I've read several posts on this forum about CAP and being an EMT. Some say you should be a 2LT right after you join and others say no. Which is it? Where does CAP use the skills of an EMT? I was told by my local command that there is nothing in CAP for an EMT.
I'll address this one direct he's in my AOR.
PM Sent.
The first question is a simple regs question that you could look up yourself. But, since I don't have anything else to do... I'll look it up for you. 8) CAPR 35-5 states that "paramedics" and other health "technicians" are eligible for promotion to 2d Lt after completion of Level 1, but points to CAPR 160-1 for further clarification. Attachment 1 of that reg lists EMTs as a recognized field. So... once your 6 months are up and you've done the requirements for Level 1, your unit commander needs to fill out CAPF 2a for the promotion.
As for what skills you can use? Zilch. Due to liability, CAP does not allow anyone to provide more than basic first aid. We don't have a medical director, so you can't really use any of your skills or equipment. However, some special activities (large encampments, NCSAs) do have a basic medical staff with people operating around the First Responder (EMR) level. NESA usually has a nurse or two on the medical staff, but... not using any of their licensed skills.
However, in an emergency, you can use your skills to the level allowed by local laws. Meaning, if you're in a state you're licensed in and somebody does something stupid, you can treat them using all of your protocols. However, if you're in the next state over, the law kicks in and you can only operate as a lay person.
Quote
6. Medical care policy.
a. Medical care within CAP is limited to emergency care, only (i.e., first aid and stabilization) within the training and qualifications of the person rendering such care, until such time that private professional or authorized military care can be obtained.
b. All emergency medical care must be reported by the person rendering such care to the person providing the next higher level of care, and documented in accordance with CAPR 62-2.
CAPR 160-1 is the health service regulation... http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/u_082503080424.pdf More of a teaching role than a treatment role. Can still be rewarding, though.
btw, I'm an EMT dual-certified in Maryland and Delaware. Welcome to CAPTalk :) :clap:
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments for those with professional credentials serving as Health Service Officers. So you do not have to wait 6 months. However, these promotions/appointments must be reviewed at the wing level by the wing HSO, and approved by the wing commander. Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion.
You just contradicted yourself
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments
then you said
Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion
Quote from: bte on March 29, 2010, 10:39:16 AM
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments for those with professional credentials serving as Health Service Officers. So you do not have to wait 6 months. However, these promotions/appointments must be reviewed at the wing level by the wing HSO, and approved by the wing commander. Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion.
Quote from: IGMR on March 29, 2010, 01:48:38 PM
You just contradicted yourself
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments
then you said
Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion
Quote from: bte on March 29, 2010, 10:39:16 AM
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments for those with professional credentials serving as Health Service Officers. So you do not have to wait 6 months. However, these promotions/appointments must be reviewed at the wing level by the wing HSO, and approved by the wing commander. Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion.
I'm not quite sure what your point is. Level I can theoretically be completed in a day or two, there is no time requirement for it. My Level I posted 5 days after my join date.
Or, did you have some other point to make?
Thom
Ordinarily, a promotion to 2LT requires 6 months satisfactory service in a staff position. This can be waived for members with certain licensure. Level 1 has nothing to do with time in grade, its just an introductory course on CAP that has a bit of history, and a basic communication of what is expected of you as a CAP Officer. ( You might, for instance, learn how and when to salute) Advanced promotions are rare, and are not mandatory. Its handy when we are recruiting physicians, lawyers, and airline pilots to bypass one or more initial grades. EMT's grow on trees, and the skill set is not one that CAP places a high premium on. How many EMT's and other medical people are on this board? Lots! As far as CAP is concerned, we can wear a bit of bling, but if we practice our art they will hang us from the nearest yardarm.
Major Lord
Let's not forget that you don't rate a promotion just for being an EMT. This is a professional appointment as a health services officer. If you're not taking the duty position, you don't take the promotion.
Looking at the news I see many towns around that are begging for EMT's to keep there local ambulance service running so if EMT's grow on tree's we need to plant some more of those tree's around there.
I will leave it there because it's best to not go into this any more
That is very true, but the nature of this organization draws service driven individuals.
I don't have a single unit under my command that doesn't have at least 2 public service professionals.
So the overflow of emt's at least in CAP is very real.
Gung Ho, You have witnessed a truism, Catch-22. Since we are a derivative of the old Army Air Corps, we are blessed with some of their traditions. Catch-22 is one of those. You perfectly fit in that area. To receive promotion to 2Lt., you must complete Level 1, which is a no brainer and can be done in a week. You must then be appointed as a Health Service Officer and serving as such to be initially promoted to 2Lt. The beauty of it is (and the Catch-22) is that to successfully serve as a Health Service Officer requires doing nothing. Res ipsa loqatur, The less you do, the more successful you are. Congratulations 2Lt. Gung Ho, you have figured it out. Now all of those waiting for 6 months time in grade will hate you and degrade you.. But not literally, you will still be a 2Lt.. Is this another Catch-22 or just a play on words??
Being an EMT got me no promotion at all. 30 years of being an EMT is all the reward I need
Quote from: Thom on March 29, 2010, 02:46:33 PM
Quote from: IGMR on March 29, 2010, 01:48:38 PM
You just contradicted yourself
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments
then you said
Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion
Quote from: bte on March 29, 2010, 10:39:16 AM
There is no Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirement for initial officer grade appointments for professional appointments for those with professional credentials serving as Health Service Officers. So you do not have to wait 6 months. However, these promotions/appointments must be reviewed at the wing level by the wing HSO, and approved by the wing commander. Also, Level I must be complete for any promotion.
I'm not quite sure what your point is. Level I can theoretically be completed in a day or two, there is no time requirement for it. My Level I posted 5 days after my join date.
Or, did you have some other point to make?
Thom
I had Level 1 back in 2006 when I crossed over from C/ 2Lt to a senior member flight officer. I know I start out as a 2Lt due to my Mitchell Award. I am an EMT now. Do I still have to redo my Level 1? I know I have to redo the Cadet Protection Program. Also where can I go to look up my Mitchell Award number? I misplaced my certificate.
My question was answered in another thread.