Becoming a Resuscitation Australia (RA) Instructor Development Coach (IDC) is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in resuscitation education and play a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of Advanced Life Support (ALS) instructors. Designed for experienced ALS instructors, this pathway emphasises leadership, coaching, and excellence in resuscitation training within a welcoming, inclusive environment.
What is an Instructor Development Coach?
An Instructor Development Coach (IDC) is an experienced ALS instructor who mentors and supports candidates participating in RA’s Instructor Accreditation Program (IAP). You might think of them as “instructors of instructors”. They play a critical role in ensuring the success of RA’s ALS training by:
- Coaching and supervising participants in RA’s IAP to enhance their teaching techniques.
- Providing constructive feedback to foster growth and self-reflection.
- Maintaining a supportive and psychologically safe learning environment.
- Upholding RA’s high standards of resuscitation education through leadership and professionalism.
The role of IDCs in cultivating an inclusive, supportive ALS Instructor culture is not to be underestimated and we take it very seriously as part of our commitment to psychologically safe education and training. Here are some comments recent IAP participants made about their Instructor Development Coaches:
- “Their theory teaching was fantastic”
- “The instructors were all great – very friendly and approachable”
- “The course was incredibly supportive and informative”
- “Small groups, clear agenda and a reassuring approach”
- “Amazing staff, great acting by Instructors”
- “Fascinating insights about the psychology of teaching/coaching”
If you’re an existing ALS Instructor and feel you embody these characteristics – friendly, supportive, approachable, reassuring – we warmly invite you to consider joining Resuscitation Australia as an Instructor Development Coach.
What is the Instructor Development Coach Pathway?
The IDC pathway equips seasoned ALS instructors with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to mentor and supervise instructor candidates during RA’s Instructor Accreditation Program (IAP). This role is vital in fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement among ALS educators.
The pathway involves four key stages:
- Expression of Interest: Interested candidates register interest with RA and complete a pre-screening process, including an interview, to assess suitability.
- IDC Candidate Placements on Two IAP Courses: IDC candidates take on progressively involved roles across two IAP courses, over four days, moving from a supporting role to leading key elements.
- Assessment and Feedback: A comprehensive evaluation process ensures candidates demonstrate competence in coaching, psychological safety, and instructional leadership.
- Accreditation: Successful candidates receive a digital credential valid for four years, allowing them to teach as IDCs in RA courses.
Successful IDCs will be offered casual employment by Resuscitation Australia
Please note that RA is the only organisation in Australia facilitating its IAP and employs accredited Instructor Development Coaches to instruct on the IAP. If you are successful in obtaining your IDC accreditation, Resuscitation Australia will send you a written offer of casual employment, for your consideration.
We are seeking to engage IDCs across Australia, to help us deliver our IAPs throughout 2025. Because we are invested in building local IDC teams within each region, it doesn’t matter where you live – if you’re keen to support others to become exceptional ALS Instructors, we’d like to hear from you.
Key Competencies of an Instructor Development Coach
RA’s IDC Pathway focuses on building advanced coaching and mentorship skills, emphasising the following areas:
Advanced ALS Knowledge: Mastery of ALS1 and ALS2 course content and the ability to teach complex concepts effectively; gaining special insight into Resuscitation Australia’s educational methodology in the context of mixed-mode ALS training.
Coaching Expertise: Providing constructive feedback, fostering self-reflection, and supporting instructor candidates in their teaching development.
Psychological Safety: Creating a supportive learning environment that empowers candidates to grow without fear of judgement.
Leadership and Professionalism: Setting a positive example through ethical practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
A Progression of Responsibility
Throughout the pathway, IDC candidates gradually take on more responsibilities. During the first IAP course, candidates act as in a supportive role, observing sessions, and assisting with teaching demonstrations. During the second IAP course, candidates lead key elements such as skill station demonstrations, provide direct feedback to candidates, and take an active coaching role. In both cases, IDC candidates benefit from the mentorship and guidance of the IAP’s Course Director, Educator and other IDCs.
Each stage is designed to build confidence, competence, and leadership in a supportive environment.
Why Become an IDC with Resuscitation Australia?
Joining RA as an IDC means becoming part of a network of professionals dedicated to excellence in ALS education. As an IDC, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the future of resuscitation training while enhancing your own professional skills in coaching and leadership. Will you join our resuscitation revolution?
To express your interest please contact us at coordinator@resuscitationaustralia.com.au or call us on 1300 373 787. We look forward to hearing from you.
