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 couldnā€™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. Iā€™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 Iā€™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, Iā€™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.