Training Program

Working as volunteer college students in a world dominated by full-time professionals, UVM Rescue holds itself accountable to the same stringent training standards.

There are four positions on the truck; Crew Chief, Driver, Medic, and Fourth. In order complete the Fourths and Medics Checklists, a probationary member must train on each item on the checklists with someone who has already attained Medic status. At least 24 hours later, the probationary member may attempt to check off with a Medic Trainer. Medic Trainers are experienced medics who have been advanced to the positon because of consistent demonstration of competence on the road and in training.

Fourth
This is the first position on Rescue. A probationary member has twelve days from the start this checklist to complete it. In those twelve days, it is expected that the probationary member train while on duty. Fourths in training should expect to frequent quarters during this twelve-day period in order to train and check off. Upon completion of the Fourths Checklist, one becomes a fourth and is therefore able to go on calls with the crew.

Medic

This is the second position a probationary member will have on Rescue. Fourths have an allotted three months to finish the Medics Checklist. It is divided into two sections; the first covers the psychomotor aspects of being an EMT; using the equipment on the ambulance. The second section relies more on the cognitive sense of being an EMT. During this section, it is expected that the fourth learn various facts concerning medical emergencies, trauma emergencies, and other relevant facts. While completing the medics checklist does not grant you any certifications, the completion 
of this in combination with the fourths checklist is often described as an unofficial EMT class. Many members of UVM Rescue work on their medics checklist concurrently with the EMT-Basic class, so they find the training to be an incredible asset in class. 

 Driver
The driver is responsible for crew safety while on the road. Since the ambulance is far beyond the typical car, it is a skill that requires constant practice. It is absolutely imperative that a driver feel comfortable driving the ambulance when the time comes. There are generally three crew members plus a patient and potentially a family member of the patient. It is of utmost importance that the driver operate the ambulance with extraordinary skill to keep everyone safe.

On the way to and from a call the driver will normally use lights and sirens, which is known as Code 3 driving. This is the most dangerous type of driving. While you do have your lights and sirens to warn other drivers that you are coming, it is not uncommon to perform dangerous maneuvers in order to reach the patient or hospital. Drivers are well trained to adapt to safely driving Code 3, however, any crash that occurs while driving Code 3 is automatically the ambulance driver’s fault until proven otherwise. 

Drivers must always know the fastest, safest, and most efficient route for call locations. In total all of these things may seem a little intimidating, however, Rescue has an extensive training program that every driver must complete. This includes a blindfolded knowledge of the cab, a set of maneuvers to help get acquainted with the dimensions of the truck, and a series of rides that test both the driver’s ability to drive the truck and knowledge of the area. The tests ensure knowledge of the set of streets in more than five towns. Throughout the district, UVM Rescue’s driver training program has a reputation for being the most extensive. 

Crew Chief
Just like the driver, the Crew Chief is responsible for the crew at all times. This includes supervising the crew in and out of quarters, deciding what and how patient care should be handled, and maintaining crew safety at all times. The care of the patient is the responsibility of the crew chief. Crew chiefs are usually the most experienced member of the crew; they train extraordinarily hard and should have the most medical knowledge and experience of any crew member. Except in very extenuating circumstances, every Crew Chief is at least an EMT-I, which means that they have taken both the EMT-B and EMT-I classes. To become a Crew Chief In Training (CCIT), a medic has to demonstrate that they are developing the medical background necessary to become a Crew Chief, as well as show that they are confident, responsible, have strong leadership skills, and understand the huge responsibility of Crew Chiefing. Aside from the personal and professional attributes one must demonstrate, a medic needs to be an on-the-road CCIT for long enough to demonstrate making appropriate medical decisions and by providing the highest level of care to the patients. First, a checklist ensures the background knowledge necessary to be a Crew Chief. After surpassing a certain point on the checklist, the CCIT begins to lead calls with a Crew Chief Trainer. Every so often, the crew chief trainers and training officer meet to discuss the training status of all of every member. They determine which medics/drivers should be promoted to crew chief status, as well as discussing how far each CCIT is in their training. Although the training officer officially promotes a CCIT to Crew Chief, the collective opinion of the crew chief trainers is critical.

Last modified April 15 2009 11:46 PM