Podcasting is a dynamic method to deliver web-based video or audio content to a growing audience of EMTs, paramedics, managers, field supervisors and instructors. Each episode of the EMS1 Inside EMS podcast and the Medic Mindset podcast receive thousands of listens.
EMS podcast content is always available for listening to during a commute to or from work, while exercising or between calls. Much of the content, like these NREMT test-taking tips or this discussion on the benefits of CPAP, is just as relevant today as the day it was first published.
10 EMS podcast tips
For this tip, I asked one of my favorite podcasters, Jamie Davis — the Podmedic — for his tips on starting a podcast.
“To avoid the ‘Ready, Fire, Aim’ approach, it helps to have a plan of action,” Davis wrote. “Use these 10 steps to create a checklist of material for creating your own EMS podcast. Remember, content is king and good content is more important than technology whiz-bang.”
- Select the main show topic that is specific to your interests and knowledge.
- Select one or more episode topics that can be broken into shorter sub-topics.
- Decide on the length of the show. A good target for most starter episodes is 10 to 20 minutes.
- Break the show into segments — a beginning, middle, and end.
- Decide on the length of your segments to organize each episode.
- Plan your opening that will get you right into the core content.
- Select your microphone and recording device. Start small and cheap using a USB microphone and PC with built-in or shareware software.
- Record your show and convert your recorded audio to mp3 format for upload.
- Upload your file to your website and link to your RSS feed.
- Add your podcast category RSS feed to podcast directories like iTunes and Google Play.
Read more about each of Jamie’s 10 Steps for Starting an EMS Podcast. You will also find a Free Video Tip on Podcasting from Jamie Davis — the Podmedic.
This article, originally published July 7, 2009, has been updated
