Number of Courses:  One Live 2-Hour Class
Credit Awarded:  2 Hours
Credit Type: Basic/Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F5-VILT), CE Broker (FL & TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS, and Virginia Office of EMS
Enrollment Period:  One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics:  Ambulance Safety & Evidence Based Guidelines

This CE activity is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education for a total of 2 EMT/Paramedic CEH.

Are you in need of a few hours to round out your recertification? This individual NCCP course will meet those needs and is offered several times a month with a varying schedule.

Want to see when classes are offered, click here DistanceCME Course Calendar

Topics covered in this Live NCCP L7

  • Ambulance Safety & Evidence Based Guidelines (2hr)

If you need more than a few hours, these bundles are perfect for your continuing education. You’ll complete your NCCR requirements and also gain access to our Anytime EMS CEU Package, offering over 100 on-demand learning modules with CEUs.

EMTs choose Live 20 Hour NCCP + Anytime

Paramedics/AEMTs choose  Live 30 Hour NCCP + Anytime

Course Overview
Modern EMS practice is built upon evidence, not tradition. Every protocol, treatment recommendation, and operational guideline should be supported by high-quality research designed to improve patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary risk. This course introduces learners to the principles of evidence-based medicine before applying those concepts to one of the most important operational responsibilities in EMS—safe ambulance operations.
Participants explore how research is developed, evaluated, and translated into clinical practice before examining the evidence supporting modern emergency vehicle operations, provider safety, lights and sirens use, and roadway scene management. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on balancing urgency with safety while making evidence-based decisions that protect patients, providers, and the public.

Evidence-Based Medicine in EMS
Learners develop a practical understanding of evidence-based practice by exploring research methodology, scientific study design, qualitative and quantitative research, bias, control groups, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The course demonstrates how scientific evidence drives changes in EMS protocols and operational practices while reinforcing the importance of continually evaluating emerging research.

Applying Research to Clinical Practice
Through real-world examples—including tourniquet use, oxygen administration during acute myocardial infarction, and the evolution of CPR guidelines—participants learn how evidence has transformed prehospital medicine. The course illustrates how questioning long-standing traditions and embracing validated research improves both patient care and provider decision-making.

Emergency Vehicle Operations
Participants review the principles of safe ambulance operation, including emergency vehicle dynamics, defensive driving, fatigue management, distraction reduction, navigation, vehicle handling, intersection safety, and emergency response decision-making. The course emphasizes that lights and sirens request the right-of-way rather than guarantee it and reinforces that safe arrival is always the highest priority.

Ambulance Safety & Risk Management
The course examines the evidence surrounding ambulance crashes, injury trends, stopping distances, occupant restraints, emergency vehicle privileges, due regard, legal responsibilities, and the appropriate use of lights and sirens. Learners evaluate national crash data and current evidence-based recommendations designed to reduce preventable injuries and improve operational safety.

Scene Safety & Vehicle Positioning
Participants learn strategies for establishing safe roadway work zones through proper ambulance positioning, traffic control, scene visibility, patient loading and unloading, and coordination with fire and law enforcement agencies. Emphasis is placed on continuously reassessing scene hazards, maintaining escape routes, and protecting crews from secondary collisions.

Human Factors & Operational Decision-Making
The course explores the human factors that contribute to ambulance crashes, including stress, fatigue, cognitive overload, tunnel vision, complacency, and poor risk perception. Learners develop practical strategies to improve situational awareness, strengthen clinical judgment, and support a culture of safety during both emergency and non-emergency operations.

Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed primarily for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics seeking to strengthen their understanding of evidence-based medicine while improving safe ambulance operations. It is particularly valuable for providers responsible for emergency vehicle operation, scene safety, operational risk management, and applying evidence-based principles to everyday EMS practice.