Why We Train

Why We Train: 

Training plays a large role in our jobs as first responders. Training should not only be provided when a person enters this job field, but also every year. 

By keeping our skills honed, we can provide better safety and patient care. Although training can seem repetitious, it is a vital aspect of our job. 

As an organization, we need to review our annual training guidelines. Some areas we need to consider are: 

• The level and type of care, including paratransit service, being provided: This can help tailor your training focus to the right areas. 

• The size of the organization: This can give you an idea of how many times training sessions should be offered to ensure everyone is trained. 

• Your training officers: Make sure to utilize these resources to help ensure all training sessions are completed. 

When we look at what we should offer annually, here are some key training areas to consider: 

1. Driver training: This should include backing, navigating intersections, lights and sirens use. You can consider an in-person class or online learning platform. 

2. Patient handling: This should include using proper lifting practices, stretchers, bariatric or any applicable patient handling devices. 

3. Patient assessments 

4. Any available continuing education you can offer: Even though there are continuing education credits required for licenses, we must remain diligent in offering more training opportunities to employees. 

Training can be administered in many different ways: 

1. Can be an in-service day for a certain shift 

2. Considering using an LMS (Learning Management System) to provide online courses can give flexibility to varying shifts, such as a night shift 

3. Can also consider running smaller training sessions before shift briefing 

Another important aspect of training is the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Take the time to review your organization’s SOPs with employees to establish guidelines from patient care or driving procedures to human resources. 

Developing training and SOPs is a team effort that works best when there are many sets of eyes on it. Now may be a good time to use your training officers to help review and make sure all training and SOPs provided are current with industry trends. 

Take time to protect your organization, employees and patients and invest in training!