The VCU Health/CTCCE Paramedic Program has established policies that are designed to
- Establish a safe and effective learning environment while students are completing field rotations.
- Protect students, field preceptors, and EMS agencies from liability.
- Protect the safety of our patients.
- Comply with accreditation requirements, state regulations, and/or VCU Health System policies
All students have access to current program policies regarding clinical and field shifts. Please see below for FAQ regarding students in the field internship or capstone environment.
Selected EMS Student Field Policies
YES! Students enrolled in our EMS initial certification programs are authorized to perform skills to the level of the course they are taking. For example, a paramedic student who is an EMT may perform ALS skills provided several criteria are met.
Criteria
- The student is a crew member of a transport unit that is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health as an EMS vehicle.
- The student is a bonafide third provider.
- The student is clearly identifiable as an EMS student.
- The student is under the DIRECT observation of a qualified preceptor at the level of the course the student is taking.
Yes, we allow students to be paired with a preceptor that is assigned to a QRV/zone car. A qualified preceptor must be responsible for the student at all times.
We do not dictate if the student is compensated for their time during field internships or capstone experiences.
HOWEVER, students must be EXTRA staff to that apparatus for the shift in which they are being precepted.
Unless the student is being compensated for their time by their employer while in the field rotations, students are covered by their personal insurance during all field and clinical experiences.
If injured
- Seek first aid and/or immediate medical attention if needed
- Contact the VCU Health Paramedic Program Clinical Coordinator or Program Director <insert contact info>
- Students must present their personal insurance information when seeking medical attention.
Students are required to carry personal health coverage while in the program.
If exposed to an infectious agent
- CLEAN the site of exposure (if possible) with soap and water. If an eye exposure, irrigate with running tap water for at least 10 minutes.
- Seek first aid and/or immediate medical attention if needed.
- DO NOT REPORT TO THE ER FOR BASELINE TESTING.**
- By law, the SOUCE patient must have a baseline lab has drawn and RAPID blood screens for bloodborne pathogens.
- Report the incident to the VCU Health Paramedic Program Clinical Coordinator or Program Director <insert contact info> as soon as possible for guidence.
- The student is responsible for any testing, treatment, or needed care.
**Note: some agency officials or clinical site managers may say that their policy is for exposures to check into the emergency room. THE STUDENT IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE of the agency or clinical site. The student SHOULD NOT follow these directions unless immediate medical attention is needed or they have discussed it with a program representative.
If it is possible, the student should be assigned to another qualified preceptor for the shift.
If you do not feel comfortable providing feedback to the student, please contact the VCU Health Paramedic Program at the number above to discuss alternative options for completing evaluation paperwork.