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the supervision of paramedics. They are not asking for equipment for the trucks and are not trying to reopen the contract negotiations. They do agree with the staff recommendation and will attempt to explain the curriculum differences between the national and the State certifications. Indian River Community College has an excellent program and their training is within 100 hours of the national registry training required. However, there is a drastic difference in the testing process for the certifications. Mr. Anderson passed out a handout (COPY ON FILE WITH THE BACKUP FOR TODAY'S MEETING) explaining the requirements for National Registry certification and noted that the National Registry certification is recognized by the State of Florida which then automatically issues a State certification. Almost half of the applicants for certification fail the requirements. This issue is strictly one of training for the firefighters which will only be done under the supervision of a paramedic. There is an old saying: "we will do the best we can with what you provide us". There are student paramedics on the ambulances today and this would simply allow firefighters to train in the same manner. He also pointed out that one of the certification requirements is for the firefighters to ride "hot", or 911, calls. Evaluations are completed by the paramedics and submitted to the instructors. The firefighters must also spend time in the burn unit and trauma center in Orlando. This training merely affects the job description and does not change the contract. Commissioner Ginn asked for clarification in that the firefighters with this dual -certification would continue to work on the ambulances after their recertification, and Mr. Anderson agreed that was the case. issue. Mr. Anderson stated that this is a "no cost" issue for the taxpayers and is strictly a training Commissioner Neuberger asked whether the firefighters are actively working with the paramedics at this time, and Mr. Anderson responded that they are only working with the paramedics in emergency situations. Commissioner Neuberger then questioned what would happen if the certification were obtained and then no follow-up work were done on the ambulances, and Mr. Anderson responded that the firefighters would have to continue their work on the ambulances; that this is a job description issue and not a contract issue. Lieutenant Rod Johnston commented that even if he has his paramedic certification, he must still work under the supervision of a paramedic. There are 3 ways to verify fire -medic skills: (1) national certification; (2) direct observation; and (3) a medical director skills' assessment. The MARCH 4, 2003 18