You would think this would be a simple and straight forward answer, but it really isn't. I am an EMT-IV Tech, one step above being EMT-Basic, and I am the training officer for our department. You may be thinking 'Yeah? So what?' as I am, but there are others on my department that are having a fit over it. See, I am not the highest level of care on our department. We have one in class for I-99, two paramedics and one RN/EMT-P. The thought is that these people have more to offer as a training officer than I. While I don't dispute the fact that they do in fact have more knowledge and training than I, I don't think it disqualifies me for the position I hold. There is nothing that says that I can't call in other resources to do a training that is beyond my skill/knowledge level and trust me I intend to do just that.
I'm not really sure what I'm trying to get at here so please feel free to chime in and either school my sorry behind or jump on the bandwagon. I'll even scootch over a bit to make room for ya.
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Crossing Fingers
10 years ago
10 comments:
Teachers teach, whoever it is that teaches best, or wants it most and is qualified wins.
Just because you are more educated doesn't make you a better teacher. Or trainer. Or whatever.
No need to scooch, I like to squeeze in.
I agree, if you've got something to teach, then teach it.
I'm jumping on the bandwagon here. I'm also training officer but not the most trained in the station (I am an EMT-B but am training to get my E which is probably equivalent to your cert) and we have a few members with higher certs than me. I do a few EMT-B drills, I have one of my squad truck operators teach a drill or two about the truck and then ask my Intermediates or Paramedics to pick up a drill or two.
Really all you have to do is coordinate good drills, it doesn't mean you have to be the expert there. Good luck!
As long as you are teaching people the same level as you or lower, there is no problem here. There must be a reason why you are in that position. Somebody obviously believes you can do the job. Screw everyone else.
Zumstin you have got my gears rolling again on this one. Who says that because someone is a higher level of care, doesn't mean I can't train on skills that are at a lower level of care? After all good ALS starts with good BLS. Right? ;)
I agree with the train to your level only if you are good.
I have had one too many "trainers" who train because they have senority or the most training and cannot teach worth a POOP! I actually feel dumber because of them sometimes...
I work for a paramedic level department, our EMS training officer is a captain/EMT I 85. She does an incredible job keepign us all up to date on all of the intermediate level skills which fall under our scope of practice but farms out the paramedic level stuff to either myself or one of the other medics based on our comfort level and our experience. There is no issue with a training officer being at a lower certification than the rest of those on his or her service just so long as you don't try and teach things outside of your scope of practice. A basic teaching a surgical cric would be a bit much unless he is an ER doc on the side. Just do your job and do it well. If you want to have paramedic level training offered to your crew, go for it but farm it out to a paramedic. Try asking some of those people who moan and complain if they want to collaborate with you on teaching things that you feel your guys need. And above all, don't take it to heart, the fire service (especially the vollies) was built on a tradition of peeing in each other's cereal. So take it in stride and use it as motivation to be the best instructor you can be. Good Luck
NS
http://irishffemt.blogspot.com/
Our "Training Officer" is our most "educated" person on staff. I am not smarter than many people, but I am both smarter, and a better medic than this guy.
My former supervisor was an EMT-B. He sucked--but not because he was a basic--but because he was a crappy supervisor. He wasn't a half bad EMT.
The skills to teach and lead rarely have to do with how much school you have and what title you hold.
Good Luck.
Bernice,
I see nothing wrong with teaching someone of higher level of care a skill that you are capable and responsible for. I think you misunderstood me. An EMT-B teaching a paramedic how to spinally immobilize is ok, teaching a paramedic how to do a surgical airway or needle chest decompress is not ok. Having someone try to teach a skill that they are not themselves trained to do is lunacy.
NS - This is now my favorite line ever... the sad part is that is is funyn only because it is so true. "And above all, don't take it to heart, the fire service (especially the vollies) was built on a tradition of peeing in each other's cereal."
Zumstin - You are correct, I misunderstood you. I would never even consider teaching something I know nothing about. Because then it isn't teaching or training, it's plain old lying out your backside.
Thanks to everyone. I know I need to just ignore the nay-sayers and prove them wrong by providing some solid trainings. Making sure I can walk the walk.
Thanks again!
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