Fireline Emergency Medical Paramedic (FEMP) Training Program

Objectives Outline the role and responsibilities of the FEMP Describe the training and education that is required to become a FEMP Describe what equipment and supplies are utilized by the FEMP Discuss scope of practice, documentation requirements and the disposition of patients Review the principles in dealing with inmate fire crews

Prerequisites for FEMP Complete the basic requirements for FEMP positionComplete the basic requirements for FEMP position Complete this self paced educational moduleComplete this self paced educational module Approval and verification by the employing agency fire chief to be able to deliver quality advanced life support (ALS) care in an arduous and austere environment.Approval and verification by the employing agency fire chief to be able to deliver quality advanced life support (ALS) care in an arduous and austere environment. Home agency will supply required EMS equipment and medication for the FEMP as described in the position description.Home agency will supply required EMS equipment and medication for the FEMP as described in the position description.

Role of the FEMP Fireline (may be vehicle based) Base Camp Spike Camp Helispot

Arrive at the Incident Check-In Radio (clone or obtain) Obtain assignment (you should be paired) Obtain fireline supplies as necessary Contact time unit when possible

Equipment and Supplies Bring what you need (surplus in vehicle) Replace through MEDL (except meds) Reimbursement process Narcotics –Resupply –Storage –Waste procedure

FEMP Scope of Practice Only permitted to practice as if in your home unit Consider on-line medical control when necessary Equipment list includes use of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) MEDL to notify host LEMSA

Fireline Considerations –Care may be “temporizing” –Provide ALS care in an austere environment –Altitude sickness –Burns –Snake bites –Lots of minor first aid

Disposition of Patients Air transport Ground transport Transport can be to either acute care facility or to the MEDL Return to fireline

Helicopter Considerations Risk vs gain Safety practices Communications Aircraft capabilities Supply delivery

Documentation and CQI Copy of PCR: – to home agency for disposition per home policy –to MEDL –to follow patient Primary CQI responsibility of home agency

Required Training California EMT-P License and local EMS Agency accreditationCalifornia EMT-P License and local EMS Agency accreditation Firefighter Training (S-130)Firefighter Training (S-130) “Look Up, Look Down, Look Around” (S-133)“Look Up, Look Down, Look Around” (S-133) Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) Incident Command System ICS 100 and ICS 200Incident Command System ICS 100 and ICS 200 Basic air operations course contentBasic air operations course content

Additional Training Wilderness Emergency Medical TechnicianWilderness Emergency Medical Technician Introduction to Air Operations (ICS S- 270) or equivalentIntroduction to Air Operations (ICS S- 270) or equivalent Which Supports Development of Knowledge and Skills

Physical Requirements The work involved in this position is ARDUOUS Arduous: involves field work calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. For example, the USFS arduous pack test requires carrying a 45 pound pack for 3 miles within 45 minutes without running.

Personal Equipment Review Appendix C of the position description Varies by assignment Limit pack weight

Communications Check in with your line supervisor Review the communications plan Confirm operational status of your radio

Mapping Obtain incident map Identify Divisions and Branches GPS operation Map reading skills

Working with Inmates All crew members have the right to be treated with fairness, maturity, impartiality and respect Obtain custodial permission to treat from crew supervisor If the inmate crew member needs to be transported, arrangements must be made for custodial staff to follow.

Working with Inmates Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and/ or DMAT may be established at the incident base Refrain from casual conversation with inmate crew members Do not give to or take ANYTHING from inmate crew members without approval from the crew supervisor

If you have further questions about this position, please contact your training officer and the FIRESCOPE website.