The PFRES EMS Division is committed to continuous evaluation and improvement of the processes we use to provide quality emergency medical care. The EMS Division treats all clinical reviews with confidentiality and respect, and with the goal of improving communication and teamwork with field practitioners and receiving hospitals.
EMS Delivery
The PFRES EMS Division, under the guidance of the Department’s Medical Director, oversees and manages the delivery of emergency medical services in the following ways.
Clinical Performance Management
Clinical Performance Management ensures the Department is providing the highest quality out-of-hospital health care to the public through compassionate, proficient practitioners.
Education & Training
Education and Training provide PFRES personnel with the education and training skills necessary to maintain a high degree of proficiency in the delivery of emergency care and services. The Division of Training EMS staff is responsible for curriculum development and training oversight and the Medical Director ensures the training program reflects the best contemporary practices in EMS education.
Research
Research includes activities to evaluate new practices, techniques, and equipment with the intent to improve emergency care.
EMS FIELD TRAINING
Portsmouth Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Service (PFRES) trains select Paramedics as Field Training Officers (FTOs) who are responsible for providing training and guidance to new employees. FTOs are seasoned Paramedics who meet specific selection criteria, provide outstanding patient care and are versed in departmental administrative activities.
EVALUATION PROGRAM
The PFRES EMS Division utilizes a four-phase, competency-based Field Training, and Evaluation Program (FTEP) to ensure the steady acclamation of employees during their first year of employment. Each new employee, regardless of experience level, completes either the entire or select portions of the FTEP, as the program assesses more than just medical knowledge.
It is the role of the FTO that makes this program successful; they identify areas in which the new employee requires additional training, identify areas of mastery that the new employee demonstrates, and work to develop comprehensive training goals for the new employee.
