Field Training Medic Program (FTM)

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The Field Training Medic (FTM) Program is a joint effort between the Henrico County Division of Fire (DOF) and Department of Human Resources (HR). The goal of the program is to create a pool of highly skilled Field Training Medics who are assigned to train and mentor future Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. The FTM program trains selected candidates in leadership development topics such as conflict resolution, feedback, coaching, and mentoring in addition to advanced emergency medical services (EMS) skills and assessment. After orientation and training, FTMs are tasked with the supervision and training of employees participating in an ALS internship in order to practice medicine as ALS providers within the DOF. To date, the program has successfully trained 34 FTMs who have in turn assisted 12 new ALS providers in successful completion of their ALS internship. The class evaluations of the FTM leadership training received a 97% overall approval rating from participants. Three FTMs also have received promotion to the rank of lieutenant since participating in the FTM process. The Fire Chief noted how the leadership training provided in the FTM program assisted in their successful preparation as formal supervisors.