Franciscan St. Francis Health, Beech Grove Fire Department forge EMS training program

READY TO ROLL: EMT Matt Bennett and Paramedic Linda Rund check in
for Medic 101's first day of service.   Photo courtesy of Beech Grove Fire Dept.

BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Time is of the essence when emergency medical care is needed – and this community’s needs will be better served thanks to a partnership between Franciscan St. Francis Health and the Beech Grove Fire Department (BGFD).

A new preceptor program, “Medic 101,” broadens the clinical experience of Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic students undergoing training through the hospital’s Emergency Medical Services Education Department.

“The preceptor program will provide the city of Beech Grove with an additional ambulance during peak demand times, and because the ambulance is staffed by St. Francis employees, the students experience continuity of hospital mission, vision, and high quality education in the field,” said Vicki Rush, EMS education coordinator for Franciscan St. Francis. “Adding this new service in Beech Grove demonstrates our continuing commitment to serve this community’s health care needs.”

The ambulance is a fully operational at the advanced life support level and provides emergency care just like any other ambulance; Medic 101 has its own primary response area within Beech Grove and the surrounding community, working alongside the Indianapolis Fire Department and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services.

Franciscan St. Francis long has partnered with area EMS and fire departments to provide clinical experiences for the hospital’s EMT and Paramedic students.

“It affords our education program an opportunity to exceed the accreditation requirements regarding preceptors and field education. In the end this results in excellent patient care and provides a focus on customer service,” Rush said.

Employees were hired in one of two capacities: Preceptors are Paramedics who function as clinical educators for students and provide primary patient care. Vehicle operators are EMTs who are responsible for the safe and competent operation of the ambulance and its equipment. They also provide patient care as needed.