Field Training Officer Program

October, 2013

Definition

The field training officer (FTO) is responsible for the training, guidance, and evaluation of new probationary personnel. He/She will oversee all aspects of the training progression and ensure that the trainee is prepared and equipped to act as an attendant-in-charge without supervision. The FTO will endorse the trainee for release from the FTEP when this level of competency has been attained.

Goals

  To provide the trainee with a stable and consistent training platform.

  The FTO will act as the candidate’s primary advocate and will address any needs or concerns that arise

  Achieve and maintain high levels of patient care delivery; clinical skills performance; safety standards; common sense; and professionalism

FTO Qualifications

  Maintain a current Virginia EMT

certification for the level of which the FTO wishes to precept

  Maintain a current vehicle operators license and EVOC certification

  Be motivated to educate providers in quality care

FTO Qualifications

  Be familiar with all agency policies, procedures and guidelines.

  Demonstrate a willingness to adapt to a leadership role consistent with a focus on continuous quality improvement.

FTO Qualifications

  Be flexible; demonstrate the capability to accept responsibilities, give directions, and lead by example.

  Be able to maintain a positive attitude under a variety of conditions, and relate appropriately to a variety of individuals.

  Have effective written and verbal communication skills

FTO Responsibilities

  Provide initial training, guidance, and support for new personnel

  FTO’s may spend some of the time demonstrating how to execute aspects of EMS, but the MAJOR role is teaching rather than doing the job. (Life threatening situations require teaching later)

  Ensure that all agency policies and procedures are met.

FTO Responsibilities

  Identify problems, or potential problems, that may be solved through either training or counseling and make the appropriate recommendations for their resolution

  Make recommendations to develop new, or revise existing agency policies and procedures as needed

FTO Responsibilities

  Be able to identify problems and create or implement a plan to solve them.

  You cannot be afraid to give negative feedback

  The care that is done is ultimately on your certification since they are not released.

  Create a training plan and set priorities based on the abilities or progression of the candidate; continue to reassess the candidate’s training needs.

Guidelines

  The trainee will be assigned a primary FTO by the Deputy Director.

  There can be other FTO’s throughout the collection period, but the majority of calls need to be run with the assigned FTO.

Phases

  It is easier for the candidate to progress into becoming an Attendant-in-Charge.

  A phased orientation is recommended.   The program has been divided into 3 phases for

an EMT and a separate program for vehicle operation.

Phase I – Trainee

  Immediately begin familiarizing the trainee with equipment location, use, and patient assessment

  Ensure the trainee has been placed in Field Bridge, if not contact Captain Betts

  Prior to running calls, review Field Bridge   Ensure that trainee is aware of the importance of

scheduling on the link   Begin skills check list   Focus on Map and Radio Training   Navigation to the call.

Phase I FTO Role

  Patient care on scene and in ambulance following established protocols of ODEMSA

  Assist with writing a complete and appropriate call sheet and/or have them review your call sheet

  Give a concise and appropriate report to the ER staff.

  Introduce the trainee to ER staff.   Introduce trainee to polices and procedures.   Explain routine and unique situations that arise with

maintaining control of the overall scene.

  Introduce new provider to fire department first responders if time permits

  Ensure the trainee obtains appropriate information from first responders.

  Orient trainee to protocols that are appropriate for patient care.

  FTO to interact with family and bystanders and collect history, allow trainee to focus on the patient.

  Perform auxiliary tasks such assisting with vital signs and determining patient removal strategy.

Phase I FTO Role

Phase I FTO Role

  Give radio report to receiving hospital so that trainee may focus on patient care.

  Verify the trainee’s ability to obtain accurate vital signs, specifically manual blood pressures and pulses.

  New personnel should not be using the Zoll to obtain vitals

Phase II - Trainee

  Complete Skills Check List.   Run the entire call from start to finish.   Awareness of scene time and need to anticipate

what will have to occur next in order to maintain call efficiency.

  Begin giving radio reports to the appropriate hospital.

  Write call sheet with minimal assistance.   Appropriately document a “patient refusal of care.”

Phase II FTO Role

  Intervene when necessary, giving guidance as indicated by the situation.

  Manage the overall scene, allow trainee to focus on the care of the patient.

  Begin to emphasize delegation of activities such as obtaining vital signs and equipment retrieval.

  Assist with call sheet per trainee request.   Review run sheet.   Continue review of policies and procedure,

specifically those that pertain to member responsibilities.

Final Phase - Trainee

  Navigate to call and consider placement of ambulance at scene.

  Successful management of the entire scene: Safety, resources, patient care and transport.

  Utilize and interact successfully with all resources on scene. These will include: family, bystanders, fire department, police, and ALS providers.

  Have the ability to determine when to activate ALS if needed while on a BLS unit.

  Understand reporting of suspected elder and child abuse situations.

  Understand how and when to initiate an ECO/TDO.

Final Phase FTO Role

  Assist preceptee when requested or when necessary.

  Perform delegated tasks.   Review call sheet for detail, organization and

content upon completion of the call.   Ensure that patient reports, both on the radio and

in person are appropriate, concise and factual.   After call: Evaluate and discuss how the trainee can

improve their care of the patient and management of the scene. Refine details. “Smooth rough edges” of patient care and documentation.

PCR

  Spend time objectively evaluating each call.   In the beginning you will tell them what to write

word-for-word but progressively they will then ask your assistance in certain areas, and eventually just have you review it after completion.

  Assess strengths and weakness. Talk about how the member can perform at a higher level.

  Be honest, but be fair. Constructive criticism, in moderation, WILL make them a better provider.

  Make sure that the ambulance is stocked and decontaminated appropriately.

  Ride to the call in the front passenger seat.   Operate the radio   Communicate with ECC (mark up when

responding, and arriving on scene)   Navigate the driver to the call   Be able to use the ADC map

What are they supposed to do

What are they supposed to do

  Be the primary care provider – Receive report from the first responders if

applicable – Establish and maintain a rapport with the

patient – Delegate duties as they see appropriate (vital

signs, patient loading, …)   Give a patient report to the appropriate hospital

by radio or telephone, and to the nurse or physician when they arrive.

What are they supposed to do   Document the call

– Have the FTO read over it and co-sign.   Check to ensure that the ambulance has

been restocked and is ready for service after each call. – Clean (no trash, dirty gloves, or bodily

fluids) – Equipment has been put away

Criticism

It isn’t BAD   We want to see how the candidate

has improved over time   A trainee with all positive remarks

may be referred to another FTO for additional training

Program Documentation

  It is important for trainees to understand where they are in the process

  This helps them determine strong and weak points and allows the FTO to focus on needed areas

  The FTO and trainee should spend one-on-one time together each shift

Start Date: November 1, 2013

Questions: Elizabeth Papelino

Summary

THANK YOU