Issue Statement:  EMT/Paramedic training programs require the student to participate in a supervised externship. These programs are typically conducted in agreement with State of Florida licensed paramedic first responders and State of Florida licensed educational providers.  Oakland Park Fire Rescue seeks to provide externship opportunities with  Emergency Education Institute (E.E.I.) College in compliance with the rules and guidelines as established in Florid Statute 401 and this agreement.

Recommended Action:  Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing an agreement between the City of Oakland Park and Emergency Education Institute (E.E.I.) Paramedic College for student ride externships.

Background: 

• Florida Statute 401.025 and Florida Administrative Code 64j-1 requires paramedic/EMT curriculum to include, didactic presentation, a hospital internship and a field externship.

• Externships are a partnership between the student, the collage and the fire rescue department

• Externships provide real life (street) experience, learning patient interaction, assessment skills proficiency and providing compassion.

• Externships are conducted by riding with active 911 response rescues for 12 hour blocks assisting the crew with various procedures.

Oakland Park Fire Rescue currently participates in externship agreements with City College and Barry University.

Oakland Park Fire Rescue seeks to provide externship opportunities with  E.E.I.College in compliance with the rules and guidelines as established in Florid Statute 401 and this agreement.  This agreement will provide one (1) paramedic scholarship each calendar year.   It is our intent to utilize this scholarship to seek interested candidates at Northeast High School for entry and sponsorship into the EMT/Paramedic program.

Benefits for Oakland Park:

• Externships offer an exceptional opportunity to evaluate future applicants as they ride and interact with out crews.

• Externships provide an opportunity to recruit selected students who have demonstrated exceptional abilities.

•  Externships prompt our personnel to be involved in the teaching process.

•  Externships provide our personnel the opportunity to advance their education- teaching is learning.