Instructors

Our Skilled Instructors

Justin Raney

EMT-P, Education Director
My name is Justin Raney. I was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. After graduating from Nampa High School, I attended Boise State University. During college I knew that I wanted to help people and make a difference. The idea of a career based upon budgets, meetings, and deadlines did not resonate with me, so I sought an unconventional path and became a volunteer firefighter in Star, Idaho.

Four years at the Star Fire Department helped me discover purpose in my life. I loved helping others, and couldn’t see myself doing anything different. In 2003, I obtained my EMT-B certification in Bend, Oregon and continued my education at Idaho State University, graduating with an AAS in Paramedic Science in 2005.

After school I got hired with Ada County Paramedics in 2007 and have been serving multiple roles at the department since. I serve as a field training officer, tactical paramedic for the SWAT teams in Ada County and spent 3 years on the Special Operation team doing high angle rescues and backcountry rescues. I am also part of the Hazard Material Medical Team. I am passionate about education and have taught lectures on Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support. I’ve been teaching EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic classes for the past 8 years. I live in the Treasure Valley and enjoy what nature has to offer here. Some of my passions include fly fishing, camping, walking my golden retriever, skiing and playing the guitar. I love what I do and I’m looking forward to sharing my passion with you.

Chris Herman

EMT-P, Director of EMS Education
Hi! My name is Chris Herman and I am the Director of EMS Education here at IMA. I started my EMS career as a basic EMT in 2011. I graduated paramedic school in the summer of 2015. That fall I got hired at Ada County Paramedics where I still work as a field paramedic. I started my teaching career in 2017 as a skills instructor, shortly after taking over lead instructor duties. Earlier this year I stepped into my current role. I truly love teaching, and being a mentor to the students I teach. Outside of work most of my time is spent with my wife and two kids. I also love to mountain bike and ride motorcycles.

Kate McFarland

AHA Director, Lead BLS Instructor

Hi, I’m Kate and I am excited to be a part of the IMA team. I graduated with a BS degree in Community Health Education in 2002 and have spent most of my professional life as an educator. I recently joined IMA and I am enjoying focusing on adult BLS certification and community education. I love being in the outdoors; especially mountain biking, paddle boarding and running in the foothills. I have three amazing kids and love spending time with my family.