National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: EMS Functions in ICS (F/W0166)

Curriculum: Emergency Medical Services

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to structure 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources within the guidance of the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS), as appropriate to the needs of 

the different incident types.

The course is appropriate for emergency response personnel with responsibilities to implement

the initial EMS functions of an ICS at medium- or large-sized incidents.

Areas of study include ICS organization, terminology and resource management and application

of ICS for incident and event EMS management.

Applicants not meeting the basic National Fire Academy (NFA) criteria outlined in the general

qualification criteria established by the NFA will not receive further consideration.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

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

accordance with the NFA’s Contract Instructor Evaluation program. Existing contract instructors

are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program.

1. Academic Requirement

a. A minimum of an associate’s degree from an institution accredited by an

organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The degree should

be in a discipline closely related to the subjects covered in this course, i.e., EMS

management, fire services management, public administration, emergency

management, etc.

- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an organization

recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in a discipline closely

related to the subjects covered in this course, is preferred.

- An equivalent combination of college-level coursework and experience

may be considered for meeting this requirement.

b. Documentation of successful completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, NIMS An

Introduction (IS-700), ICS-300, ICS-400, National Response Framework, An

Introduction (IS-800), and Forms Used for the Development of the Incident

Action Plan (IS-201). ICS Curricula Train-the-Trainer (E/L449) completion is

preferred.
c. “EMS Functions in ICS” course attendance, participation and completion with an

“A” or “B” grade during a current version offering.

2. Instructional Experience

a. Documented ability to explain current and emerging standards and practices for

EMS, specifically those related to major operations, incident and event

management, resource management, scheduled events and crisis incidents with

identification of potential hazards, determining potential resource needs,

determining how those resources may be acquired, and developing a plan using

NIMS and ICS to a diverse student population with a broad range of training and

experience.

b. Documented successful completion of a recognized adult educational

methodology course at the college/university, state, International Fire Service

Accreditation Congress, professional qualifications board level, or National

Emergency Medical Services Educator Certification level.

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

community college, state or regional level, demonstrated by documented

experience and copies of multiple supervisor and/or end-of-course student

evaluations of instructional ability from courses taught with similar content.

Experience should include presentation of prepared material, facilitation of group

discussion on specified topics, facilitation of group activity work, and facilitation of

scenario-driven class activities/exercises.

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. Knowledge of the current and emerging standards and practices related to the

EMS system, specifically the EMS/medical functions in ICS, incident and event

management specific to EMS/medical functions, EMS specific resource

management as demonstrated by experience during the current NIMS

implementation in field delivery of EMS, to include prehospital (field) provider

experience with initial ICS responsibility and operational experience in an EMS

management position, such as field supervisor, district/division/battalion chief

(EMS).

b. Knowledge of current and emerging standards and practices related to NIMS ICS

and multiple casualty incident operations as demonstrated by a one- to two-page

written description of five mass casualty incidents and events the candidate was

involved in, as ICS command or general staff (Branch Director or Unit Leader

will be considered), using NIMS ICS. Descriptions should explain the

justification for the organizational chart as set up for EMS responsibilities and the

relationship that ICS had on the outcome of the incident or event. Submission of

copies of ICS Form 201, Incident Action Plan and/or ICS Form 207, Incident

Organization Chart, documenting position experience for these incidents/events is

encouraged.
c. Current knowledge in the use of computers and related software for

documentation, projects and presentations as demonstrated by the submission of a

clear, thorough application with resume and/or curriculum vitae and instructional 

video.

4. Additional Submittal

For one subject or course related to this curriculum, 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.

5. Continuing Practice or Education

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

a. teaching a similar course at the college or university level;

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

c. teaching the course at the NFA or in the field within the last two years;

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 using current research,

standards, rules and regulations; or

e. participation as command or general staff (Branch Director or Unit Leader will be

considered), using NIMS ICS, during mass casualty incidents using the current

version of NIMS.

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