Field Training Officer

The employees of Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services take great pride in delivering quality patient care and support to the citizens of our community. In keeping with such high standards, newly hired or transitioning employees need a mentor and guide in developing a solid understanding of their knowledge, skills, and educational strengths and areas of improvement. The success of this process is directly linked to the professional commitment of our Field Training Officers. Their hard work and dedication help to build a foundation for our EMS system that ultimately sets a high standard of service for our community.

When making the selection for Field Training Officer (FTO), 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.

Prerequisites

  • Electronic application (Lake-Sumter EMS On-Line Job Board)
    • Submit current resume
    • Willingness questionnaire (verify ability to fulfill the FTO job description)
    • Submitted by deadline of posting
  • Promotion recommendation letter by assigned Assistant Chief (Major) or District Chief (Captain) to include:
    • Work behaviors
    • Compliance with company policies and procedures
    • Candidate’s responsibility to obtain and submit to HR within 5 days after deadline of posting
  • Verification of minimum qualifications:
    • Certification as a Paramedic in the State of Florida
    • Minimum experience as paramedic for two (2) years on an ALS level
    • Successful completion of Paramedic Provisional Program at Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services
    • ACLS Certification
    • BLS Certificate
    • Possess two or more of the following instructional certifications: ACLS, BLS, PHTLS, ITLS, PEPP, PALS, or other applicable instructor certifications approved by the Medical Director (may obtain within one year of promotion)
    • Possess Intermediate Incident Command System [ICS-300] certification (may obtain within one year of promotion)
    • 16 Hour EVOC certificate or equivalent
    • Florida Class “E” Driver’s License

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

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:
    • Field Training Coordinator
    • Clinical Quality & Education Manager
    • Deputy Chief (Operations Manager)
    • Assistant Chief(s)
    • Human Resources Representative

Below are the selection criteria and expectations for a LSEMS Field Training Officer:

Selection Criteria:

  • Paramedic (ALS response) Experience
  • Years of service with LSEMS
  • Training Experience:
    • Years of experience
    • Performance with assigned Paramedic / EMT students and provisional EMTs
    • Participation / performance in instructor opportunities (AHA classes, CEU classes, etc.)
  • 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, FTOs are Expected to:

  • Attend the FTO training course (at next available offering)
  • Attend the Supervisor training course (if applicable)
  • Attend regularly scheduled FTO meetings
  • Train, mentor, and evaluate provisional paramedics and EMTs (including Interagency representatives)
  • Assist with Pre-employment Testing and Orientation
  • Participate in didactic and field training sessions (including CEU refresher classes)
  • Assist in the development and implementation of remedial training programs
  • Fill Supervisor role as needed (upon completion of Supervisor training course)
  • Be motivated to teach, to facilitate learning and to ensure their provisional acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful LSEMS employee
  • Serve as a mentor, role model and educational resource for fellow employees