
2.14 Administrative and Communication Protocol
Ceilidh will serve as the primary point of contact for administrative communication.
Manual to be titled “Protocols” (distinct from SOPs). CERT Admin and Thomas Harkin will begin structuring chapters.
3. Action Items
Task Responsible Deadline/Status
Send NAEMSP splint statement to group Dr. Aman Shah Dec 6 Re-send “Five Rights” email Michael Salazar Dec 7 Add “Advanced Skills Day” to schedule CERT Admin Next term Add watch requirement to confirmation CERT Admin Dec 8 Develop enforcement structure standards CERT Admin Dec 15 Create checklist for ER/ride-along eligibility CERT Admin Dec 20 Secure Manassas training CERT Admin In progress Pursue additional hospital affiliations CERT Admin Ongoing Distribute Fundamentals of Leadership CERT Admin Dec 10 Develop EMS obstacle course CERT Admin Q1 2026 Draft and circulate “Protocols” manual CERT Admin & Thomas Harkin Jan 2026
Add background check requirement for R/A CERT Admin Dec 20
4. Next Meeting
Date: February 2026 (TBD)
Topic Focus: Review of new protocol drafts, quiz integration results, and leadership module feedback.
Prepared by: Ceilidh LeggatAdministrator, CERT LLC
Date: December 4, 2025