Rescue Training
Upon successful completion of all of these skills sheets and the course, rookies are given the opportunity to “try-out” for the department. Try-outs are comprised of both psychomotor and standard test questions, while the results of each candidate are confidentially discussed and voted upon by the constituency.
RIDING POSITIONSFOURTH: The “fourth” on the truck is a learning position and is required to be CPR certified. A fourth's role includes helping the third complete assessments, giving psychological first aid, setting up oxygen, and assisting with any task that another crew member may need help with. While acting as a fourth, most members take the EMT class at The University of Vermont.
As a fourth becomes more experienced and proficient with skills, he or she is allowed to “third train”. As a third trainee, the member is taught through direct experience, with the third-trainer acting in a facilitative or observational role (depending on the proficiency of the third trainee).
A proficient and experienced third will be designated as third trainer by the training committee. A third trainer with outstanding dedication, excellent psychomotor skills, and leadership capabilities can then begin to train as a crew chief upon recommendation of the training committee. A CCIT (crew chief in training) completes a series of skills designed to teach radio proficiency and etiquette, state and district protocols, direct communication with the hospital staff through both radio/telecommunication, and documentation of calls. Upon completion of these requirements, successful live training on “live” calls, and approval of crew chief trainers and the training committee, a CCIT becomes a crew chief.
The main role of the crew chief is acting as the bridge between the patient and the hospital by identifying problems, ordering correct interventions, and relaying results to the hospital. Upon arrival at Fletcher Allen ED, the crew chief will give a verbal report to the receiving staff and then write a full length report documenting the entire call.
DRIVER: The driver is in charge of the safe and efficient arrival of the crew to the scene and then to the hospital. The driver is the liaison between the equipment on the truck and the scene, making trips back and forth to shuttle necessary items. The driver is responsible for the safe placement of the ambulance on scene, ensuring visibility to other drivers and a clear route towards the hospital. Acting as the crew member that is least directly involved with patient care, the driver adds another set of eyes to the overall scene, looking for potential hazards and other things that the rest of the crew may not see when they are treating the patient.
To become a driver, a trainee will complete an intensive training program that requires a candidate to complete a requisite number of “on the road” hours, as well as memorization of roads and landmarks in SMRS's entire service area. As driving is commonly the most dangerous aspect of a call, drivers are held to a high standard of proficiency and knowledge in every skill before they are allowed to drive. |
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