In this episode of Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero unpacks what it really means to be a field training officer and, spoiler alert: it鈥檚 not just about ticking boxes or passing protocols.
From the importance of professional modeling and emotional intelligence to the dangers of unchecked cynicism among senior field staff, Chris lays out why FTOs must be seen 鈥� and supported 鈥� as true leaders. He shares his own experiences as a clinical director, discusses how poor habits often trace back to lackluster FTO mentorship, and offers a full blueprint for building an FTO program that not only trains but transforms.
This isn鈥檛 about seniority; it鈥檚 about strategy. You鈥檒l learn why ongoing training, peer-reviewed reappointments and subject matter ownership turn FTOs into the backbone of your EMS culture. Whether you鈥檙e an FTO, want to become one or oversee the program, this is the wake-up call you didn鈥檛 know you needed.
Memorable quotes
- 鈥淢y FTOs were gatekeepers to the organization, and it was important for them to set the standard of what that was going to look like.鈥�
- 鈥淒on鈥檛 assign the title and hope for the best. Right? Develop the role into a leadership position that inspires people daily.鈥�
- 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 build a strong workforce if your trainers aren鈥檛 trained themselves.鈥�
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Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on鈥�,鈥�, 鈥�,鈥�,鈥�, and鈥�. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to鈥�. Contact the Inside EMS team at鈥�theshow@ems1.com鈥痶o share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you鈥檇 like to join us as a guest.
兔子先生 is using generative AI for some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
