EMS Training Officer

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult technical and administrative work designing and administering a training program, the quality management/improvement program and all clinical affairs for the County emergency medical staff.

An employee in this class is responsible for serving as the Training Officer for the Emergency Medical Service, working through Field Training Officers to assure appropriate provision and recording of training activities of all agencies providing EMS services in the County, and administering the day-to-day training activities of the County's EMS staff. Work includes developing and either conducting training classes or contracting for trainers to provide training to departmental personnel; maintaining comprehensive training and certification records; directing Field Training Officers and overseeing the evaluation of new and existing employees and students' skills in the field; conducting continuing education and refresher courses; developing and conducting remediation programs; and working with staff to evaluate employee performance and review medical protocols. This position is responsible for quality assurance monitoring, compiling data and working with the Medical Director to assure staff skills are adequate and to revise and develop medical protocols and procedures.

In addition, the employee provides a variety of administrative, technical and operations management tasks. Work includes a variety of tasks assisting in management of the department, including participating in hiring, performance evaluation and disciplinary decisions; managing special projects; providing technical support for data systems and specialized equipment including hardware and software for specific EMS usages; and assisting the Emergency Medical Services Director with budget, equipment and supervisory functions for the division.

Paramedic work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, extremes in temperatures, noise, vibrations, hazards associated with emergency medical work including exposures to fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Because of the nature of the work, the employee is exposed to human blood and is subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision by the EMS Manager and is evaluated through conferences, observations, reports from the Medical Director and feedback from citizens and staff.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Researches new technologies; writes specifications for purchasing technological improvements; assists the Operations Officer to correct hardware, software, network and equipment issues for departmental medical, computer and patient reporting software.

Plans and coordinates all emergency medical services training programs at the EMT basic through paramedic levels for department personnel; oversees maintenance of training records.

Oversees training for all EMS providers; coordinates training between the Medical Director, other agency training officers, instructors and the community college.

Prepares training instructional content and conducts training, or arranges training by others, on various topics relevant to the work of employees; documents training conducted.

Reviews documentation on calls and treatment provided to look for trends in care and treatment concerns; works with the Medical Director to address training issues, protocol changes or scope of practice issues and makes revisions and changes in the same with EMS Director’s approval; conducts and oversees remediation programs for EMS employees with noted skills deficiencies.

Visits local fire departments or agencies to ensure quality of First Responder continuing education programs.

Participates in the hiring, performance evaluation and disciplinary actions for division employees; assures technical evaluations for new employees and employees being re-credentialed are conducted; maintains training records.

Attends classes and seminars to stay abreast of changing regulations, consults with state personnel and assures that County's practices and procedures remain complaint with state regulations.

Responds to major incidents as a paramedic during times of staffing shortages or during any major incident to evaluate field personnel and to assist in the emergency.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Assists in emergency operations center, public information and billing office as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of procedures and techniques for administering emergency medical care and of anatomy and physiology.

Considerable knowledge of management, leadership, administrative supervisory principles and practices including coaching, motivating, and communicating, and skills to use effectively.

Considerable knowledge of training techniques and adult learning.

Considerable knowledge of equipment and materials utilized in providing emergency care.

Skills in planning, organizing, and supervising a large and complex division; developing and organizing programs and activities to achieve the level of emergency medical services required by the citizens.

Ability to interpret, explain and apply a wide variety of policies, procedures, and regulations

Skill in conveying principles and practices of emergency medical care to students.

Ability to develop lesson plans and to organize material to teach personnel.

Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with a wide variety of personnel (both orally and in written form).

Ability to meet health and fitness standards.

Ability to accurately record services provided.

Ability to administer necessary medical under stressful conditions.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of program activities.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of patients and students.

Desirable Education and Experience

Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Medical Services or other relevant area with 5 years of Paramedic experience in Emergency Medical Services, including some supervisory and training experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position; knowledge of Emergency Medical Dispatch procedures. Instructor certifications in such courses as ACLS, CPR, ITLS, PALS, PEEP; certified as a Level II Emergency Medical Instructor as approved by the State of North Carolina