Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- NT
- Prerequisite
- Admission to the Paramedic Program
- Unit(s)
- 21.00
- Lecture: 306.00 Contact hours/612.00 Out of class hours/918.00 Total hours/18.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 153.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 459.00 Contact hours/612.00 Out of class hours/1071.00 Total hours/21.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is the first of a two-semester long program that provides the Paramedic student the didactic information and skills required to meet the state of California requirements for paramedic training. The course meets accreditation requirements of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). The course follows U.S. Department of Transportation Paramedic National Standard Curriculum. Upon successful completion of EMS 170 and EMS 171 the student will be eligible to take the National Registry Exam required for licensure as a Paramedic in the state of California. Anatomy and Physiology will be covered extensively throughout the course. Graded only.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Apply, analyze, and evaluate information relevant to their role as entry level Paramedics.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of entry level Paramedics.
- Demonstrate personal behavior consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry level Paramedic.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Workforce Safety and Wellness | 2.00 |
Emergency Medical Systems | 2.00 |
Medical Legal Considerations | 3.00 |
Emergency Medical Services Communications | 1.50 |
Terrorism and Disaster Response | 1.50 |
Stress Management | 2.00 |
Medical Terminology | 2.00 |
General Patient Assessment and Initial Management | 22.00 |
Airway and Ventilation | 16.00 |
Pathophysiology | 12.00 |
General Pharmacology | 14.00 |
| Soft Tissue Injuries | 4.00 |
Musculoskeletal Injuries | 4.00 |
Chest Trauma | 8.00 |
Abdominal Trauma | 4.00 |
Head and Spinal Cord Trauma | 6.00 |
Bleeding | 6.00 |
| Burns | 2.00 |
Respiratory System and Emergencies | 12.00 |
Cardiovascular System and Emergencies | 45.00 |
Endocrine Emergencies | 6.00 |
| Nervous System and Emergencies | 8.00 |
Acute Abdomen, Genitourinary, and Reproductive System Emergencies | 4.00 |
| Anaphylaxis | 2.00 |
Toxicology, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse | 6.00 |
| Infectious Diseases | 2.00 |
| Environmental Injuries | 4.00 |
Pediatric | 8.00 |
Obstetrical, Gynecological, Neonatal Emergencies | 12.00 |
Behavioral Health Management | 4.00 |
| Assault Victims | 1.00 |
Geriatric Patients | 3.00 |
Patients with Special Challenges | 2.00 |
Public Health | 2.00 |
Lifespan Development | 3.00 |
Pharmacology -EMS Formulary | 8.00 |
Trauma Systems/Mechanism of Injury | 6.00 |
Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat Conditions | 3.00 |
Immunologic/Hematologic Conditions | 8.00 |
Face/Neck Trauma | 4.00 |
Shock/Resusitation of the critical patient | 8.00 |
Multi-Casualty Incident Management | 2.00 |
Transport/Operations Considerations | 2.00 |
Crime Scene Management | 1.00 |
Special Considerations | 4.00 |
Anatomy and Physiology | 24.00 |
| Total Hours: | 306.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Emergency Medical Communications | 4.00 |
Scene and Equipment Management | 8.00 |
HEMS Safety and Orientaion | 2.00 |
General Patient Assessment and Initial Management | 6.00 |
Airway and Ventilation | 11.00 |
Medication Administration | 4.00 |
Musculoskeletal Injuries | 4.00 |
Chest Trauma | 4.00 |
Abdominal Trauma | 4.00 |
Head and Spinal Cord Trauma | 6.00 |
Multisystem Injuries | 4.00 |
Burns | 4.00 |
Cardiovascular System and Emergencies | 24.00 |
Endocrine Emergencies | 4.00 |
Acute Abdomen, Genitourinary, and Reproductive System Emergencies | 8.00 |
Pediatric Assessment and Treatment | 8.00 |
Behavioral Health Management | 2.00 |
Adult Assessment and Treatment | 6.00 |
Geriatric Assessment and Treatment | 6.00 |
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 16.00 |
MCI Drill with Fire Academy | 6.00 |
IV, IO Access | 12.00 |
| Total Hours: | 153.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Demonstrations
- Group Discussions
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Skill practice
Simulation
Methods of Evaluation
- Quizzes
- Written midterm exams and final comprehensive exams, Periodic and final skills exams, Professional behavior evaluations
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the chapter regarding cardiovascular emergencies and be prepared to discuss the importance of early citizen CPR and advanced life support intervention.
- Review a current peer reviewed article regarding Ebola and be prepared to discuss it in class.
Writing Assignments
- Write a Patient Care Report (PCR) on a trauma simulation.
- Construct the correct written procedure for ventricular fibrillation based on American Heart Association guidelines.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Research recent policy for transporting a suspected Ebola patient on the Sierra-Sacramento Valley website and be prepared to discuss at the next class meeting.
- Research a topic about common prehospital errors and give a presentation to the class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Lawner, B. et al. (2012). Avoiding Common Prehospital Errors. Lippincott, 1st.
Walraven, G. (2016). Basic Arrythmias. Pearson, 8th.
American Heart Association. (2015). Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual. American Heart Association, 15th.
American Heart Association. (2015). American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Manual. American Heart Association.
Brady, Porter, Cherry. (2017). Paramedic Care Principles and Practice. Pearson, 5th, Volume 1-5.
Bledso, Clayden. (2012). Prehospital Emergency Pharmacology. Pearson, 7th.
NAEMT. (2015). Prehospital Trauma Life Support. Jones and Bartlett Learning, 8th.
Other Learning Materials
Designated uniform, Picture ID badge, Health Exam, Vaccines or titers, background check and drug screen prior to EMS 171.
Butte College Paramedic Program Drug Handbook purchased at bookstore
Prehospital training equipment and supplies provided by Butte College
Functional watch
EKG calipers
Cuneo, et al. Paramedic Portfolio Skills Manual. 2017 edition. Butte College
Minimum Qualifications
Emergency Medical Technologies