West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

The Primary Instructor of an Advanced Life Support Course is typically the instructor with the responsibility for the greatest amount of classroom instruction time allocated to the course. In most cases, this instructor would also have some administrative responsibility whether or not they may be the Course Coordinator. The Office of EMS will review initial course outlines determining Primary Instructor Status and will credential Primary Instructors before the course is approved.

Initial credentials

• Submit an application as specified by the Office of EMS, includes a resume.
• Currently certified EMT-P or licensed health care professional in the State of West Virginia.
• Four years EMS field experience with at least three (3) years at the EMT-P level.
• Teaching experience: minimum four (4) years (prefer EMS-related formal courses, i.e EMT-Paramedic Course instruction).
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Successful completion of a teaching methods course that meets the DOT/NHTSA EMS Instructor Course Standard.
• Currently certified in ACLS, BTLS or PHTLS, and PALS, or equivalent.
• Currently certified in CPR.
• Has completed an auto extrication course (at least 16 hours in length) within the last five years.
• Has completed an Initial Response to Hazardous materials: Basic Concepts Course (12-16 hours) within the last five years.

Renewal Requirements

• Submit an application for renewal once every three years as specified by the Office of EMS.
• Documentation of 24-hour formal ALS course teaching experience per year.
• Completes an OEMS instructor development workshop: completes two workshops in a three year term.
• Assist in Paramedic course: OEMS reviewed periodic evaluations.