The Campus EMT/First Responder

I have been doing a lot of thinking recently regarding my position on my school's EMS squad. My official title is Training Liaison/Assistant although unofficially I am the Training Officer. My role is unofficial for a number of reasons that I would rather not delve into at this time, but this situation has raised an interesting point for me. One of the reasons I was told that the Training Officer position cannot be official at this time is that there is no one to replace me, that I am apparently the most qualified person for the job. Now, I pride myself on being able to teach people on my squad because teaching is not an easy job, it is thankless and takes a lot of effort and not every person can do it. Its a skill, a passion, and a desire. I see these traits in many people I work with on the squad. I see people capable and willing to educate new members. So why not make it an official position to train/educate people for our squad? Our goal is to go from a First Responder squad to an EMT squad and that takes a lot of hard work and requires a well trained, well educated, highly motivated group of volunteers and that is exactly what we should be working for. By offering regular classes on subjects ranging from vital signs to full out assessments and trainings where students are put to the test with rigorous practicals individual members will become increasingly comfortable with their skills and being placed in tough situations.

At the end of the day, this is a position that should be considered for all squads. Training/Education is no easy thing and it is hardly something one would want to throw out the window as not being important enough. Even if the trainings and classes are repetitive the most important part is that people feel more comfortable when they have seen themselves succeed repeatedly and once one has the basics down, it is easier to move on. So my answer to whether or not the Training Officer position should become permanent is simple...YES! and there are people who can do it and do it well.