EMS Student Textbook Reading Tips

What makes reading textbooks a must is that instructors refer to them from time to time and and the texts provide important review tools and in depth materials beyond what may be covered in class.

EMS students being adult learners often have to find ways to manage their study time with work and family.  Reading textbooks may not be the first option for them since this activity would mean taking some time doing just that to be able to absorb what is being read.

EMS Textbook Study Tips

Here are some ways to help EMT and paramedic students study from their texts effectively while saving time.

Survey

Before reading the main contents of the chapter, go over the titles, headings, subheadings, images and chapter summaries. This way, you can have an overview of what is contained in that chapter and reading information you already know will be avoided.

Question

Forming questions while moving on with your reading gives you more purpose with what you're doing. Using chapter titles and subtitles formulated into questions can also be used. If you are studying airway management, ask yourself "What are the most important things to keep in mind when managing an EMS patient’s airway".

This method also prepares you for answering questions to be given out by the instructor in quizzes. Refer to the practice tests usually found at the end of each chapter.

Read

Now that you know what's in the chapter and you already have you're questions lined up. Answer your questions by skipping to the part that answers your questions and to the information that you actually need.

Review

Have a final brush-up on your reading by taking your class notes and and your questions from earlier study sessions, go back and skim the chapters a third time.

You can also use previous tests and quizzes to look for subject areas that you're having difficulty with.

——

Back to EMS Study Tips Main Page