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EMS Field Instruction: Part 4--How to Get the Most Out of Your Training Program
The first article in this four-part series, Elements of an Effective Field Instruction Program, was written for managers who want to start or improve a field instructor (FI) program. Part two Adult Learning addressed leading theories about how adults learn. Part three discussed what it takes to be an effective field instructor. In the conclusion to this series, we talk about how to get the most from your training program.
Congratulations on your job in EMS! If you are new to the business, you are probably excited, scared and nervous all at the same time. Relax. I would be concerned if you felt otherwise. If you are experienced in EMS, you're probably a bit nervous about performing up to standards and being put under the microscope during field instruction. This is also normal, and your field instructor (FI) should go out of his way to make you feel welcome and comfortable.
Although your field instruction program is designed to train you, learning is, in large part, up to you. A desire to learn will be your best tool for absorbing all the information that will be presented to you.
Studies have shown that people retain:
- 10% of what they read
- 20% of what they hear
- 30% of what they see
- 50% of what they see and hear
- 70% of what they say
- 90% of what they do.
Now, you've probably already forgotten 90% of what you just read, so go back, read it out loud and see how much more you remember.
You don't have total control over your training, of course, but whenever possible ask to hear and see, and, of course, do. Just explaining something back to your FI to confirm understanding can add considerably to learning new skills.
If you are new to the business, practice before a call to make skills become second nature. For example, ask if you can open an IV set and practice setting it up and taking it apart again. Visualizing skills will help reinforce neural pathways that will actually make that skill flow naturally more quickly.
Get to Know Your Field Instructor
Showing your FI that you are ready and willing to learn will quickly make him your ally in training. If you are afraid or reluctant to ask questions, your FI may think you are a "know-it-all" and are not interested in learning. If your FI makes you uncomfortable, tell him, "It's probably just me, but I get the impression that you are annoyed when I have questions. Do you have any suggestions about how I can be more comfortable approaching you?" This could hardly fail to elicit a positive response.
Although your FI will hopefully take action before any relationship deteriorates, you are the one who will suffer most if problems aren't resolved. Avoid the trap of "Back where I come from, we do it this way." This sends the message that way is better and could put your FI on the defensive. It doesn't matter how things are done back in wherever; it's where you are now that matters. If you have ideas about how things could be done better, save your thoughts. When you clear field instruction, you will be in an appropriate position to bring your ideas to management. Hopefully, they will be open to methods already proven in other places.
If your past experience is relevant to what you are being taught, share it with your FI. For example, tell the FI about your degree in social work. He might be embarrassed to find out later that he was wasting training time teaching you something you already are an expert in. Maybe he would like to learn something from you.
Be honest. If you don't understand, now is the ideal time to get it out in the open. There is nothing worse than pretending to understand something you don't. Your FI might ask you after a call how you thought it went to see how you gauge your own progress. If you know you made several errors but say you thought it went great, your FI will think you are either lying or incompetent. Neither one helps at all, nor does it help you learn how to avoid errors in the future. Hopefully your FI makes you feel comfortable about speaking up. That is part of his job.
Overload
If you are being force-fed more information than you could absorb for a four-year college degree, tell your FI so he can modulate the pace of training to fit what you can take in. The FI may have a time line imposed on him, but if you are giving 100% effort and still having trouble, it is a poor agency that won't try to adapt to your learning style or come up with a plan to help you. The key is to have a positive attitude and do your best. Perhaps you have a learning disability you are unaware of (this is not unheard of).
If you are having trouble with your FI as a result of his poor performance, it is up to you to try to resolve the issue directly. If this doesn’t work, document concrete actions and take them to the director of human resources. No one should ever be humiliated, harassed or pressured in a way that makes them uncomfortable. If your FI yells inappropriately, embarrasses you in front of colleagues or patients, or doesn't give you his full effort, management needs to know.
You can consult the human resources department confidentially if you have a question about what is appropriate. They know all the laws involved and can advise you; however, management will require detailed records of events and conversations to even look into the matter. Otherwise, it just sounds like complaining.
Know Thyself
Are you a visual, aural or kinesthetic (movement) learner? Knowing your learning style will help you focus on formats that work well for you. Tell your FI so he can focus training to fit your style and save a lot of wasted time and frustration.
Although it may not be required, studying outside of work can help speed you through training. Preparing well before you enter the program or after you're in will help lessen the learning load while at work. Study your EMS textbook, or spend some time off duty driving around your new coverage area. Ask for protocols or policies early to give you more time to learn them. Taking a proactive approach to training will increase your learning and make a positive impression on your new employer.
Although being in field instruction will probably be challenging, taking responsibility for your part in the training can significantly lessen your stress and make you more comfortable with the process. The more involved you are, the more effectively you will learn. Good luck.
Related:
Chris Hendricks was a field instructor at Pridemark Paramedic Services for five years and has trained over50 EMTs and paramedics. He currently works as a nurse, paramedic, author and educator in Colorado. He welcomes your questions and comments at medic2033@hotmail.com.
