National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Emergency Medical Services: Incident Operations (R0147) — Exercise 

Controller

Curriculum: Emergency Medical Services

This individual provides support and serves as exercise controller during the delivery of this course.

Large complex exercises are a critical component of this course. These exercises involve exposure 

to the multiple medical components of the Incident Command System (ICS) during a mass or 

multicasualty incident.

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. Documentation of successful completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, National Incident

Management System (NIMS) Orientation (IS-700), and Forms Used for the 

Development of the Incident Action Plan (IS-201).

– ICS-300, ICS-400 and National Response Framework Orientation (IS-800)

completion is preferred.

– ICS Curricula Train-the-Trainer (E/L449) completion is preferred.

b. “Emergency Medical Services: Incident Operations” (EMS:IO) course attendance,

participation and completion with an “A” or “B” grade during a current version

offering.

2. Instructional Experience

Experience as a controller or facilitator for tabletop, functional and/or full-scale 

simulations/exercises.
3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

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

Emergency Medical Service (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 

multicasualty 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 organization 

chart as set up for EMS responsibilities and the relationship that ICS had on the 

outcome of the incident or event.

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

projects and presentations as demonstrated by the submission of clear, thorough 

application with resume and/or curriculum vitae and instructional video.

4. Additional Submittal

Submit a written essay, not to exceed 500 words, describing three exercises/simulations 

conducted by/controlled by the instructor candidate during the current NIMS implementation 

and current version delivery of EMS:IO course. Include successes and lessons learned for the 

exercise controller role for each.

5. Continuing Practice or Education 

The ability to maintain currency in the field and the specific course by:

a. acting as exercise/simulation controller for the current version course at the National 

Fire Academy or in the field; or

b. acting as exercise/simulation controller for similar exercises at a college, university, 

local or state emergency management agency.

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