Course Description
Through clinical and classroom experiences, students will learn the role of the paramedic as well as ethical and legal aspects of the Emergency Medical Services system. Primary and secondary physical assessment will be studied along with a review of human anatomy and physiology. Topics also will include pharmacology, general drug groupings, calculations of drug dosages, classification of drugs, their therapeutic effect, indications and contraindications and side effects. Students will learn advanced airway management techniques and interventions, management of traumatic injuries (including fluid, shock and trauma-related respiratory and cardiac emergencies), and use of devices to communicate with hospitals. Each student in this course must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions and a negative drug screen.
Prerequisite(s)
PMED 1018; successful completion of the state certification exam for EMT-B; and proof of current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider" level - Must be completed prior to taking this course.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the role and professional behaviors of the Paramedic within the EMS system.
- Describe the ethical and legal considerations involved in the paramedic role and EMS system.
- Describe the classification of specific medications according to mechanism of action, clinical condition used to treat, therapeutic effect, side effect, indication, contraindication dosages and administration routes.
- Describe effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with clients, health care team members and instructors.
- Recognize the value of EMS research and the benefit to pre-hospital emergency care.
- Describe an effective patient assessment and most appropriate treatment plan.
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the heart, basic heart rhythms and associated medical conditions.
- Understand the use of cardiac equipment and medications.
- Understand safe management of medical and trauma emergencies.
Topical Outline
1. EMS Systems
2. Workforce Safety & Wellness
3. Public Health
4. Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues
5. Medical Terminology
6. EMS Communication
7. Documentation
8. Anatomy and Physiology
9. Pathophysiology
10. Life Span Development
11. Patient Assessment
12. Critical Thinking & Clinical Decision Making
13. Principles of Pharmacology
14. Medication Administration
15. Airway Management
16. Respiratory Emergencies
17. Cardiovascular Emergencies