HeatherJen

All advice given has been invaluable and I appreciate your time and efforts in your posts. Please feel free to email me if you have anything else that might help. I am still looking for sample evaluation sheets for both the EMT's and Mentors. If you have a sample copy I would appreciate an email. Always looking for great input! Best Regards, ~H

Some good input so far... thank you everyone. I have recently talked with somene from a neighboring agency, and they seem to have a strong mentor program already in place. I heard about an evaluation sheet that is filled out after each run. The crew and the third rider/trainee sit down, talk about the run, check off what they did (skills: Vitals, MIR, Restocking Amb. etc...) then they discuss what can be improved or areas of weakness and areas of strongpoints etc. This is all done and put in the trainee's file so the mentor not on shift can see whats happening when the mentor is not on those runs. I dont mind this kind of idea, however, I worry that some of our crews may be a bit over critical with someone new and worry about discouraging them. But then again.... I guess this is not a job you are allowed a thin skin either. So... if you were for an evaluation sheet as such... what kind of things would you be listing on it? I can get access to their evaluation sheets, but would also like some more input on this before I am totally sold on the whole idea. Really, if this goes where I think its going to... and because of the input I have received so far..... I think I will be researching more, writing up and submitting an outline of a more formal mentor program for this agency. Which I can see clearly now is just as important on picking WHO to be the mentor as to HOW we mentor. My experience in the past with a so called mentor was a joke. The first meeting night I was introduced to the crews, my so called mentor walked in loud, foul mouthed and then snubbed me. I heard from her once over the phone, letting me know to come to her if I had any questions.... LOL... I was NOT impressed. So I have definately learned that there can be WRONG people for the mentor positions. I remember how alone and NOT welcomed I felt on that first meeting night... and so I wasnt surprised that they were hurting bad for EMT's. But I did recognize that there is a place for me in that agency.... someone has to be the smiling face to the newcomers. There are some really great viewpoints here so far.. and I truly appreciate all the input everyone! Thank you! ~H

Need some ideas on how an agency might deal with new EMT's and hooking them up with a senior EMT/mentor to help them get comfortable and a good start with the new service. I have heard of some agencies that pair two EMT's up, then the mentor keeps a record/evaluation sheets of the EMT's progress and helps encourage them etc.... I have been asked to mentor a potential volunteer, and since this agency has never had any mentor program before, I am looking for some ideas. Thanks for your input. ~H

In the late 80's our little town was once voted in as one of the top ten places to retire in the US. Small town nonetheless with a good portion of our population Seniors. So most of our calls are Geriatrics. Falls, COPD, Chest Pain, Strokes, Lift Assist, and sick unknown. Then to keep things interesting there have been a pick up in Overdoses and attempted suicides this winter. Last winter we had quite a few MVC's but hardly any at all this year. Peope driving safer??? And of course then there are the Diabetic calls... We seem to have plenty of thos around here too. ~H

Appreciated the links! In all the classes I have taken, I have not experienced anything as helpful as this has been. Didnt realize this resource was available.... Thanks! ~H

Seems like everytime I go to use our Zoll, I open up the back pocket to find a big birds nest of tangled leads and wires etc... I guess there are enough EMT's that are not bothered by this that I innevitably end up with their mess. I keep dreaming of finding some miraculous cure to fixing the problem... like some sort of cord organizer that is convenient and EMT friendly.... but havent came up with anything yet. Meanwhile, I spend extra time untangling a huge tangle in front of my Pt if I dont organize the Zoll before my shift. Any one else deal with this or maybe would you have some suggestions how to deal with getting all those lines organized so everyone is happy? Appreciate the input! ~H