John MacMillan

John MacMillan

Presenter

"John MacMillan is a Critical Care Paramedic from Schenectady, New York, and the owner of Quality Rescue Services Training, LLC, an EMS education and consulting company. With nearly 40 years of experience in emergency services, John began his career as a junior member of his volunteer fire department and continues to serve as a practicing paramedic in Saratoga County. An EMS educator since 2005, John is a certified Instructor Coordinator who has trained countless EMTs and paramedics throughout New York State. Known for his engaging and approachable teaching style, John is passionate about making EMS education meaningful, relevant, and enjoyable for learners at every level."

Falls, Fears, and Fragility: The EMT’s Guide to Geriatric Care (Friday, October 23, 2026 - 10:45-12:00pm)

“In general, people age gracefully. There are those, however, who develop a multitude of comorbidities and disease processes associated with aging. This presentation will take a deeper look into assessment areas specific to the geriatric population to gather information that will assist with patient advocacy, overall patient experience, and treatment decisions. Participants will review the physical changes that occur with aging and how these changes can impact assessment, communication, and treatment of the geriatric patient. The session will discuss the unique considerations when evaluating older adults, including differences in presentation, baseline function, and the challenges that may complicate traditional assessment approaches. Attendees will also explore the components of the GEMS assessment diamond and how this framework can support a more comprehensive evaluation of geriatric patients in the prehospital setting.”

From First Responder to Teacher: The DNA of a Great Educator: (Friday, October 23, 2026 - 10:45-12:00pm)

“There’s not one single ingredient that makes a great dish, but rather a combination of ingredients that come together to create something successful. Instructors are no different. Like a great dish, they need time to develop, refine, and grow. It takes time for instructors to find their niche, build confidence, and develop their own teaching style. Over time, they become seasoned, experienced educators and leaders in the classroom. This session will explore that recipe for success and examine the characteristics, skills, and qualities that define an effective instructor.”

Glands Gone Wild: When Hormones Hijack the Body (Friday, October 23, 2026 - 10:45-12:00pm)

“EMTs deal with diabetic emergencies regularly, but the endocrine system is a larger system with other complications. This session will review the endocrine system and review problems that we see only occasionally. We will discuss signs and symptoms and treatments for some of the more common endocrine problems we might encounter in the field and probably last learned about in EMT school.

Participants will also review the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, including how hormones coordinate and regulate essential body functions. The session will explore the role of the endocrine system in maintaining balance within the body and discuss major endocrine disorders, how they affect normal physiology, and the clinical presentations EMS providers may encounter when these systems fail.”

Teaching for Triage: Are Your Methods Preparing Your Students for the Real World? (Friday, October 23, 2026 - 10:45-12:00pm)

“How should an instructor present lesson plan material? A variety of factors influence how an instructor uses a lesson plan. Simply put, a teaching strategy is the approach used to present lesson material effectively.

This session will explore different strategies and methods of instruction. Some teaching methods may feel comfortable, while others may feel unfamiliar or challenging. Ultimately, it is up to YOU to determine which approaches best fit within your instructional toolkit and support your teaching style.

Participants will compare and contrast various learning strategies and instructional methods, exploring how different teaching strategies influence the overall approach used in the classroom. The session will examine the strengths and weaknesses of multiple instructional methods, helping instructors make informed decisions about which techniques best support learner engagement, knowledge retention, and skill development.”