Paramedic skill decay.

To determine the amount of skill deterioration in paramedics, 40 graduates from three consecutive classes of Chicago City-Wide Paramedic training programs were tested. Examinations consisted of the practical aspects of airway management, spinal immobilization, and intravenous fluid therapy identical to their school final examination. As a group, study scores were significantly lower than graduation scores. However, in only two areas were there individuals performing below acceptable levels. These were in spinal immobilization with extrication and extremity immobilization. The continuing education and recertification process need to develop reliable methods to identify and then correct deficiencies in performance levels of system participants.