EMS Field Training Trials and

TribulationsAndrea Abbas MS NRP FTO

EMS Programs Manager

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this webinar are of

the content expert and are not necessarily the views of

the Michigan Center for Rural Health.

Scenario

It’s three months into Bob’s career as a paramedic and he’s struggling to meet

the job requirements. He is a new graduate and this is his first job as a

paramedic. While openly discussing concerns with Bob about his work

performance he bravely shares his experience with field training in our

organization. He explains that he was not placed with a field training officer

during his field training third rides and expresses that he feels that he has

missed valuable mentorship within our organization. He voiced feelings of

confusion due to inconsistent and unclear expectations delivered by our

personnel. He elaborated on how each third ride was vastly different. For

example, he first trained with staff who openly did not have a desire to train

students, then another staff member who was burned out rowing the

organizational engagement boat in the wrong direction, and last, a staff

member who was an engaged educator who had a desire to improve the

organization.

Discussion

1. What are the issues? Identify them.

2. How would you address them?

3. What does this feedback mean to you?

Structured Field Training: Does it Add Organizational Value?

Field training programming is interwoven into every aspect of organizational culture.

Operations

Recruitment and retention

Clinical quality

Organizational values and beliefs

Organizational costs and revenue

The impression you make on the new hire in the beginning of employment will last. Organizational impressions and experiences travel.

So, Why Do Many EMS Organizations Neglect Field Training Programs?

“Neglect” means doing the bare minimum.

The “bare minimum”: Having a field training manual to fill out, which is filled out by anyone, and is not reviewed or monitored. Placing new employees on the schedule where there is convenience without an FTO or mentor. Not having a structured new employee orientation program. “Here are your uniforms, tomorrow you start in the ambulance. Congratulations on your new employment.”

So, Why Do Many EMS Organizations

Neglect Field Training Programs?

Change is scary and requires effort and time.

Building a structured field training program costs money. The cost is not a lump sum, this expenditure will need to built into the budget yearly.

A structured field program requires organizational accountability.

Starting an initiative like this could require an organizational culture change.

The value a structured field training program brings is hard to measure and takes shape over time. The program may not be up and running for 1-2 years and culture shifting may takes years as well.

Many EMS leaders may not see the value.

How Do Structured Field Training

Programs Bring Value? Why Invest?

1. Organizational accountability

2. High employee engagement and morale

3. Customer satisfaction

4. Decreased organizational costs and increased revenue

5. Increased pay, benefits, and better equipment

6. Improved clinical quality

7. Recruitment and retention of quality providers.

Where is the Data?How Can I Collect Field Training Related Data?

The New Employee Orientation Process

The first days of employment speak volumes about your culture and set the tone

for organizational expectations.

EMS organizations approach new employee onboarding in various ways. There is

not one “right” way to accomplish a structured new employee orientation

program that is comprehensive, efficient, and cost effective.

The goal of a structured new employee orientation program is to deliver the

organizational mission and value based expectations, set the employee up for

success by providing the materials and resources they need for employment, and

accomplish the administrative tasks necessary to onboard the employee.

The Field Training

Officer (FTO)

Does every organization

need Field Training

Officers?

What makes an

exceptional FTO?

Where is the

organizational value in

this type of position?

The Field Training Officer (FTO)

Yes, there should be some form of mentorship. Organizations can be innovative and creative with this role.

Offering an FTO role provides EMS professionals the opportunity to progress into a leadership role.

An FTO/mentor candidate should:

Have a desire learn

Have a desire to teach

Have a desire to mentor

Meet organization competencies that qualify them to train others

Selecting and Promoting the Field

Training Officer (FTO)

Building a strong team of FTO’s is well worth it. This team will be the company champions responsible for teaching and mentoring new employees. They will live the organizations mission and value statement and provide consistency and structure.

When you take the time to vet and train a team of FTO’s. The pay off can be incredible for the organization. Accomplishing this requires the organization to invest both time and money.

Position qualifications and a selection process should be policy

This promotional position should be rewarded with a pay increase and potentially other privileges.

The Structured Field Training Program: Other Considerations

The newly appointed Field Training Officers will benefit from regular training and mentorship

Someone that is able to dedicate the time and effort should oversee the field training program and track evaluations. Create a position?

The new employee and the Field Training Officer should be evaluated

What will the field training program clearance process entail?

Scenario

It’s three weeks into Joe’s field training and he recently approached his field supervisor asking about his performance. Joe is feeling like he’s ready to clear the program and is inquiring about the clearance process. His field supervisor looks into Joe’s field training evaluations and cannot find them. They have not been submitted. Joe has been riding with a company paramedic that volunteered to do field training and third rides with Joe. The field supervisor is unable to reach the employee on their off day, a voicemail is left. Once the paramedic is back to work he returns the field supervisors call. When he is asked why the field training evaluations have not been submitted he explains that he didn’t realize this was part of the process. The field supervisor then asks if he can submit the evaluation's today. The paramedic says that he will try to have the evaluations completed before the end of his shift. The field supervisor checks on the submissions two days later and only one has been submitted. He reaches out to the paramedic and kindly asks about the evaluations. The paramedic candidly explains that he did not receive a pay increase for the additional work and has not been offered accommodations to complete the evaluations. He explains that he has completed 10 calls each shift and has had zero downtime on duty to work on the evaluations. He then requests that he not be asked to volunteer for field training again in the future.

Discussion

1. What are the issues? Identify them.

2. How would you address them?

3. What does this feedback mean to you?

Scenario

Julie just received her EMT-basic license. She has experience as a CNA and is excited to begin working in EMS. She has no experience working on an ambulance and is placed with an FTO in a paramedic unit full-time. She struggles to achieve a satisfactory evaluation. One month into her new employment the following events have occurred:

An ambulance driving accident causing damage

Clinical and operational errors

Tardiness

Falling asleep on task

Troubles waking up for calls

Julie has been offered an EMT-basic position on a BLS unit 30 minutes away to gain experience in a lower acuity environment she declines. She is advised to focus on her FT shifts and to not pick up OT until she's cleared. She continues to pickup OT in other divisions.

Discussion

1. What are the issues? Identify them.

2. How would you address them?

3. What does this feedback mean to you?

Bibliography

1. The Value of Structured Emergency Medical Services Field Training Program

Published: June 18th, 2019. The EMS Professional.

https://theemsprofessional.com

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