2010 SPEC Educator Conference and AGMSubmitted by: Ron Bowles, PresidentThe third annual Educator’s conference was held in Halifax on July 2 – 4th. The conference started with a one day facilitator’s workshop, led by SPEC instructors, followed by two days of presentations that focused on EMS education and research. Educators from BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland attended. In addition, participants heard from representatives from the EMS Chiefs of Canada (Mike Nolan), Paramedic Association of Canada (Pierre Poirier), and the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (Ben Maartman). The research stream included presentations on the use of OSCEs, performing qualitative research, research in the classroom, and research initiatives in Nova Scotia. Representatives from Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia discussed trends in resuscitation research in anticipation of the upcoming release of new ILCOR guidelines in the fall of 2010. Topics in the education stream looked at embedding professionalism in EMS curriculum, a fresh look at geriatrics in EMS education, health of the practitioner, use of “school report cards” and field assessment of practitioners, the development of a competency profile for preceptors, and the use of electronic patient care records. SPEC members reviewed the status of current initiatives and agreed to continue working towards the development of an national instructor resource repository and establishing an online journal. A working group was formed to explore the development of a preceptor competency profile and draft a national preceptor course. In addition, the Competency and Curriculum Committee will be meeting in the near future to prepare for discussions with PAC, EMS Chiefs, and COPR regarding their initiatives on the NOCP and a national scope of practice. | 
