LFD’s Paramedic Field Training Program is designed to familiarize new Paramedics with current LFD protocol as well as our specific medical equipment.
This program evaluates the new candidate’s competency. It consists of 3 phases, each of which have specific goals and benchmarks that must be met. The total process can take up to 35 shifts.
During this time, the new medic will ride as the third paramedic on the ambulance. We currently have 23 Field Training Officers who, when assigned, are dedicated to a particular candidate in any 1 of the 3 phases. Each candidate will be taught and evaluated by 3 different Field Training Officers. As the candidate is nearing the end of his/her evaluation period, he/she will be tested and “checked off” by LFD’s licensed Medical Director. This is the final step of the process and ensures the new Paramedic meets and/or exceeds LFD’s standards in providing emergency medical assistance to the citizens of Longview.