Field Internship Training (FIT) Program

Section 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE

PURPOSE:

To establish guidelines for the Field Internship Training (FIT) Program.

PROCEDURE:

Program

• The FIT Program is designed to provide systematic training and evaluation of new Paramedics. By conducting on-the-job field training, new paramedics are provided the necessary job knowledge to enable them to assume the duties of an autonomous paramedic.
• Objectives of the FIT Program
  • To produce a highly trained and motivated paramedic capable of meeting or exceeding standards of performance required by the Maitland Fire Rescue Department.
  • To provide equal and standardized training to all newly licensed paramedics and to provide remedial training in those areas where deficiencies are identified
  • To build on the foundation of knowledge given in paramedic school, thereby, creating an environment in which the intern may develop new skills as well as increase proficiency in those acquired in the academic setting.
  • To improve the departmental screening process by providing on-the-job observation of each intern’s performance.
  • To establish an evaluation system, which is valid, and job related, utilizing standardized and systematic approach to the documented measurement of Intern Paramedic performance.
  • To establish career paths within the Department by providing qualified paramedics the chance to become FIT Preceptors thereby allowing for additional training and opportunities to develop leadership skills.
  • To ultimately increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Maitland Fire Rescue Department by enhancing the climate of professionalism and competency demanded by the ethical standards of Emergency Medical Services.
    

Program Structure

Kick-Off Meeting

• The FIT Program will begin for the Intern Paramedic with a Kick-Off meeting.
• During this meeting the Intern Paramedic will review the structure and objectives of the FIT Program with the FIT Coordinator and on-duty FIT Preceptors.
• The Intern Paramedic will be assigned a FIT Workbook and FIT Manual.
• The Intern Paramedic will have 6 months to complete the FIT Workbook.
  

Assignment to a Preceptor

• After receiving a Kick-Off meeting, the Intern Paramedic may be assigned to a FIT Preceptor depending on the needs of the department.
• Prior to starting Phase I of the FIT Program, the Intern Paramedic must pass the Practice Parameters Test with a grade of 80% or higher.
• At any time during the phases, the FIT Program Committee may decide to move the Intern Paramedic to a different FIT Preceptor to allow for a change in training.
  

Evaluation Process

• There are four phases that the Intern Paramedic must successfully complete while in the FIT Program.
• Criteria for each phase are listed in the FIT Manual which is given to the Intern Paramedic at the Kick-Off meeting and is located on the K Drive.
• The FIT Preceptor will fill out all Shift Observation Reports (SOR’s) and monthly evaluation forms pertaining to the Intern Paramedic’s progression in the phase they are assigned to.
• The progression of the Intern Paramedic will be discussed in the monthly FIT meetings.
• The FIT Committee will recommend whether the intern be moved to the next phase or stay progressing in their current phase.
• After the Intern Paramedic has successfully passed the first three phases of the FIT program, they will be placed in Phase IV (Shadow Phase). During this phase, the Intern Paramedic will be seen by all on-duty FIT Preceptors.
• The successful completion of Phase IV will determine the Intern Paramedic’s appointment as an autonomous paramedic. The FIT Program Committee will then make their recommendation to the Medical Director for advancement.
• Please reference the FIT Manual for monthly evaluation scoring and phase requirements.

Preceptor

• The FIT Preceptor is the primary overseer of the training and evaluation of the Intern Paramedic.
• The FIT Preceptor will assist and guide the Intern Paramedic in their efforts to satisfy the FIT Program objectives; however, the prime responsibility for initiation and progression through each area of the program lies mainly with the Intern Paramedic.
• The FIT Preceptor will meet with the Intern Paramedic every shift and after each call to review his/her progress.
• Responsibilities of the FIT Preceptor
  1. Provide training opportunities for the Intern Paramedic
  2. Review each call the Intern Paramedic runs
  3. Complete Shift Observation Reports for each call the Intern Paramedic runs
  4. Review EMS reports and projects assigned to the Intern Paramedic
  5. Administer FIT Program tests and quizzes
  6. Complete monthly evaluations on their assigned Intern Paramedic
  7. Ensure that all required FIT paperwork is complete and turned in on time to the FIT Coordinator or his/her designee
  8. Attend monthly FIT meetings unless authorized by their assigned Battalion Chief
• Minimum Preceptor Qualifications
  1. No less than 1 year experience as an autonomous paramedic within the Maitland Fire Rescue Department
  2. Must have an overall satisfactory rating on their 2 most recent evaluations
  3. Must have the positive endorsement of shift Lieutenant
  4. Must not have any outstanding disciplinary action during the last 12 months
  5. Must not have any patient standard of care incidents within the past 12 months, as indicated by the Medical Director
  6. Must complete a State of Florida approved Course Delivery or Course Design class prior to becoming a preceptor or hold Fire Officer 1 or Fire Instructor 1 State Certification.
  7. Must agree to attend monthly FIT Program meetings on a consistent basis with absences pre-approved
  8. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
  9. Must maintain confidentiality

• Preceptor Qualification Process
  • Any paramedic with the above listed requirements wishing to serve as a FIT Preceptor must submit a written request to their Lieutenant. The request must outline their reasons for wanting to serve as a FIT Preceptor and their qualifications.
  • The documentation shall then be forwarded to the Deputy Chief for review of the last 2 evaluations.
  • The complete package shall then be forwarded to the Fire Chief for consideration.
    

• Removal of a FIT Preceptor
  • The removal of a Paramedic from the role of preceptor shall be made by the Fire Chief.

Meetings

• Meetings are held monthly, unless otherwise noted, immediately following the Medical Director Meeting.
• Preceptors and FIT Committee Members (previous preceptors, now ranking officers) must attend at least eight (8) meetings per twelve (12) month period.
• Preceptors with an assigned intern must attend every meeting unless pre-authorized by their assigned Battalion Chief.
• Preceptors with excused absences must submit their intern’s paperwork to FIT Committee Coordinator prior to the meeting.