Controversial Exam for D.C. EMT's

[CBEMT]

http://fems.dc.gov/fems/cwp/view,a,3,q,525773.asp

NR required, no mention of any "state or district certification" listed as acceptable.

That's great.

The crew that transported Rosenbaum was one EMT-B and one EMT-Enhanced. I can't recall ever seeing any NREMT-"E" test.

[crotchitymedic1986]

The complaint is: The people involved were fired because they failed one test. They had not been accused of any wrong-doing, did not have a patient complaint, and did not violate any policy. Just as if your chief walked in tomorrow, and threw down a NR quality test and said everyone who fails this is fired; I imagine a small percentage would fail, and complain. And I imagine 90% would complain prior to taking the test.

Although "a written test" is one way to gauge knowledge, it shouldnt be the only way. When I put on my "patient advocate" hat, I want the medics to be tested alot, but I want it to be a combination of writtent tests and hands-on skill stations with scenarios, which was preceeded by some sort of training program.

When I put on my "employee advocate" hat, I want the same thing, but if they fail, I want them to have a chance to be educated or re-educated, not immediately terminated. If they show that they can not learn and remember the job skills that they need, then they need to be terminated.

I promise you, I could create a test that everyone in this room would fail ( I have done it before when challenged by 3 flightmedics who wanted a hard test).

[WolfmanHarris]

Maybe I misread the article, but when was it said they were given no notice on the test?

Also, we're talking about a standard entry level test here right? Not a test from hell.

I agree in the situation you described that would be unfair. But I don't think that's the issue at hand.

[crotchitymedic1986]

I think they knew it was coming, but were only given one chance to pass. Now that several have failed, they are offering more training prior to the test, and more than one opportunity to pass the test (I think 3 times), which I can live with. If you cant pass the same test after taking it 3 times, you have issues. My problem is terminating an employee after failing any "one" written test"

[Richard B the EMT]

Dusty, I just looked at that application you linked us to, and it looks a bit like a "Wellness Survey", like I have to complete each year at the departmental "Annual Physical/[s:05c3028fde]Right to Sleep[/s:05c3028fde] (err) 'Right to Know' Class".

Quick on that: Federal mandate for teaching Equal Employment Opportunities, Hazardous Materials Awareness, what chemicals you use at work, and their potential health threats to you, the book with the reference material as to the hazards, and, if no information is in the book, when you can tell the bosses you cannot use the stuff without such information, and how to don an M95 particulate mask. You have to be there for the physical, anyway, so sit in the classroom and listen to the lecture. That way, the department is making sure you had the mandated yearly class. Normally for FDNY people, it counts as an 8 hour overtime pay day.

[spenac]

http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.ph...&highlight=

http://dcist.com/2008/12/firefighters_whine_about_test.php

[web:53621db1c0]http://dcist.com/2008/12/firefighters_whine_about_test.php[/web:53621db1c0]

[VentMedic]

Maybe I misread the article, but when was it said they were given no notice on the test?

They had to have known something was coming. The terms of the settlement were made public. The Paramedics were supposed testedly for various "skills" last February. I don't hearing remember the results. But, I believe it was only for skills.

[Just Plain Ruff]

I am in agreement with Crotch on this one. If you are only given one chance to take a test and fail and given no notice(can't confirm it) before you take it then that is not fair and should not be tolerated. You should be able to review the material first.

If you are fired for failing it one time then that's wrong.

But after 3 attempts and then taking the class again and you fail all three again then you are either a backwater idiot or someone who needs to rethink your chosen career path.

I hear the test at McDonalds on how to flip a burger is a bitch.

[Christopher.Collins]

Errr... I honestly dont want to get caught up in one of thoes damn Fire-vs-EMS discussions but I feel I have to post my thoughts on this.

First and foremost, if its a part of the recruitment and rention requirements to complete and pass an NR standard EMT test then dont bitch and complain if you are let go for not meeting that REQUIREMENT!!!

Secondly, I dont ever remember any reference to bear attacks on the NR exam. But if I had to guess (yes I know I wasnt there) chances are its a SCENE SAFETY question.

Regardless of if you can pass the state exam that never means your garunteed to pass the NR! When Connecticut became an NR state the failure rate of EMT candidates increased drastically. Yes it put alot of potentially great EMTs out of the loop for a while... but alas it was a part of the new requirements. All I have to say to that guy who was fired is big deal and get over it... your not the first nor the last. If you want to do it that bad then stop whining and do like everyone else, study and keep trying! If you fail to do so and keep whining, then I guess you really didnt want it that much.

Anyways... I am both Fire and EMS and will not bash either. But... I feel it is a horrible idea how more and more fire departments require paramedic certification. EMT and MRT is one thing... whether or not you will ever provide patient care in your career I personally and proffesionally think that every firefighter should have some sort of first aid training, especially if your an R1 service. But this paramedic thing is rediculous... especially as it continues to become a requirement and simultaneously it becomes increasingly obvious people will take and half ass it just to become a firefighter. The same, Im sure can be said, for EMTs and MRTs but its a lower standard of care for starters and less to keep up on (CME wise).

[Christopher.Collins]

I think they knew it was coming, but were only given one chance to pass. Now that several have failed, they are offering more training prior to the test, and more than one opportunity to pass the test (I think 3 times), which I can live with. If you cant pass the same test after taking it 3 times, you have issues. My problem is terminating an employee after failing any "one" written test"

I am in agreement with Crotch on this one. If you are only given one chance to take a test and fail and given no notice(can't confirm it) before you take it then that is not fair and should not be tolerated. You should be able to review the material first.

If you are fired for failing it one time then that's wrong.

But after 3 attempts and then taking the class again and you fail all three again then you are either a backwater idiot or someone who needs to rethink your chosen career path.

I hear the test at McDonalds on how to flip a burger is a bitch.

I conccur with both Crotch and Ruffems in full on this!