Starting a new job in EMS is a big deal. Those first few days? They can shape how someone feels about their role, their team, and even their future in the field. But too often, new hires are thrown into the mix with little structure or support. And in emergency medical services, that kind of uncertainty can lead to real problems.

🚨 The Problem: Inconsistent Onboarding Hurts Everyone

Picture this: two EMTs start on the same day. One gets a checklist, a mentor, and a clear plan. The other? They’re told to “shadow and learn.” It’s no surprise that confusion sets in, protocols get missed, and it takes longer for them to feel like part of the team.

This kind of inconsistency isn’t just frustrating, it’s risky. Without a solid onboarding process, agencies face higher turnover, lower morale, and even legal trouble. That’s why the National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA) created EMS-FTEP™, a structured onboarding model that helps new hires succeed and keeps agencies protected (NEMSMA, 2016).

âś… The Solution: Goal Track by Ninth Brain

That’s where Goal Track comes in. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of onboarding and give EMS leaders the tools to build a clear, consistent path for every new team member.

With Goal Track, you can:

  • Put each piece of the onboarding journey into a single assignment with a clear due date. Track progress so nothing slips through the cracks.
  • Control who sees what, so the right people get the right info.

The result? Every new hire gets the same high-quality experience—no matter who their supervisor is or what shift they’re on.

đź“‹ Why It Matters: Compliance and Accreditation

Let’s be real—structured onboarding isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a must-have if you want to stay compliant with EMS accreditation standards. Goal Track supports:

  • CAAS 106.06.01 Orientation Training
  • CAMTS 03.05.00 Orientation, Training and Initial and Continuing Education

These standards are all about making sure training is consistent and well-documented. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) also backs structured education as a way to boost efficiency and prepare EMS professionals for the real world (NREMT, 2016).

🚀 The Benefits: Faster Integration, Better Outcomes

When agencies use structured onboarding, the results speak for themselves:

  • New hires get up to speed faster.
  • Training is more effective and easier to retain.
  • Admins spend less time chasing paperwork.
  • Teams feel more connected and confident.

And as NEMSMA points out, programs like EMS-FTEP™ don’t just improve performance—they help agencies avoid legal headaches tied to poor training practices (NEMSMA, 2016).

đź‘Ł Ready to Transform Your Onboarding?

If your onboarding process still feels a bit “make it up as we go,” it’s time for a change. Ninth Brain’s Goal Track gives you everything you need to build a consistent, compliant, and effective onboarding experience that sets your team up for success.

Ready to see it in action? Explore Goal Track and discover how structured onboarding can elevate your EMS agency.

 

Sources:

National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA). (n.d.). EMS-FTEP: EMS Field Training and Evaluation Program. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.nemsma.org/page/EMS-FTEP

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). (n.d.). Information for EMS educators & programs. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.nremt.org/Partners/EMS-Educators