Anything you wish you knew before starting Field Training?

[Foxem]

I'll be getting my FTO assigned to me here shortly and I wanted to know if there was any advice you guys could give me that might not be to obvious; or anything you would have done differently. As of right now, I'm just going into it with an open mind and a few hours of studying my response area. I know I won't be an expert at anything by any means, but any tips would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[DrParasite]

you don't know anything. let them show you everything. do whatever they say, even if you know a better way. Don't question anything, they are the FTO, so whatever they say gooes. They know all, and you need their approval to get released to practice. Once you get cleared, than you can function as an EMT.

Accept that there are some really bad FTOs in EMS; do whatever you need to do in order to complete your FTO time

 

[mgr22]

I agree with DrParasite. I'll just add that you're expected to know the classroom basics, so it's ok to start by doing things the way you were taught. Just be ready and willing to adjust from the way you think things ought to be to the way things really are at your job.

 

[Lo2w]

Don't get lost, at least have a good idea of the major routes, how to get to your hospitals etc.

"I know I can take x north and y east to get to this call, is there a better route you prefer?"

I'd talk to them before the start of shift, get a feel for how they like to run calls and identify things you feel you need to work on.

 

[Gurby]

Is this 911, IFT or a mix?

 

[Foxem]

Is this 911, IFT or a mix?

Its 911. My first shift is at night as well. Not sure if that's makes it more or less difficult than the day. No traffic should be nice though.

Don't get lost, at least have a good idea of the major routes, how to get to your hospitals etc.

"I know I can take x north and y east to get to this call, is there a better route you prefer?"

I'd talk to them before the start of shift, get a feel for how they like to run calls and identify things you feel you need to work on.

I've been studying maps all day, thank you!

 

[Lo2w]

Its 911. My first shift is at night as well. Not sure if that's makes it more or less difficult than the day. No traffic should be nice though.



I've been studying maps all day, thank you!

I moved for my 911 and luckily I'm good at reading maps and orienting myself. If you've got a good sense of direction and know pretty much how the streets run in your area it's pretty easy once you get some time in.

A big one will be knowing where you can pick up the freeways if you use them to access hospitals.

 

[Gurby]

Its 911. My first shift is at night as well. Not sure if that's makes it more or less difficult than the day. No traffic should be nice though.

First time on an ambulance and you're jumping in the deep end!

Just be honest if you can't hear the BP. 2 hands on the stretcher at all times.

 

[Lo2w]

First time on an ambulance and you're jumping in the deep end!

Just be honest if you can't hear the BP. 2 hands on the stretcher at all times.

If you can't hear the BP try to palpate one before admitting defeat.

 

[Foxem]

I appreciated all the advice guys, the first shift went swimmingly!

 

[medichopeful]

Don't question anything, they are the FTO, so whatever they say gooes.

I think it’s important to question your FTO if they are doing something you don’t understand, or is questionable. However, it’s best to do this in private.

The one exception is a safety issue. Speak up if there is a chance someone can get hurt.