How educators can use screencasts for EMS Training

October 01, 2009 08:08 AM •

A screen capture tool records the actions on your computer screen as they happen. The output of the capture is a screencast that can be shared as a video file, downloaded to your desktop for editing, uploaded to a screencast sharing website, posted as a video to a site like YouTube or embedded into a blog or website.

Screencasting has many potential uses for EMS educators and training officers. A screencast could be used to introduce a new or revised protocol. The screencast software is able to capture my voice as it records on-screen clicks and keyboard entries. Other uses for screencasts include:

1. Demonstrating how to enter data into an electronic patient care report

2. Explaining the process to make a shift bid on an electronic schedule

3. Showing website visitors how to like your agency’s Facebook group or enroll in a CPR class

There are several free tools available for creating screencasts. Do you have a favorite?

Share your screencasting tips, suggest a screencast, or ask questions in the comments area. If you have made a screencast for EMS education or training, share the link in the comments area.

Greg Friese, MS, NRP

Greg Friese, MS, NRP, is the Lexipol Editorial Director, leading the efforts of the editorial team on Police1, FireRescue1, Corrections1 and EMS1. Greg served as the EMS1 editor-in-chief for five years. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the University of Idaho. He is an educator, author, national registry paramedic since 2005, and a long-distance runner. Greg was a 2010 recipient of the EMS 10 Award for innovation. He is also a three-time Jesse H. Neal award winner, the most prestigious award in specialized journalism, and the 2018 and 2020 Eddie Award winner for best Column/Blog. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.