Training Division

Forsyth County EMS has an extensive training and education program for both the experienced Paramedic as well as those who are recent EMS training program graduates.  All continuing education and recertification is handled through our own in-house training institution recognized by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.  Education is delivered to our personnel using several methods which meet the guidelines for continuing education, by the National Registry of EMTs.  EMS employees receive educational opportunities in excess of 125 hours each year, well above the 24 hours that is required by the state.  In-house ACLS, PALS, BCLS, BTLS and Pediatric BTLS recertification is among the educational offerings.  Monthly continuing education consists of a classroom lecture lasting 2 hours held on the last two Thursday nights of each month, in-service education while on duty and self-learning activities that coincide with the monthly topics.

Four (4) training specialists, called Training Officers, support the Training Division.  These Captains are assigned to12-hour shifts where they have the following responsibilities and appointments:

• All in-house continuing education programs
• Public Education
• Quality Improvement Programs
• Employee Orientation
• Employee training/education tracking and record management
• Protocol Development
• Preceptor Program Oversight
• Advanced Life Support Audit and Review
• Basic Life Support Audit and Review
• Region I Training Committee and EMS Advisory Council
• T-RAC (Triad Regional Advisory Council)
• Region I EMS Quality Improvement Project
• Supervision of the EMS Reserve Program

All FCEMS Training Officers are graduates of the Training Program Management curriculum program at the National Fire Academy and National Emergency Training Center, and are active members of the National Association of EMS Educators. Each Training Officer is required to maintain the following certifications:

• National Registry EMT-Paramedic

• North Carolina EMT-Paramedic

• North Carolina EMS Instructor - Paramedic Level

• Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructor

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor

• Basic Trauma Life Support Instructor - Advanced

• Pediatric Basic Trauma Life Support Instructor - Advanced

• Infection Control Instructor

• Hazardous Materials Awareness Level

  The Training Officers report to the Operations Officer.