Sunday, 18 October 1998 Johnson L.

• a comprehensive system of training and evaluation for adult (> 16 yr) members of the Brigade, organized in 4 levels
• to obtain BTS Level 1, a member must successfully complete the Brigade Assessment Process (BAP)

1. maintain minimum standards of expertise
2. undergo annual evaluation - find strengths and weaknesses
3. gain increasing levels of skills and knowledge

• coordinated by Divisional Training Officer (DTRO)
• must follow Brigade Training System Level 1 - Standards and Reference Guide (BTS-1 SRG)
• BTS works as a cycle - continuous, at divisional meetings

• 1.5 hours / week = 27 weeks or less
• still have time remaining for other activities

• DTRO may adapt program that suits the division:

• longer block sessions (full days), home study sessions for knowledge aspects
• combined training with other divisions, training carried out by Area, Province, etc.

• for efficiency* or eligibility for an award for every year, each member must be:

* this is only part of the requirements for being efficient for a year. Other factors are also needed (eg. attending meetings, 65 hours of public duties, attending area and divisional inspections)

• keep good records of all courses and BAP taken (date, time, instructor, course number, expiry date)
• inform the DTRO (Johnson L) of all training courses completed
• inform the DTRO when you require a Standard First Aid / CPR recertification or BAP

• remember, the main responsibility lies with you, the Brigade member, to attend training sessions and to take the evaluations and the appropriate time

Level 1

• minimum training level for all Adult Brigade members to perform independent unsupervised patient care services
• Standard First Aid, Basic Rescuer CPR, core modules of Family Health Care

Level 2 & 3

• optional advance training for members who have completed BTS Level 1
• topics such as: advanced first aid, blood pressure, advanced splinting, spinal treatments, patient transport, etc.
• members that are interested should inform your DTRO (Johnson L.)
• interested members (with BTS-1) should attend meetings with the "Transport Team" headed by Mr. Glen G. (Area Fleet Manager)

• separate modules can be completed via these meetings when you have been evaluated on that topic

Brigade Specialized Training Modules (BSTM) (formerly known as Level 4)

• consists of independent subjects, with its own prerequisite qualifications, performance standards, requirements for certification and recertification, and regulation for application
• eg. oxygen administration require components of Levels 2 & 3
• members that are interested should inform your DTRO (Johnson L)

Required:

• each subject has its own list of references, some are:
• St. John Canada Instructions: Part 2 - Volunteers (StJCI)
• 2-4 Brigade Training System for Patient Care Services (StJCI-PCS)
• 2-7 Community Service (StJCI-CS)
• 2-7-4 Patient Care Records (StJCI-PCR)
• First on the Scene, current edition (FOTS)
• First on the Scene, Standard Level Activity Book, St. John Ambulance (FOTS-AB)
• HeartStart CPR Workbook, St. John Ambulance (HS-W)
• Family Health Care Instructor Guide (FHC Guide)
• The Complete Handbook of Family Health Care (FHC)
• Being a Homemaker/Home Health Aide, by Elana Zucker, Brady Publishing ($40-50) (BHH)

• First Responder, by J. David Bergeron and Gloria Bizjak, Brady Publishing
• Prehospital Emergency Care, by Hafen, Karren and Mistovich, Brady Publishing (PECCI)

Sunday, 18 October 1998 Johnson L.

• an evaluation at measures the quality of instruction of a Brigade unit and the competency of each Brigade member
• passing the BAP, you will be certified at the BTS-Level 1 (hence allowed to provide independent patient care at duties)

• you must hold a valid CPR Level "C" certificate
• must have endorsement from your Divisional Training Officer or Superintendent

• 100 questions (70% = pass)
• questions from each topic of the Brigade Training System (see Knowledge and Skills Checklist)
• most members have difficulties with the sections: Health and Lifestyle (1T 10.0) and Extended Care (1T 11.0)

• if you pass Step 1, you are allowed to continue to Step 2

• all equipment will be provided (except pens or pencils)
• time allowed = 30 minutes (includes reading the scenario, treatment, patient care record)
• one casualty
• critical items are marked with "*" (eg. primary survey, vital signs, secondary survey, remove danger, control severe bleeding)

• you will be given a temporary BTS-1 card immediately, an official card will be given to your DTRO later
• you must inform your DTRO (Johnson L.) immediately

• you may request to be evaluated again (usually the same day or at the next BAP date)
• you do not have to re-write the multiple choice test (unless you failed it)
• you must inform your DTRO immediately

• your BTS-1 certificate will always expire on December of the following year

• ask the BAP Evaluator for the BAP number for that session and inform your DTRO
• make sure the official BTS-1 certificate is given to you (ask your DTRO)