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The people who participated in the Focus Groups and the on-line Surveys asked many questions about the transition process. We have posted a Frequently Asked Questions document that attempts to answer some of these questions. Additionally the document includes a graphic representing the transition process for each current level to the new levels.
We have been quiet for a bit, and I figured it was past time to post an update. I have just come off the KEMSA Last Blast of Summer weekend and am trying to settle back into a routine. We are into the first of several “dark” phases of the project where from the outside it looks like nothing is happening; but on the inside, a great deal of effort is underway on the project.
The needs assessment is done and Kathleen is busy crunching the data to determine where the gaps are between what the needs have been defined as and where people are at with those needs. This work can be tiresome, as sometimes it seems that you are laboring away at something very abstract. The reality is that if you do not know where you are going, and where you are currently at, you will never be able to make the journey. In this case, the journey is defined as three courses of instruction that bridge existing first responders, EMT-Basics, and EMT-Intermediates to the new levels in the Kansas Scope of Practice.
Therefore, we will be content to work away at the course planning documents that detail out the needs assessment, gap analysis, and objectives of the courses. Once completed in draft form we will be posting them to the website for all to see and comment upon.
Kathleen conducted the final focus group for the needs assessment yesterday in Ellsworth. Thanks to Region IV for hosting the event.
Lanny, Jeff, Pam, and John talk through the questions.
Now the really hard work begins, that being to sort out the comments and themes from all of the focus groups and surveys so that we have a clearer understanding of where we are headed as we develop the curricula.
Our thanks to everyone who took the time to participate. As well, for those who hosted our groups, thank you. We appreciated the hospitality that we found across the state. Look for more on the blog soon as we begin to uncover the themes and direction.
As I’ve traveled around Kansas in the past few years with this project and Jon’s photography projects, I’ve appreciated hearing many stories. There are stories of EMS services who provide all types of medical service to their communities that go beyond “emergency” services. There are stories of educators who have created unique learning opportunities that exist nowhere outside of Kansas. There are stories of dedicated people who run calls 24/7 in their communities, because they are the few willing to volunteer. And I’ve met spouses and children who support the commitment to service by their spouses, parents, and grandparents.
Our stories help us to make sense of the world. Stories allow us to pass along our understanding of how the world works to our family and friends. Stories move us to the past and to the future. Stories can move us in new directions when we see how past cycles repeat and we choose to get ‘unstuck’.
Most of all, stories connect us to each other. They help to create a shared Map of the World. I count it a privilege to enter into the world of Kansas EMS. I have great hope as we enter this transition process, hope that it will become part of the story of Kansas EMS.
