Become an EMST Instructor

The EMST program teaches a systematic, concise approach to the care of a trauma patient. Its courses provide a safe and reliable method for immediate management of injured patients.

The EMST program runs in Australia and New Zealand and is equivalent to the Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) program in other parts of the world.

EMST is a two and a half day course conducted by a faculty of eight instructors plus a director for 16 participants. The course program includes interactive discussions, practical skill stations and case scenarios.

Approximately 60 courses are run each year across Australia and New Zealand by a multi-disciplinary faculty who work in surgery, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, intensive care and general practice. A list of this year's EMST courses is available on the EMST course schedule at the link below.

Teaching on Skills Training courses enables RACS Fellows to claim one CPD point per hour, with a maximum of 30 per annum. Awards and scholarships are available for faculty.

Essential

• Minimum level of seniority at PGY4.
• Current clinical registration and medical practice within five years.
• Fellow or senior Trainee in relevant field.
• Interest and or involvement in clinical trauma management.
• Interest in teaching.
• Have attended and successfully completed an EMST/ATLS course.
• Ability to commit to teaching on one to two EMST per annum for a minimum of four years.

Interested doctors who meet the essential criteria are encouraged to apply to the EMST Instructor Course.

Desirable

• Currently EMST/ATLS certified.*
• Previously nominated as a Potential Instructor.**

*Following submission of a successful instructor course application, doctors who are not currently EMST/ATLS certified will be required to observe a provider course (free of charge) prior to attending the instructor course.

**Applicants who have not been nominated as a Potential Instructor on their EMST provider course require a Reference Form (DOCX 41.57KB) completed by a current EMST faculty member. 

Medical practitioners who wish to instruct on the EMST program must meet the above essential criteria in order to be eligible to apply for the EMST instructor course. Please note that selection is competitive and limited to 48 places a year.

To apply please complete the instructor course application (DOCX 85.85KB) form. If you would like to submit references with your application please use this reference form (DOCX 41.57KB).  Please submit completed applications to emst@surgeons.org.

Application forms are comprehensively reviewed.  Therefore, please ensure your answers thoroughly address the question criteria, with particular examples of your teaching experience including planning, delivery and evaluation of an education session. We recommend a minimum word count of 200 words per answer. 

• Successfully complete an EMST provider or refresher course.
• Maintain EMST status or observe a provider course if required (after successful application).
• Attend and successfully complete an EMST instructor course.
• Teach on an EMST course as an instructor candidate to achieve full instructor status.
• Teach one to two courses per annum to maintain instructor status.

The EMST instructor course is an immersive two and a half day course which focuses on teaching skills and how to facilitate the interactive format of the EMST course. You will have the opportunity to practice facilitating group discussions, teaching a skill and running an initial assessment simulation. This is a great opportunity to refresh your EMST knowledge, learn teaching skills which can be transferred to any teaching you do and to gain an internationally recognised qualification which allows you to teach overseas.  In addition, the course provides a great opportunity to network with experienced trauma clinicians.

During the course you will be assessed on your teaching and implementation of the strategies taught. Successful completion of the instructor course must be followed by successfully teaching in a course prior to being conferred as an EMST instructor.

There are three EMST instructor courses per year, March, June and November.  They are conducted Friday through to Sunday lunch. 

Instructor reciprocity exists between EMST and the ATLS® program worldwide. If you are an ATLS® instructor living in Australia/New Zealand wishing to instruct, please contact emst@surgeons.org and provide verification of your instructor status in your home country.

The Skills Training department is the communication link between participants, faculty and the EMST committee.

EMST Program Administrator
Skill Training
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
College of Surgeons' Gardens
250-290 Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9249 5023
Email:emst@surgeons.org