Mecklenburg EMS Agency Launches Innovative Program to Pay Future EMT's While ...(ss with EMT candidates new to the field ...),Health

The change in approach presented a tremendous challenge to Medic's Human Resources Department, which answered with an aggressive effort that drew interest from hundreds of candidates for the innovative EMT Academy, and a rigorous screening and interview process that led to the acceptance of just 21 trainees to the program's initial class. Those prospective EMT's will begin 12 weeks of paid training Oct. 16.

"This process took us into uncharted areas, which can be harrowing," said Patricia Manzi, Medic's Director of Human Resources. "But the results of the effort - and the tremendous potential of those joining our organization - will benefit Medic and the community for years to come."

Manzi pointed to the efforts of Medic recruiter Charvetta Ford-McGriff, as well as others across the organization.

Medic also has fully implemented the first-of-its-kind Emergency Medical Education and Simulation Center, which will offer the most-advanced and challenging situational and clinical training in America for emergency medical services personnel.

Using interactive robotic "patients" on soundstages capable of duplicating virtually any scene and situation, trainees face evolving scenarios controlled by instructors, removing the predictability of the traditional classroom. From the symptoms of the lifelike robotic patients - controlled entirely by computer - to the sets, audio and video backdrops of the soundstages, the constantly changing conditions require trainees to react just as they would on actual calls.

To put the experiences to optimal use, each session is videotaped by multiple cameras operated from a control center, allowing participants to immediately review and critique their performance with instructors.