CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
DUTY FIELD COMMANDER POLICY

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to provide designation and operational guidelines for the on duty field commander.

APPLICABILITY:

This policy shall apply to all certified members of the Department of Emergency Medical Services.

POLICY STATEMENT:

The availability of a city-wide field supervisor is essential to effective EMS operations. Hence the position Duty Field Commander is hereby created to control and direct personnel resource allocations on a daily basis so as to maintain staffing levels on all EMS vehicles and assignments within the city to maintain adequate response readiness.

ELIGIBILITY:

To qualify for participation in the Duty Field Commander selection process, all candidates must process the following qualifications.

1. Five (5) years of service as an EMS operational provider with City of Virginia Beach EMS Department.
2. Shall be an active member for one (1) year prior to application.
3. Applicants shall submit a letter to their Squad Commander requesting consideration for the program.
4. Graduation from high school or equivalent, and supplemented with technical level courses in emergency medical services; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Possess a current certification as a Virginia Emergency Medical Technician, Vehicle Extrication certification, Basic & Light or equality, MCI Level II.
5. Shall be recommended by the Squad Commander, Brigade Commander and Deputy Director.
6. Shall maintain the minimum activity level as defined by the EMS Duty Policy.

SELECTION:

The selection of Duty Field Commanders will occur as designated by the EMS Director or his designate. Duty Field Commanders are appointed positions and serve at the pleasure of the EMS Director. Duty Field Commanders may only be removed from the active roster by the EMS Director or Deputy Director.

CHAIN OF COMMAND:

The Duty Field Commander shall have the rank of Brigade Commander. He/she reports daily to the Deputy Director and reports to the Duty Administrator for certain emergency situations. The Duty Field Commander shall be the senior commanding officer over the home Squad Commander on all emergency scenes.

This policy shall become effective upon the approval of the Director of Emergency Medical Services.

APPROVED:

Bruce Edwards  1-4-99

Director of EMS (Date)

REV. 1/99

96051601.POL