It is no secret that fire departments are seeing a continued upward surge in EMS incidents. Most departments that provide some type of EMS delivery have at least 50 percent of their call volume dedicated to EMS response. In some cases, these numbers can be as high as 75 percent or even more.
To support the professionalism of EMS delivery within the fire service, the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) has created a national designation for EMS Chief Officers — the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) designation. It will provide recognition for individuals who are building a professional career in the EMS field.
This designation recognizes the valuable and ongoing contributions these people make in the delivery of EMS in their systems. The CPSE already has the prestigious Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation program, and the CMO will likely be viewed the same way.
If you are a reader of Fire Rescue1 and play a leadership role in EMS, you’ll be interested in the new designation, which will be available from next month. What will make this designation important is that it will likely be accepted as one of the gold standards in the hiring process when seeking people for key leadership roles. One of the most desirable qualifications most often listed for fire chief positions is the CFO designation. The CFO designation has become extremely well respected — and it is easy to see the new CMO designation following suit. It’s likely to be viewed as the defining qualification for those in leadership positions in EMS.
When I discussed the new designation with Debbie Sobotka, the deputy director of the CPSE, she said it is not just for the fire service. The CMO designation, she said, can be viewed from different sectors, including public, private or hospital-based systems.
“This allows for the varied configuration of EMS systems that can cut across various organizations,” she said. In addition, since EMS is overseen by a variety of practicing disciplines, Sobotka said the designation will be available to leaders in the many types of configurations such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and EMTs.
Final checks
The new program is currently undergoing the final checks and balances, as well as a beta test group. Sobotka told me the program will follow a similar format as the CFO designation, adding though that the CMO will be “focused on the EMS component within the leadership of the organization as well as a holistic look at the applicant.”
A CMO beta test group concluded in September, consisting of people representing various agencies from around the United States. The group offered the CPSE valuable insight and feedback from the candidates to ensure the highest standards would be met for the designation — and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it.
While there will be some changes to the final product, I can offer some key insights into what the process will be.
At 38 pages, the application process appears to be a daunting task at first but it’s well worth the effort. Keep in mind, if the process was simple and superficial, everyone would have the CFO or CMO designation, giving it little meaning or relevance. The CMO application is actually similar to the CFO designation application. But while it does take a complete look at the individual, it focuses on what the candidate has accomplished in the field of EMS rather than the fire side of business.
It must be clearly noted that the CMO designation is not a training program, or a series of classes to reach the CMO designation. It is designed to review and validate what the applicant has already done and the credentials they have achieved.
To begin the process, one must first achieve the basic requirements which measure the candidate’s education and experience. This eligibility requirement is easy to determine from the application packet. Each area and level of experience and education receives a point value and one must have 150 points to continue with the application process.
Formal education
Having a formal education can really make the difference; for example, with the CMO eligibility, a bachelor’s degree is worth 100 points while an associate degree is worth 50. The message is clear: college education plays a role and will continue to be a core competency in the future of EMS.
Also in the application packet, everyone must complete personal and employment information. Additionally, they must have three letters of reference including a letter from their medical director. Each candidate must also complete the section on professional development, which includes their formal education and certifications. This section requires college transcripts and certificates to be included.
One area I found particularly interesting is “Professional Contributions.” The CMO evaluation process is not just about what the candidate has done for their own career, but what they’ve done to advance the field of EMS. This section is for any teaching, public speaking, research, published articles, and professional recognition that have been achieved over the previous five years. It underpins the need for leaders in the EMS field to be at the forefront of issues as well as teaching others in the EMS community.
Once the basics are completed, there are two methods used to evaluate a candidate’s criteria for eligibility to proceed with the application process. The first is whether they have a certain level of experience and education. If so they’re exempt from having to complete the technical portion of the application. For example, you’d be exempt from needing to complete it if you’ve been your organization’s Chief Medical Officer for the past five years and have a master’s degree.
The second method is the completion of the technical competency portion of the application. It includes having knowledge in several areas, assessment and planning skills, goals and objectives, organizational structure, finance, administration and administrative policies, organizational relationships with other agencies, hiring practices, employee relations, risk and health management, public health and education, training, field and clinical care medicine, special operations, and a few others.
Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by peer assessors before going on to a panel review. The process can take several weeks, but anything of value takes time. The designation will last three years and can be renewed by proof of current certifications and continued proficiency.
The process of filling out the application offers the candidate a clear view of what they have achieved. It’s also an excellent process to help those just getting into EMS to guide their direction for career growth. By using the competency portion as a roadmap, you can be certain to achieve well-rounded experience as you continue your career in EMS.
For more information about the Chief Medical Officer designation, contact Debbie Sobotka at 866-866-2324 ext 202 or by e-mail at Debbie@publicsafetyexcellence.org. To get further information on dates and also the Chief Fire Officer designation, go to www.publicsafetyexcellence.org.