District Chief

When making the selection for District Chiefs, we examine the candidate’s skills, knowledge and behavior.  In doing so, we attempt to take a ‘whole person’ approach to the testing and evaluation process.  No singular criterion is used when making the decision.  The overall choice will be based upon, but not limited to, the items listed below.  

The overall process includes the following:

Prerequisites

  • Electronic application (Lake-Sumter EMS On-Line Job Board)
    • Submit current resume
    • Willingness questionnaire  (verify ability to fulfill the District Chief job description)
    • Submitted by deadline of posting
  • Promotion recommendation letter by assigned Assistant Chief (Major) to include:
  • Verification of minimum qualifications:
    • Certification as a Paramedic in the State of Florida
    • Minimum experience of three (3) years as Paramedic on an ALS level
    • ACLS Certification
    • CPR for Healthcare Providers
    • 16 Hour EVOC certificate or equivalent
    • Florida Class “E” Driver’s License
    • ICS G-300 certification (may obtain within six months of promotion)
    • ICS G-400 certification (may obtain within six months of promotion

Initial examination

  • Written examination may include the following:
    • General Paramedic Knowledge
    • LSEMS Guidelines for Pre-Hospital Care (Protocols)
    • EKG and 12 lead Recognition
    • Policy / Procedure Manual
    • Exposure Control Plan
    • NIMS / ICS

Secondary examination

  • May be performed simultaneously with the Initial Examination
  • Scenario or situational questions:
    • May be written, verbal and/or practical

Oral interview

  •  
    • May be performed simultaneously with the Initial and/or Secondary Examination
    • Interview / Selection Committee comprised of, but not limited to;
      • Deputy Chief (Operations Manager)
      • Assistant Chief(s)
      • Department Head(s)
      • Human Resources Representative

Below are the selection criteria and expectations for a LSEMS District Chief:

Selection Criteria

  • Paramedic (ALS response) Experience
  • Years of service with LSEMS
  • Field Training Officer Experience:
    • Years of experience
    • Performance with assigned provisionals / students
    • Participation / performance in instructor opportunities (AHA classes, CEU classes, Orientation, Pre-Employment Testing, FTO Meetings, etc.)
  • Supervisory experience:
    • Years of experience
    • Participation / Performance during “ride-up” opportunities
  • Work history review:
    • Clinical care / PCR review
    • Disciplinary actions
    • Attendance
    • Customer compliments / complaints
    • Compliance with company policies and procedures
    • Interagency relations
  • Advanced training / certifications (NIMS / ICS, CCEMTP, PALS, PEPP, PHTLS, etc)
  • Participation / Performance in LSEMS Special Operations
  • Participation / Performance in LSEMS community resource projects / events

If Promoted, District Chiefs are Expected to:

  • Attend regularly scheduled Supervisor meetings.
  • Supervises the work of paramedics and EMTs assigned to ambulances and QRVs within the assigned district and on assigned shift. 
  • Monitors district operations to ensure that required services are provided in accordance with medical protocols and in accordance with LSEMS policies and procedures. 
  • Ensures that stations, field staff and equipment are properly inspected, maintained and available for service. 
  • Performs a variety of supervisory duties:
    • Ensures that employee performance reviews, timesheets, precept reports, and other required documents are properly prepared in a timely manner. 
    • Makes recommendations to the Operations Manager concerning employee disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and quality development needs.
    • Reviews patient care reports, injury and exposure reports, accident reports, and other reports and documents as needed.
    • Serves as on-scene supervisor for incidents.  Directs the activities of paramedics and EMTs, and coordinates activities with other EMS, fire and rescue and law enforcement services. 
    • When required, responds to emergency calls. 
    • Communicates effectively with patients, family members, bystanders, team members, other first responding agencies, medical control and staff, dispatchers and radio operators.  When needed, provides BLS and ALS services.