About

About Derek O. Hanley

Helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care.

Introduction

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My career has centered around operating, teaching, and communicating in high-pressure environments.

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As a former paramedic, military veteran, educator, photographer, and storyteller, I've spent years studying how people perform when the stakes are high and decisions matter.

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Medic Prep Lab grew out of a simple observation:

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Many students successfully learn the information required to become EMTs, but still don't feel fully prepared for real patient encounters.

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The goal of MPL is to help close that gap.

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Background

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I served as both an Air Force and Army medic and later worked as a paramedic caring for patients in the field and emergency department settings.

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Throughout my career I developed a strong interest in patient assessment, communication, teamwork, and operational decision-making.

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I have also participated in National Registry EMT item-writing activities, providing insight into EMS education standards and exam development.

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Teaching Philosophy

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I believe confidence comes from preparation, repetition, and understanding—not memorized scripts.

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Students perform best when they understand how to think through problems rather than simply reciting information.

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My coaching emphasizes:

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• calm performance

• patient-centered care

• clinical reasoning

• communication

• operational thinking

• realistic preparation

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Why Medic Prep Lab Exists

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EMT school teaches information.

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The field demands confidence.

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Medic Prep Lab exists to help students feel more prepared before stepping into real patient care situations.

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Whether you're preparing for the NREMT, practical testing, ride-alongs, internships, or your first EMS job, my goal is simple:

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To help you become more confident, competent, and compassionate.