WELCOME to the Meramec Ambulance District Student Ride-Along Program. The program is designed to enhance the students 1earning by applying knowledge and experience in the field of EMS. We at Meramec take pride in helping students recognize and develop skills important for a career in EMS.

The following information will provide you with the guidelines of the ride along program. We will make every effort to assist you in your learning experience.

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM
The purpose of the ride along program is to provide an environment in which the student can experience the realism of EMS and gain knowledge. This can be achieved through communication, hands on experience and observation. The program in which the student is participating will dictate the actual abilities of performance allowed by district rules and state regulations. All students are to operate under the direct supervision of the preceptor(s) to which they are assigned. The student is responsible for communicating to the preceptor(s) the type of course and knowledge base they are bringing to the clinical site. Students are expected to participate in daily events and seek opportunities to learn.

CODE OF CONDUCT
All students and district personnel are expected to represent the District in a professional manner at all times. To ensure safety of the student and crewmembers, the student must pay close attention, follow directions and ask questions of the preceptor(s). Professional behavior includes:

I. Demonstrating courtesy, consideration and tact when dealing with patients, family members, co-workers, other health care professionals and the public in general.

II. Safeguarding the patient's right-to-privacy in matters dealing with patient care.

III. Respecting the confidential nature of all information in regard to patient's and District records.

CLINICAL HOURS
Students are expected to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the shift. Due to the unpredictability of EMS the student may not be released at the designated end of shift time. All students are to arrive dressed in the appropriate clinical uniform* and be ready for duty. If the student arrives and the building is locked or the crew is not in quarters, it is expected that the student will wait a reasonable amount of time for the crew to return. Reasonable is considered at least one hour. Cancellations are not recommended. If an emergency requires a student to cancel a ride along, the student must call the facility as soon as possible to report the cancellation. If the crew does not answer, the caller must leave a specific message with a call back number on the answering machine. A NO CALL-NO SHOW will result in dismissal from the program.

Ride times are as follows:

EMT-B- 0700-1900
EMT-P- 0700-2200
Under special circumstances the times may be adjusted when agreed upon in advance of the rotation.
Students are not allowed to ride after 2200.

LOCATION OF FACILITIES
House 1 (Unit 8517) 429 East Osage, Pacific MO 63069
phone 636-257-3048
Located within the Pacific Limits in St. Louis County. I-44 West to Allenton exit, proceed west on Old 66 into Pacific. Building on right, across from Dollar General. A map to House 1

House 2 (Unit 8527) 3279 Highway 100, Villa Ridge MO.
phone 636-451-0970
Located in Villa Ridge, I-44 West to Washington exit (#251), Right on Hwy 100 in front of Mr. Fuel, 1/8 mile, building on left. A map to House 2

CLINICAL UNIFORM*
All participants will adhere to the dress code when participating in the clinical rotation. All uniform items will be in good repair, clean and ironed, without excessive adornment of insignias, jewelry or patches. The dress code is as follows:

• Dark blue or black pants, (no denim).
• Polo style or button oxford shirt (long or short sleeve) School uniform shirt is recommended.
• White or same color and same sleeve length T-shirt may be worn under above shirt.
• School identification badge is recommended, if provided by the school.
• Shoes or boots must be black, cleaned, shined and in good repair, dark socks must be worn with shoes.
• Coats, jackets or vest must be dark blue or black without patches or insignia.
• Hair must be clean and neatly groomed. All long hair must be pulled back and secured in a ponytail fashion. Mustaches and beards must be present professionally.
• Wearing of excessive facial make-up is prohibited Jewelry is limited to one pair of post earrings, one ring, and one watch. No piercing of facial features or visible tattoos are permitted.

Students should bring notepaper and pen, and a watch with a second hand is recommended. Other items that may be helpful are a stethoscope, penlight, bandage scissors.

VALUABLES
There are no facilities to lock or secure valuables. It is recommended that the student not bring valuables during clinical rotation.

MEALS
Each of the Houses has full refrigeration and cooking amenities available. It is recommended that the student bring all necessary food for his/her meals. Students are also responsible for clean up.

In summary we hope this handbook has been helpful in providing you with information important to a successful clinical rotation. Meramec Ambulance District is glad to provide you with this vital part of your EMS training and education. We are looking forward to meeting and working with you.

Revision 1: 11-12-1 Form 104