Welcome To Phase 1

WHITEMARSH AMBULANCE

FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM

PHASE 1: ORIENTATION & OPERATIONAL READINESS

MODULE 1: AMBULANCE FAMILIARIZATION & DAILY OPERATIONS

Training Level: Foundational
Training Format: Guided Instruction | Hands-On Learning | Practical Application
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Whitemarsh Ambulance Field Training Program

1.0 | WELCOME TO PHASE 1

YOUR FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS STARTS HERE.

Welcome to Phase 1 of the Whitemarsh Ambulance Field Training Program! This phase introduces the essential operational responsibilities, equipment, communication systems, and daily procedures necessary to function effectively as a member of an EMS crew. Although many of these responsibilities may seem routine, they play a critical role in maintaining ambulance readiness, supporting patient safety, and ensuring efficient emergency medical operations. Regardless of your previous experience or certification level, every trainee is expected to develop a strong understanding of the foundational skills covered throughout this phase. Experience does not eliminate the importance of mastering the fundamentals. Throughout Phase 1, you will participate in guided instruction, hands-on learning, and practical exercises designed to strengthen your operational knowledge and confidence. Your responsibility is to actively engage in the training process, ask questions when clarification is needed, and complete each assigned learning activity before progressing.

TRAINING EXPECTATIONS

As a participant in the Field Training Program, you are expected to:

1. Review all instructional materials before beginning the associated practical activities.

2. Complete each task in the order presented unless otherwise directed.

3. Participate in hands-on demonstrations and learning exercises.

4. Maintain professionalism and actively engage with your training.

5. Communicate any questions, concerns, or areas requiring additional instruction.

6. Complete all required learning activities before requesting advancement.

PHASE PROGRESSION

• The Field Training Program follows a structured, competency-based approach.

• Progression is determined by demonstrated knowledge, practical ability, and completion of the applicable training requirements.

• All required competencies and advancement approvals are documented through a separate FTO evaluation process.

• Completion of this learning module alone does not automatically authorize advancement to the next phase.

REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT A RACE. The goal is not to complete training as quickly as possible. It is to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to succeed at Whitemarsh Ambulance.

LESSON 1.1 | ESO ACCESS & SYSTEM NAVIGATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Develop familiarity with ESO and learn how to access essential operational documentation utilized during routine ambulance operations.

WHY THIS MATTERS

• Accurate documentation is an essential part of daily EMS operations.

• ESO provides access to important operational forms used to document ambulance readiness, report incidents, and maintain agency records.

• Understanding how to navigate the system will help you complete your responsibilities efficiently and accurately.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Verify Your Account

Confirm that you have an active ESO account and can successfully log in using your assigned credentials.

Step 2 — Explore the Platform

Become familiar with the general layout of ESO and the location of commonly utilized operational forms.

Step 3 — Locate Required Documentation

Learn how to access:

• Daily ambulance inspection forms

• Incident reporting documentation

• Vehicle fuel logs

• Additional operational forms relevant to your assigned responsibilities

Step 4 — Practice Independently

Navigate ESO and locate each required form without step-by-step assistance.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should feel comfortable accessing ESO and locating the operational documentation needed throughout your shift.

LESSON 1.2 | DAILY AMBULANCE INSPECTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Understand the importance of ambulance readiness and learn how to complete a thorough daily ambulance inspection.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Your ambulance is more than a vehicle. It is your mobile workspace, and the equipment it carries may be essential to providing timely patient care.

A missing oxygen delivery device, malfunctioning suction unit, or improperly stocked supply compartment can create unnecessary challenges during an emergency.

The time to discover missing or malfunctioning equipment is before a call—not during one.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Locate the Inspection Form

Access ESO and locate the daily ambulance inspection form.

Step 2 — Review Inspection Requirements

Become familiar with the required inspection categories and understand how they apply to your certification level and assigned responsibilities.

Step 3 — Complete a Guided Inspection

Participate in a complete ambulance inspection.

Pay attention to:

• Equipment availability

• Equipment functionality

• Required medical supplies

• Expiration dates

• Vehicle safety concerns

• Documentation requirements

Step 4 — Identify Deficiencies

Learn how to recognize and report:

• Missing supplies

• Damaged equipment

• Expired items

• Malfunctioning equipment

• Vehicle maintenance concerns

Step 5 — Complete an Inspection

Perform the required daily inspection under appropriate supervision and accurately document your findings.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should understand the importance of daily ambulance inspections and be prepared to complete the required inspection according to agency expectations.

LESSON 1.3 | AMBULANCE & EQUIPMENT FAMILIARIZATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Develop confidence locating, identifying, and understanding the purpose of essential ambulance equipment and medical supplies.

WHY THIS MATTERS

During an emergency, every second can matter.

Knowing exactly where your equipment is located allows you to focus on patient care rather than searching through compartments.

Equipment familiarity also promotes teamwork, efficiency, and safer patient management.

You should never feel embarrassed about asking where something is or how it works.

Training is the time to ask questions, identify unfamiliar equipment, and build your knowledge.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Explore the Ambulance

Become familiar with:

• Interior storage compartments

• Exterior compartments

• Medical supply locations

• Patient movement equipment

• Equipment storage areas

• Additional supply locations

Step 2 — Identify Essential Equipment

Locate and review:

• Airway management supplies

• Basic Life Support equipment

• Oxygen delivery equipment

• Onboard suction equipment

• Traction splints

• Pediatric restraint devices, including Pedi-Mate

• Stair chairs

• Patient movement equipment

• Additional agency-required equipment

Step 3 — Understand Equipment Purpose

For each item, learn:

1. What the equipment is.

2. What it is used for.

3. Where it is stored.

4. How it is safely handled.

5. When it may be appropriate to use within your authorized scope of practice.

Step 4 — Practice Equipment Location

Have your instructor identify specific equipment items and practice locating them independently.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should be familiar with the ambulance layout, know where essential equipment is stored, and understand the general purpose of commonly utilized medical supplies.

LESSON 1.4 | FUELING PROCEDURES & DOCUMENTATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Understand agency fueling procedures and learn how to accurately document vehicle fueling activities.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Maintaining adequate fuel levels is a basic but essential responsibility.

An ambulance that is not properly fueled may experience operational delays or become unavailable for emergency response.

Proper documentation also supports vehicle accountability and agency operations.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Identify Fueling Locations

Learn where agency ambulances are authorized to refuel.

Step 2 — Review Fueling Procedures

Become familiar with agency fueling requirements and applicable safety precautions.

Step 3 — Practice Fueling

When authorized, participate in safely fueling the assigned ambulance under supervision.

Step 4 — Complete Documentation

Locate the fuel log in ESO and learn how to accurately document the required fueling information.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should understand how to safely fuel an ambulance and complete the required documentation.

LESSON 1.5 | RADIO COMMUNICATIONS & ETIQUETTE

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Develop familiarity with agency radio equipment and understand proper communication procedures during emergency responses and interfacility transports.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Radio communication is an essential part of EMS operations.

Clear communication allows dispatchers, responding units, and other emergency personnel to maintain awareness of unit status and operational needs.

Poor communication can create confusion, delay coordination, or interfere with emergency operations.

Professional radio communication should always be clear, concise, and purposeful.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Locate Radio Equipment

Identify:

• Portable radios

• Mounted ambulance radios

• Radio controls

• Charging locations

• Relevant radio channels

Step 2 — Learn Radio Etiquette

Review:

• Unit identification

• Proper terminology

• Professional communication

• Clear and concise transmissions

• Dispatch acknowledgment

• Emergency radio procedures

Step 3 — Review 911 Communications

Become familiar with the agency's emergency response communication process.

Practice the appropriate status updates, including:

• Responding

• On scene

• Transporting

• Arrived at destination

• Clear and available

Step 4 — Review Interfacility Transport Communications

Learn how interfacility transport assignments differ from 911 responses.

Review when to notify County dispatch that your unit is going on a special assignment and when to advise that your unit is clear and back in coverage.

Become familiar with the process for recording additional transport status times in Active911.

Step 5 — Practice Radio Communication

Participate in simulated radio communications before applying these skills during actual operations under appropriate supervision.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should understand basic radio operation, professional communication expectations, and the differences between emergency response and interfacility transport communications.

LESSON 1.6 | MONTHLY AMBULANCE INSPECTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Understand the purpose of monthly ambulance inspections and learn where to locate the appropriate documentation.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Daily ambulance inspections focus on routine operational readiness.

Monthly inspections provide an additional opportunity to review equipment, supplies, and operational components that require periodic attention.

These inspections help promote accountability and identify concerns that may not be addressed during routine daily checks.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Step 1 — Understand Monthly Inspections

Learn why monthly inspections are completed and how they differ from daily truck checks.

Step 2 — Locate Documentation

Identify where monthly ambulance inspection forms are located.

Step 3 — Identify Your Assigned Unit

Determine which ambulance or unit you are responsible for inspecting when assigned.

Step 4 — Review Inspection Procedures

Become familiar with:

• Required inspection categories

• Documentation expectations

• Missing equipment reporting

• Supply deficiencies

• Maintenance concerns

• Completion procedures

Step 5 — Practice the Process

Review the inspection process and demonstrate how to access the appropriate documentation.

LESSON TAKEAWAY

By the end of this lesson, you should understand the purpose of monthly inspections, where the required documentation is located, and how the process is completed.

4.0 | MODULE SUMMARY

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

Throughout this module, you have been introduced to the foundational responsibilities associated with daily ambulance operations.

You should now have a stronger understanding of:

• ESO navigation and operational documentation

• Daily ambulance inspections

• Ambulance equipment and supply locations

• Fueling procedures

• Radio communication expectations

• Monthly ambulance inspections

• Operational readiness and accountability

These responsibilities may seem simple, but they are essential to maintaining a safe and effective EMS operation.

Strong clinical performance begins with strong operational preparation.

5.0 | PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT MODULE

Before continuing, take time to review any topics you found challenging.

Consider the following questions:

1. Can I independently locate the required operational forms in ESO?

2. Do I understand how to complete a daily ambulance inspection?

3. Can I quickly locate essential equipment on my assigned ambulance?

4. Do I understand the agency's fueling and documentation procedures?

5. Am I comfortable with basic radio communication expectations?

6. Do I know where to locate monthly inspection documentation?

7. Do I know how to report missing supplies or equipment concerns?

If you answered no to any of these questions, revisit the applicable lesson and request additional instruction.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

After completing the instructional material and practical learning activities, your required competencies will be assessed through the agency's separate FTO evaluation process.

Advancement will occur once all applicable training requirements and approvals have been satisfied.

YOUR FOUNDATION MATTERS.

Every experienced EMS provider was once a new provider learning the fundamentals.

The difference between simply completing training and truly developing as a professional is the effort you invest in understanding the responsibilities behind every task.

Ask questions. Stay engaged. Take ownership of your education.

The habits you establish during training will follow you throughout your EMS career.

BUILD THE FOUNDATION. DEVELOP THE SKILLS. EARN THE CONFIDENCE.

END OF PHASE 1 — MODULE 1