Fill Your Dhec 2353 Template

What is the DHEC 2353 form used for?

The DHEC 2353 form is used by paramedics in South Carolina for the process of recertification, specifically to document state in-service training, continuing education, and verification of skill competence. This ensures paramedics meet the required standards to maintain their certification over time.

How often must the DHEC 2353 form be completed?

This form must be completed and submitted every two years. It aligns with the requirement for paramedics to undergo recertification within this timeframe to ensure they remain updated on the latest in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practices and techniques.

What are the requirements for the traditional refresher course detailed in the form?

For the traditional refresher section, paramedics must complete a total of 48 hours covering various topics such as Preparatory, Airway Management, Trauma, Medical, Special Considerations, and Operations during each two-year period. Up to 10 hours of Distributive Education can be applied towards these refresher requirements as long as they are CECBEMS or DHEC approved.

Can paramedics receive credit for Distributive Education?

Yes, paramedics can apply a maximum of 10 hours from Distributive Education towards their refresher requirements and up to 12 hours towards their continuing education requirements, provided the education is approved by CECBEMS or DHEC.

What is the Continuing Education Requirement mentioned on the form?

Paramedics are required to complete 24 hours of Continuing Education every two years, covering various topics to ensure they stay informed about new procedures, technologies, and medical knowledge. Distributive Education hours can also contribute to this requirement, subject to approval.

How is skill competence verified according to the DHEC 2353 form?

Skill competence is verified through assessment of various essential skills, including patient assessment/management, ventilatory management, cardiac arrest management, and more. A medical control physician must attest to the paramedic's continued competence in these areas every two years.

Are there any other credentials required alongside the DHEC 2353 form?

Yes, paramedics must also provide evidence of a valid BLS (CPR) Credential and an ACLS Credential, with expiration dates that extend beyond their South Carolina state EMT expiration date. A South Carolina State Criminal Background Check is also required.

What occurs if false statements or documents are provided?

Providing false statements or documents can lead to the revocation of a paramedic's certification by SC DHEC. The department also reserves the right to conduct a full audit of all recertification activities listed on the form at any time to ensure compliance.

Filling out the DHEC 2353 form, which is essential for paramedics in South Carolina looking to recertify their in-service training, often proves to be a daunting task. Accuracy and attentiveness are critical when completing this form to avoid delays or rejection of the recertification application. Here are eight common mistakes people make when filling out the form:

1. Providing Incomplete Personal Information: One common mistake is not fully completing the personal information section. This includes the SC State Certification Number, last four digits of the SSN, expiration date, name, email address, and contact numbers. Every field is vital for identification and communication.
2. Incorrect Date Formats: Dates must be entered correctly, particularly the Date of Birth and certification expiration dates. The form requires dates in the mm/dd/yyyy format. Mixing this up can cause processing delays.
3. Missing Certificates: Often, applicants forget to attach copies of completion certificates for the Paramedic Traditional Refresher course covered in Sections 1A & 1B. Without this documentation, verifying completed education becomes challenging.
4. Overlooking Education Caps: Sections 1A, 1B, and continuing education segments specify limits on how many hours can be applied from Distributive Education. Ignoring these caps and claiming more hours than permitted is a frequent oversight.
5. Miscalculating Total Hours: In each section requiring hour logs, it's crucial to accurately calculate and report total hours. Errors in totals can reflect poorly on the applicant’s attention to detail.
6. Misunderstanding Mandatory Core Requirements: Each segment has mandatory core topics that must be covered. Participants sometimes mistakenly believe they can choose elective topics over these cores, leading to non-compliance with the refresher requirements.
7. Forgetting to Include Required Credentials: The form demands copies of current BLS and ACLS credentials. Skipping or forgetting to attach these vital documents will result in an incomplete application.
8. Signature Omissions: Finally, signatures from the medical control physician, IST Training Director or EMS Service Director, and the recertification candidate are mandatory. Missing any of these signatures invalidates the entire submission.

Attention to detail and thoroughness are your best tools when completing the DHEC 2353 form. Common mistakes largely stem from oversights that can be easily avoided by carefully reviewing the form before submission. Ensuring that each section is filled out correctly and that all required documentation is attached will facilitate a smoother recertification process.

When navigating the complexities of paramedic recertification, several key forms and documents work in tandem with the SC DHEC Division of EMS & Trauma State In-Service Training Re-Certification Form (DHEC 2353) to ensure compliance and thorough record-keeping. These additional materials support the process, covering everything from educational achievements to skills verification, making the recertification process smoother and more structured.

• Course Completion Certificates: These documents serve as proof of completion for the required refresher courses over each two-year period. They are vital for verifying the educational components of the recertification process.
• Continuing Education Certificates: Similar to the course completion certificates, these documents verify that the individual has completed additional continuing education requirements set forth in Sections II A & B of the DHEC 2353 form.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Certification: This certification is particularly important for paramedics and must be kept current. A copy of the valid ACLS card must be attached, showcasing competency in critical cardiac care.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) Credential: Proof of current BLS certification is necessary as well, documenting competence in fundamental life support techniques and procedures.
• Skills Verification List: This document, often signed by the Medical Control Physician, attests to the paramedic's ongoing proficiency in essential skills, as detailed in Section III A & B of the form.
• State Criminal Background Check: A clear background check is required for the recertification process, ensuring that the paramedic meets all legal and ethical standards.
• Proof of Distributive Education (if applicable): For hours applied from Distributive Education towards refresher requirements, documentation verifying the CECBEMS or DHEC approval of these hours is necessary.
• National Registry Certification: Although not directly required for the DHEC 2353 form, maintaining a current National Registry Certification can simplify the recertification process and is often submitted alongside the primary form.

In short, these documents not only complement the DHEC 2353 form but are integral to a comprehensive recertification application. By ensuring each of these components is accurately completed and submitted, paramedics can navigate their recertification with confidence, securing their ability to continue providing critical care in their communities.

The DHEC 2353 form, utilized for the recertification of paramedics in South Carolina, bears similarities to various other professional recertification and continuing education documentation across different sectors. Below are eight documents sharing commonalities with the DHEC 2353 form in their purpose, structure, or content:

1. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Recertification Form serves a purpose akin to the DHEC 2353, focusing on the national level. This form is used by paramedics and other EMS professionals across the country to maintain their national certification by documenting continuing education, skills competencies, and specific course completions, much like the DHEC 2353 outlines state-level requirements for recertification.

2. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Tracking Forms used by physicians and nurses for maintaining their licenses share core functionalities with the DHEC 2353 form. These tracking forms require healthcare professionals to record educational activities, seminars attended, and other training relevant to their fields, ensuring their practices remain current and within the standards set by their governing bodies.

3. The American Heart Association's (AHA) Training Course Completion Card is another document resembling parts of the DHEC 2353 form. Specifically, the sections of the DHEC 2353 form that document completion of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification mirror the purpose and information indicated on AHA's completion cards, certifying the individual has completed coursework critical to their profession.

4. The Application for Professional Engineer License Renewal, while distinct in field, parallels the DHEC 2353 form in its underlying purpose of ensuring professionals meet continued education requirements. Engineers must submit proof of participation in professional development hours similar to how paramedics document their refresher courses and continuing education.

5. The International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Course Completion Certificate shares similarities with certain sections of the DHEC 2353 form that document specific trauma training. Both documents serve as verification that the individual has completed specialized training, focusing on trauma assessment and management skills critical to emergency medical care.

6. Certificates of Completion for Distributive Education courses in EMS education also relate closely to the DHEC 2353 form. Distributive Education, including online or self-study courses, must be documented for recertification purposes, demonstrating the individual's engagement in various educational formats to enhance their knowledge and skills, in line with the requirements articulated on the form.

7. The Verification of Competency Form, often used within hospitals and other healthcare settings, is comparable to the skills competence section of the DHEC 2353 form. These documents are critical in attesting to a practitioner's ability to perform specific clinical skills safely and effectively, ensuring they are competent in procedures vital to patient care.

8. Finally, the BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification Card is similar to the sections of the DHEC 2353 form requiring proof of current CPR credentials. Both documents affirm the individual's readiness to perform lifesaving interventions, a fundamental skill for all practicing paramedics and a key component of their recertification process.

When filling out the DHEC 2353 form, a State In-Service Training Recertification Form for Paramedics, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do thoroughly review the form before starting to ensure you understand all the requirements.
• Do use black or blue ink if filling out the form by hand, as these colors are less likely to smudge and are easier to read.
• Do provide accurate and up-to-date information for each field, including your SC State Certification Number and the last four digits of your SSN.
• Do attach a copy of your course completion certificate for the Paramedic Traditional Refresher Requirement if a formal paramedic refresher course was completed for each two-year period.
• Do double-check your email address and phone numbers to ensure they are entered correctly for future communications.
• Don't leave any required fields blank. If a section does not apply to you, indicate with "N/A" (not applicable) where possible.
• Don't exceed the maximum hours allowed from Distributive Education toward refresher and continuing education requirements. Note that a maximum of 10 hours can be applied for refresher requirements and up to 12 hours for continuing education requirements.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form. Both the Signature of Medical Control Physician and the Signature of the IST Training Director or EMS Service Director are required for verification purposes.
• Don't ignore the requirements for Section IV regarding Other Required Credentials. Make sure your BLS (CPR) Credential and SC State Criminal Background Check are current and attach copies where indicated.

Filling out the DHEC 2353 form accurately and completely is crucial for the recertification process. By following these guidelines, paramedics can ensure that their forms are processed smoothly and without delay.

When managing the complexities of recertification for paramedics in South Carolina, the DHEC 2353 form plays a pivotal role. However, several misconceptions about this form can lead to confusion and errors in the recertification process. Below are four common misconceptions and the truths behind them to ensure clarity and compliance.

• Misconception 1: The DHEC 2353 form is optional for paramedic recertification.

This is incorrect. The DHEC 2353 form is a mandatory document for all paramedics seeking recertification in South Carolina. It enables the Department of Health and Environmental Control to verify that individuals have met all required in-service training, continuing education, and skills competency for their two-year recertification cycle.

• Misconception 2: All types of continuing education credits are interchangeable.

Not all continuing education credits are treated equally on the DHEC 2353 form. While the form allows for a variety of educational activities to count towards recertification, there are specific caps and requirements. For instance, a maximum of 12 hours can be applied from distributive education toward the continuing education requirements, and it must be CECBEMS or DHEC approved. Additionally, there are restrictions on applying credits from one topic area or from certain types of training such as emergency driving or dispatch training.

• Misconception 3: You can wait until the last minute to submit the DHEC 2353 form.

Waiting until the deadline to submit the DHEC 2353 form can be risky. Paramedics are encouraged to complete and submit this form well before their certification's expiration date. This practice allows for any issues to be identified and resolved without risking a lapse in certification, which can impact the paramedic’s ability to work.

• Misconception 4: The DHEC 2353 form is the only document required for recertification.

While the DHEC 2353 form is critical for the recertification process, it is not the only document required. Paramedics must also provide documentation of successful completion of the National Registry Paramedic Assessment Exam, if applicable, along with copies of current BLS and ACLS credentials, and a valid South Carolina State Criminal Background Check among others. The form serves as a summary of compliance but is part of a broader documentation package that must be submitted for recertification.

Understanding these misconceptions and their truths helps ensure a smooth and compliant recertification process for paramedics, fostering continued excellence in emergency medical services in South Carolina.

Filling out and submitting the DHEC 2353 form is a crucial step for Paramedics in South Carolina seeking to renew their certification and verify their skills. Ensuring all sections are accurately completed and understanding the requirements can help streamline the process. Here are some key takeaways that can guide Paramedics through this essential task:

• Familiarize with All Sections: The DHEC 2353 form is segmented into various sections, each serving a distinct purpose – from In-Service Training (IST) and Continuing Education (CE) to Verification of Skill Competency and Other Required Credentials. It's critical to go through each part meticulously, understanding what is required to avoid any delays in your certification process.
• Continuing Education and Refresher Requirements: Paramedics must complete specific hours in both Continuing Education and traditional refresher courses every two years. Notably, a portion of these hours can be obtained through Distributive Education but must be accredited by CECBEMS or DHEC. Continuing Education ensures that Paramedics stay up to date with the latest in emergency medical services and patient care.
• Verification of Skills: This section requires a signature from the Medical Control Physician, attesting to a Paramedic's competence in various emergency medical procedures. It's a declaration of a Paramedic’s ability to perform under pressure, requiring honest and thorough evaluation. Keeping these skills sharp and up-to-date is not only a requirement for certification but essential for the well-being of patients.
• Documentation and Honesty: The form warns of the significance of providing accurate information and the potential repercussions of submitting false statements or documents. It serves as a reminder that the integrity of the information provided is paramount. The state reserves the right to audit recertification activities, emphasizing the importance of honesty throughout the process.

By understanding and adhering to these key points, Paramedics in South Carolina can ensure a smoother recertification process. It's not just about filling out a form but affirming one's dedication to providing high-quality emergency care. Always double-check your entries and ensure you have the most current information and documents before submitting the DHEC 2353 form.