TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Affiliation Agreement Between the School Board of Sarasota County and the City of North Port, to Permit Students Enrolled in Health Science Programs to Ride-Along with Fire Rescue Crews.
Recommended Action
Approve the Affiliation Agreement Between the School Board of Sarasota County and the City of North Port, to Permit Students Enrolled in Health Science Programs to Ride-Along with Fire Rescue Crews.
Background Information
The Affiliation Agreement with the School Board of Sarasota County (Suncoast Technical College) allows students enrolled in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs at Suncoast Technical College (STC) to receive valuable observation of clinical experiences and training aspects of healthcare with North Port Fire Rescue (NPFR).
NPFR has participated in this program successfully for many years and this Affiliation Agreement allows the department to interact with potential employees and evaluates their training. Many of North Port Fire Rescue’s employees have received and/or are currently enrolled in EMS Programs at STC.
Benefits of renewal for the student:
• Provides an opportunity for NPFR to showcase its stations, equipment, and personnel.
• Provides STC EMS students an opportunity to better determine NPFR for future employment.
• Provides North Port residents who are attending STC as a student an opportunity to complete their clinical rotations within their community.
Benefits of renewal for NPFR:
• Allows for NPFR personnel to be part of the STC student’s learning experience.
• Allows for NPFR personnel attending STC EMS courses as a student the ability to use NPFR as a resource during the completion of these courses.
• Provides NPFR with additional resources (students) that can be utilized on an EMS incident.
STC students have had the opportunity to ride-along with NPFR for over 20 plus years, and during that time, the program has expanded to offer clinical rotations as well. Because of provider EMS Programs at STC, the School Board of Sarasota County maintains Affiliation Agreements with area hospitals and emergency service providers.
The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement as to form and correctness.
Strategic Plan
Create and sustain a safe and healthy environment for resident and visitors of North Port.
Financial Impact
N/A
Procurement
N/A
Attachments:
1. 2023 Affiliation Agreement with Sarasota County School Board.
Prepared by: Nick Herlihy, Deputy Fire Chief
Department Director: Scott Titus, Fire Chief