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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

New York City Fire Department | Evaluated Learning Experience

Basic Leadership in Emergency Medical Service (MNG 200)

Formerly: 
Lieutenant Orientation Program (MNG 200)
Length: 

Version 1: 150 hours (over 4 weeks). Version 2: 202.5 hours (5 weeks). Version 3: 225 hours (5 weeks). Version 4: 415 hours (6 weeks). 

Location: 
Fort Totten, Bayside, New York.
Dates: 

Version 1: January 2008 - May 2015. Version 2: June 2015 - May 2021. Version 3: June 2021 - May 2025. Version 4: June 2025 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and apply the cornerstones of leadership; assess public perception and expectations of their new role; compare and contrast leadership strategies; discuss differences in social and leadership skills; identify expectations and strategies of professional communication; use tactical communication skills to elicit voluntary compliance in difficult situations; define emotional control, deflector phrases and apply these principles in real-life scenarios; use the strip phrase-link word-goal phrase approach; identify trigger phrases commonly encountered with the public and subordinates when under stress; practice active listening skills and attending behaviors; utilize communication techniques to create empathy, regain control, clarity and modification and reduce resistance; describe the four levels of appeal; describe and practice the eight essential steps to communicating with people in distress; compare assertive versus aggressive behaviors; apply adult learning concepts to motivate and eliminate barriers to learning; mediate when needed and evaluate subordinate staff; demonstrate mastery of the new responsibilities and fundamental requirements for success as a Lieutenant; and communicate effectively within proper channels and chains of command. Version 2 and 3: Students will be able to: successfully lead EMTs and Paramedics on the sciences of 911 emergencies in order to facilitate care for the sick or injured; analyze situations and make informed decisions based on the situation; effectively manage any mass casualty incidents, including, but not limited to: fires, car accidents, explosions, or marine accidents; effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinates, and the general public; analyze safety considerations when operating in dangerous incidents; perform administrative functions pertaining to ambulance in-servicing and availability, uniform inspections, and various reports for superior officers; and determine the need for gathering reports when situations arise with crews, patients, and the public. Version 4: Students will be able to: evaluate the roles and responsibilities of an EMS Lieutenant to determine strategies for maximizing impact in the field; assess station needs and EMT/Paramedic requirements to optimize day-to-day operations; develop and implement consistent performance evaluation techniques for meaningful annual reviews; critique existing EMS response strategies and formulate communication improvements for enhanced 911 system performance; examine communication styles and integrate advanced techniques to improve interactions with peers, subordinates, and superiors; investigate incidents with objectivity and determine culpability using standardized techniques; interpret FDNY policies and compare operational expectations across various bureaus; analyze on-scene MCI operations and synthesize best practices for high-intensity situations; evaluate the effectiveness of FDNY web-based applications in field and administrative functions; differentiate between the evaluative responsibilities of EMTs and Paramedics in performance management; assess staffing challenges on regular 911 and specialty units to design solutions for operational continuity; analyze best practices in Mass Casualty Management to mitigate negative outcomes; assess cross-departmental relationships and leverage interagency collaboration strategies; design a leadership strategy that incorporates effective communication and decision-making traits; construct actionable plans that support station efficiency and morale; apply incident command principles and adapt strategies within Medical Branch Operations; create actionable insights from station statistics to drive performance improvements; integrate MCI principles with operational planning for future emergency events; design group-based solutions to address complex EMS challenges; facilitate the implementation of established absence control procedures that balance fairness and operational needs; appraise leadership communication styles and refine them to foster team cohesion; adapt communication techniques to align with varied social styles and stakeholder needs such as the Driver, the Expressive, the Analytical and the Amiable; produce FDNY reports that are concise, directive, and tailored for their intended audience; implement proper communication etiquette across radio, email, and public channels; collaborate effectively with superior officers to co-create success strategies for the Command; support peer and subordinate well-being through compassionate referral to appropriate mental health and family support resources; utilize CAD data to support investigations and operational planning; incorporate PowerPoint and Excel to develop effective presentations and manage data; leverage the relationship with the Resource Chief to maximize resource allocation; operate within the national EMS system while adapting local practices to meet federal standards; navigate and synthesize resources from the Bureau of Investigations, Legal, Press, and FDOC to resolve complex cases; create initiatives that foster community engagement and build public trust; design collaborative group processes to strengthen team problem-solving during training and real-time events; construct proactive plans for the use of Command Discipline; design interventions informed by neuroscience to boost performance and mental capacity; and generate innovative uses for Dispatch-related tools and analytics for operational improvement.

Instruction: 

Version 1: This course combines lectures with scenario-based practice incorporating the basic concepts of The One Minute Manager, by Ken Blanchard and prepares candidates for leadership as well as procedural requirements as lieutenants. Version 2 and 3: This course has been expanded in the following areas: MCI Management curriculum, simulated exercises, small group discussion and workshops on leadership principles. Hours for field rotation and internships have increased. Methods of instruction include: study guides, supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, and updated textbooks. Version 4: The Basic Leadership for EMS (BLEMS) is a six-week foundational course designed exclusively for certified paramedics preparing to step into leadership roles within the emergency medical services. This course equips participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to lead EMS teams effectively in both routine operations and high-stress environments. The program begins with an introduction to the roles and responsibilities of the EMS Officer, focusing on ethical leadership, professionalism, and the transition from clinician to EMS Officer. Students will then explore the core elements of EMS operations, including unit readiness, scene oversight, interagency coordination, and effective resource management. A dedicated module on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management prepares students to lead during large-scale emergencies using structured triage systems and the Incident Command System (ICS). Leadership development is emphasized throughout, covering communication strategies, crew supervision, conflict resolution, and critical decision-making under pressure. Required Pre-Requisites: Students are responsible for reading Guide to Interpersonal Communication in its entirety by day three of the course; Reading Chapters 1,2,3,4, and 7 in The Verbal Judo Way of Leadership by the fifth day of the course and be responsible for reading two chapters per week of the EMS Leadership book until the end of class. In addition, students must complete IS-5A, 100, 200, and 700 by the end of the course. Students gain insight into essential administrative responsibilities such as documentation, performance evaluations, scheduling, and quality improvement processes. The course culminates in a field internship, where participants apply their learning in real-time alongside experienced EMS officers. Graduates leave the program with the confidence and capability to lead teams, manage field operations, and support organizational success in the FDNY EMS profession.

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Fire Service Administration, Management and Supervision or Communications OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Management/Supervision or Fire Service Administration and 3 semester hours in Communications (7/10). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 7 semester hours in Fire Service Administration, Management and Supervision or Communications OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Management/Supervision or Fire Service Administration and 3 semester hours in Communications (6/15 revalidation). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Fire Service Administration, or Management and Supervision and 4 semester hours in Communications (6/21 revalidation). Version 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Fire Service Administration or Management and Supervision or Emergency Medical Services AND 4 semester hours in Communications AND 4 semester hours in EMS Administration (6/25 revalidation). 

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