Paramedic

The course prepares individuals to provide basic emergency care at the scene of an accident or illness and to stabilize and transport the victim to a facility providing emergency medical services. Common injuries and medical emergencies will be studied along with the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B). Students also will be required to complete a minimum number of hours of hospital clinical and ambulance ride time. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, the student will be eligible to take the state EMT-B test. Each student in this course must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions and a negative drug screen.

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.

The anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system will be studied, including the structure, function and electrical conduction system of the heart. The student will learn how to manage traumatic injuries, including those related to fluid, shock and the respiratory system. Students will study the electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation and treatment of various arrhythmias and specific treatment techniques. Classroom and clinical experiences will cover environmental emergencies, infectious and communicable diseases, psychiatric disorders, and substance abuse.

A variety of medical emergencies including obstetric and gynecologic, pediatric-neonatal, and trauma will be studied in-depth. Classroom and clinical experience will be focused on transportation of critical patients, Emergency Management System operations command and control, vehicle rescue, tactical EMS, crime scene and hazardous materials awareness. Pediatric Advanced Life Support along with International Trauma Life Support will be studied.