National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Advanced Life Support Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents (R0247)

Curriculum: Hazardous Materials

This course is designed for paramedic personnel who have an advanced life support (ALS)

emergency medical responsibility at hazardous materials incidents, and it promises a rigorous

experience for the student. In-depth chemistry, as it relates to hazardous materials, the medical

management of victims, and the development and management of the hazardous materials

components of the medical support system are the three primary focuses of this course.

Toxicology and decontamination procedures are covered from an advanced Emergency Medical

Services (EMS) viewpoint. Strategies for safe emergency medical interaction with contaminated

victims are discussed in detail.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated in three consecutive course deliveries in accordance 

with the National Fire Academy’s (NFA’s) Contract Instructor Evaluation program. Existing

contract instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program.

1. Academic Requirement

a. It is preferred that the candidate possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution that

is accredited in fire science, health science or chemistry or related science or

equivalent with a strong emphasis in chemistry, toxicology, physiology or related

courses. Consideration will also be given to those candidates who possess an

associate degree from an institution that is accredited in fire science, health science 

or chemistry or related science or equivalent with a strong emphasis in chemistry,

toxicology, physiology or related courses. Candidates are urged to have 

successfully completed the course within the last three years or attendance as a

contract instructor trainee upon preliminary approval of the application.

b. The candidate must be currently certified as an Emergency Medical TechnicianParamedic (or higher) and as a Hazardous Materials Technician. (Provide copies of

certificates.)

c. International Fire Service Accreditation Congress or Professional Qualifications

Board Fire Service Instructor II certification is recommended.
2. Instructional Experience

a. Documented ability to explain technical science topics relating to chemistry and

the physiological effects of exposure to the body including cellular functions to a

diverse student population with a broad range of training and experience.

b. Ability to instruct courses or materials similar to the course content, at the

community college, state or regional level, demonstrated by documentation of

experience and a copy of at least three student or supervisor evaluations of

instructional ability from courses taught with similar content.

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. Current knowledge and significant experience in providing ALS-level care at

hazardous materials incidents demonstrated by documentation.

b. Current knowledge and significant experience in hazardous materials emergency

response and demonstrated knowledge about weapons of mass destruction by

experience or equivalent or a combination of both experience and training.

c. Documentation of current knowledge of National Fire Protection Association 473,

Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Responding to Hazardous

Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, as demonstrated by work

experience, training or a combination of both.

d. Demonstration of current knowledge of laws, regulations, standards and

preparedness initiatives affecting ALS response to hazardous materials incidents.

4. Additional Submittals

a. For one subject or course related to the subject matter, provide a 12- to 18-minute

video or digital video disk demonstrating your instructional style. This video will

be used to evaluate your teaching style in a student-centric adult learning

environment, or attend the course “Advanced Life Support Response to Hazardous

Materials Incidents” and successfully teach a component of the course that is 

designated and evaluated by the Training Specialist and/or Instructional Systems

Specialist.

b. Submission of a written essay not to exceed 500 words explaining how the

instructor candidate has effected successful organizational change within the

fire/EMS field or related discipline.
5. Continuing Practice or Education

Ability to maintain currency in the field and the specific course by:

a. teaching a similar course at a training academy, college or university;

b. taking a similar course within the last five years;

c. teaching the course at the NFA or in the field;

d. writing and researching a paper or article related to the course topic for at least

one of the fire service or related disciplines’ trade journals within the last two

years; or

e. current certification as a Certified Safety Professional or Certified Hazardous

Materials manager or other associated certifications requiring currency.

Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may result

in revocation of the contract instructor status.

6. How to Submit an Application 

The following documents are required with each submission:

a. A cover letter listing the courses you want to teach.

b. Your résumé.

c. Documentation that clearly addresses how you meet the instructor selection criteria 

for each course you are seeking to teach (e.g., academic requirement, instructional 

experience, knowledge and experience in the subject matter, and continuing 

practice or education). This document needs to be written in that order. Incomplete 

packages will not be processed.

d. Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character as 

well as your teaching ability. One reference letter should be from the department 

or agency head in your organization or certifying organization.

e. Include a current email address so we can communicate more efficiently with you.

Application package(s) must be submitted to:

National Fire Academy

fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov