Gang, I thought I would throw this out in effort to help improve courses out there that is anonymous. It works on both ends too, It would help to hear from those that offer training as to what you get frustrated with, what your challenges are etc. I hope to keep this constructive and just generalities.

I will start with safety as that is always at the forefront. In that vein, I am always a bit nervous when I go to rural settings. Reason being, these areas are serviced by small facilities some single level 90 beds with minimal surgical and critical care support. Uou can die quickly in these small facilities. The EMS training in these smaller areas can be iffy as well. I am also surprised that I have never heard of an aeromedical evacuation plan. When I used to fly as a flight paramedic with a Level 1 center, I can remember times when local training evolutions would notify us prior to the day of training and give us specifics, like location and we could either calculate the flight off the local VOR or put a waypoint in to fly directly to the LZ. Preplanning goes a long way, it takes little effort to do this and provides a huge margin of safety.

Some basic refreshments, just coffee, real half and half, tea. It just really makes a difference for me at the events when these are already out. I would gladly pay a bit more.

Provision of tents covered shooting area or alternate indoor range for crazy weather. Miserable weather makes for much less of an experience, can compromise safety a bit as your less focused etc.

Lastly, is the challenging student. I have been lucky and have only experienced this twice, but it really takes away from the event. Recently, a younger student, VERY gung Ho, offered unsolicited feedback constantly, it was so off putting. This is tough for instructors for as long as they are safe what do you do with a “grown up!” The instructor was very gracious and tolerant. In another course, a student hadn’t vetted his expensive name brand compact 1911 and the malfunctions, drawing challenges became distracting for all involved.

I have become a training fiend this last year, driving my wife crazy🙂, I have learned so much and I am grateful for all my experiences. This is not a knock on any of them just some little things that enhance the overall experience, foster and improve safety.

Thanks,
Dave