Firefighters and EMS personnel across the world must continually improve their skills and update their knowledge to maintain proficiency and licensure. Many times, this is done through in-person skills training, state conferences, and classroom educational opportunities. In the age of a global pandemic, CLES like most organizations, had to suspend all in-person training opportunities. In addition, many of the state and national conferences had to be cancelled or moved to an online platform such as Zoom to prevent the spread of the disease. This has left first responders and their agencies with a gap in continuing education (CE) that presented impediments to renewal of state and national licensure, as well as EMS certifications. Not being able to access this critical requirement to practice has had the potential to adversely impact first responders, the available EMS workforce and ultimately communities for whom they serve during the pandemic.
Fortunately, state and national officials have waived many of the CE requirements that could only be completed through hands-on activities. Most agencies have gone to an online training format in an effort to continue providing some level of CEs. CLES is no different! Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to hold online training opportunities for our volunteer staff. Only recently have we resumed some in-person training on a limited basis. During these events, all members are required to wear the appropriate PPE and maintain social distancing as much as the training will allow.
Hands-on training is critical to ensure our team maintains the highest level of proficiency in both firefighting skills as well as EMS patient care. In order to maintain a delicate balance between the safety of our volunteers and first responder skill proficiency, we have been able to hold a number of recent trainings utilizing various means of teaching both in-person and via online platforms. Over the course of the pandemic, CLES has held almost 100% online monthly trainings, however, beginning in September, we ramped up our trainings to include some hands-on skills while also maintaining an environment that is safe for our team to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. Some examples of our team trainings have included:
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- Fire & EMS Apparatus Driver Training
- Helicopter Landing and Safety Practices – Guardian Air
- EMS Run Review with CLES Medical Director, Dr. Cooper
- Emergency Radio Communications (KPB)
- Vehicle Extrication
- EMS Response to COVID-19 Patients
- World Trauma Conference
- EMS World Exposition
- Fire Engine Pump & Dump Tank Operations
We at CLES continually assess the status of COVID-19, CDC and State/Local mandates & recommendations to ensure we maximize the safety of our team while delicately balancing the need to maintain a high level of proficiency in skills.
I am truly proud of our dedicated volunteer team who have unselfishly given their time to continue training in the age of a pandemic. We continue to strive for best practices while at the same time ensuring the highest level of safety for our team members. The community support during this crisis cannot be overshadowed as many have stepped up to provide additional PPE and other activities for which we are truly grateful!
If you are interested in joining a fast growing and dynamic organization, please visit our newly launched website: www.cooperlandinges.org or contact our Operations Coordinator, Riley Shurtleff, Fire Chief/EMT via email: operations.cles@arctic.net.
Clay Adam, MSN, MBA, EMT-3
Deputy Chief, EMS/Training Officer
Cooper Landing Emergency Services, Inc.
