054 - How to Engage EMS Learners: Flipped Classrooms & Brain-Centric Education

Описание: Welcome to another insightful episode of the De-Escalation Conversations Podcast! In this special episode, recorded live at EMS World 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Garret Shields, a seasoned firefighter, paramedic, and educator to dive into transformative approaches in EMS education and beyond.

GUEST INFO:
Originally from Southern California, Garret has been in EMS for 16 years, spending the last 11 as a firefighter-paramedic with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue. During this time, he also worked part-time in the emergency room at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for several years. He co-created his department’s in-house EMT program, which achieved a 100% pass rate during his tenure and has produced several paramedics from his students. In his spare time, he volunteers on the board of directors for Pay It Forward 9/11, a 9/11 non-profit.

Episode Highlights:

Flipped Classroom Model for EMS Education
Garret Shields shares his journey transitioning from traditional lecture-style teaching to the flipped classroom model, explaining how this approach gives students access to materials beforehand, allowing more hands-on, high-cognitive learning during class time.

Improving Student Outcomes
Discover how Garret Shields helped drop his class’s failure rate from 14% to 0% by revamping teaching methods and addressing knowledge gaps.

Brain-Centric Design & Engaging the Whole Brain
Kerry Mensior and Garret Shields discuss brain-centric design in EMS instruction, activating all four lobes of the brain to help students deeply understand lifesaving material (because tomorrow’s EMTs might be treating any of us!).

Learning Through Trial, Error, and Feedback
Hear Garret Shields’s candid stories of adapting under pressure during COVID-19, co-creating EMT curriculum, and listening to student feedback to continually improve his courses.

Continuing Education that Matters
The duo covers why ongoing education for veteran EMS providers too often falls flat and how an engaging, relevant approach, tailored to each provider’s experience and motivation, can truly make a difference.

Making It Personal
Garret Shields explains his strategy for connecting with seasoned firefighters and medics on a personal level to motivate them to adopt best practices even when habits and protocols change.

A Heartfelt Exchange
The episode closes with a special thank-you as Kerry Mensior presents Garret Shields with a challenge coin, celebrating his commitment to education and service.

Key Takeaways:

Flipped classroom models can drastically improve EMS education outcomes.

Tailoring education to both new and experienced providers increases knowledge retention and engagement.

Personal connection, feedback, and understanding are essential elements for impactful teaching.

Continuing education doesn’t have to be boring for instructors OR students!

Connect & Learn More:

Check out EMS World for upcoming conferences and more leading-edge EMS conversations.

Support your local firefighters, medics, and the incredible work they do in your community.

Get in touch with Garret Shields
Cell: 6199878139
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/garret-shields-905473234
Website: Payitforward911.org

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow EMS professionals!

#DECPodcast #EMSWorld #FlippedClassroom #EMSEducation #ContinuingEducation #BrainCentricDesign

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