EMS Training
The Iona-McGregor Fire District’s Technical Rescue Team is made up of 30 members. Ten of these personnel are also members of the Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue Team, also known as Florida Task Force 6, a state resource. The remainder of Iona’s Technical Rescue Team was trained through a State of Florida grant that earned them the designation of “Light” Technical Rescue Certified. All Task Force 6 members have been trained to the Technician level in the following seven disciplines: High angle (rope), confined space, trench, vehicle extrication, building collapse/ shoring, swift water/ flood, and large animal rescue. The remainder of the team has been trained to the Operations level in all of the above disciplines except flood/swift water and large animal rescue. All personnel on the team train together on a regular basis to provide the District with a highly motivated, competent Technical Rescue Team. Department EMTs receive training in trauma, airway management, respiratory emergencies, pediatric emergencies, and CPR, among other subjects, throughout the year. These classes count toward the renewal of their State EMT certification every two years and meet the requirement set forth by DOT recertification standards. A few techniques used to accomplish this training are monthly medical DVDs on a variety of medical topics, in-station training with paramedics focusing on their support role when working on an Advanced Life Support (ALS) trucks, an on-line training website for tests, video conferencing, Power Point presentations, etc. Training Division trains extensively with new paramedics going through the credentialing process. This process involves new paramedics taking written tests, reviewing and testing on advanced medical procedures, riding numerous hours on an ambulance, practicing and testing on scenarios, then culminating with an interview process with the Medical Director. Once the Medical Director agrees the paramedic is ready to work on one’s own, they are considered “credentialed.” Paramedics have monthly in-services with either our Medical Director or a guest physician, watch monthly medical videos and take tests based on the lectures crafted by the Training Division on our new on-line website. All Medical Director’s lectures are videotaped allowing those unable to attend to make up the training. They will receive recertification CEUs after successfully completing the exam created by the Training Division. Paramedics must accumulate a set number of continuing education units of instruction to recertify with the State every two years. This training is supplied and provided by the Training Division. The department currently has 31 credentialed paramedics and 5 in the process of credentialing. Paramedics are also required to obtain and maintain several certifications: International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is an intense course on treating trauma patients and must be recertified every three years. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course is focused on taking care of the cardiac patient and must be renewed every two years. Another required class is the 12-lead ECG course that allows paramedics to diagnose a heart attack in the field by reading ECG’s. The Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) is conducted annually which includes a review of any new driving laws and safety issues. Pediatric Education for Pre-Hospital Providers (PEPP)