Nov 28, 2024

2023-2024 Cowley College Academic Catalog

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2023-2024 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

EMS5682 PARAMEDIC 2 COURSE PROCEDURE

EMS5682 PARAMEDIC 2

12 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

EMS5682 - Paramedic 2 (12 hrs)

This is the second course of the paramedic technical curriculum and continues to prepare the student for progression through the program. The student will develop more complex depth and comprehensive breadth in the principles and practice of paramedic-level patient care.

Course Classification:

Lecture/Lab Combo

Prerequisites:

EMS5681 Paramedic 1

Controlling Purpose:

Learner Outcomes:

Students will continue to gain the ability to assess and manage patients with medical and/or trauma emergencies, and will develop competencies in EMS operations.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other content as time allows.

UNIT 1: The Integumentary System

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of the integumentary system.

State the three functions of the integumentary system
Describe the anatomy and the seven functions of the skin
Name the two layers of skin
State the location and function of the stratum corneum and the stratum germinativum
Describe the function of melanocytes and melanin
Describe the function of hair and nails
Describe the functions of the secretions of sebaceous glands, ceruminous glands and eccrine sweat glands
Describe how the arterioles in the dermis respond to heat, cold, and stress
Outline the steps involved in epidermal wound healing and deep wound healing
Name the tissues that make up the subcutaneous tissue and describe their functions

UNIT 2: The Muscular System

Unit objective: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of the muscular system.

State the major muscles of the body and their functions
Define the criteria employed in naming skeletal muscles
Describe the relationship between bones and skeletal muscles in producing body movements
Define a lever and fulcrum and compare the three classes of levers on the basis of placement of the fulcrum, effort and resistance
Discuss the administration of drugs by intramuscular injections

UNIT 3: The Skeletal System: Bone Tissue

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of bone tissue.

Describe the function of the skeleton
Explain how bones are classified and give an example of each
Identify the parts of a long bone
Describe the histological features of compact and spongy bone tissue
Describe how the embryonic skeleton is replaced by bone
State the nutrients necessary for bone growth
Name the hormones involved in bone growth and maintenance
Define a fracture, describe several common kinds of fractures, and describe the sequence of events involved in fracture repair
Explain what is meant by exercise for bones and explain its importance

UNIT 4: The Skeletal System: The Axial Skeleton

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of the axial skeleton.

Identify the two major subdivisions of the skeleton and list the bones in each area
Identify principle sutures, fontanels, paranasal sinuses, and foramina of the skull
Identify the bones of the vertebral column and their principal markings
Identify the bones of the thorax and their principal markings

UNIT 5: The Skeletal System: The Appendicular Skeleton

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of the appendicular skeleton.

Identify the bones of the pectoral (shoulder) girdle
Identify the upper limb and its component bones
Identify the components of the pelvic (hip) girdle
Identify the lower limb and its component bones

UNIT 6: Articulations

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of joints.

Define an articulation (joint) and identify the factors that determine the types and degree (range) of movement at a joint
Explain how joints are classified; give an example of each and describe the movements possible
Describe the parts of a synovial joint and explain their function

UNIT 7: Muscle Tissue

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of muscle tissue.

Describe muscle structure in terms of muscle cells, tendons and bones
Describe the difference between antagonistic and synergistic muscles
Name the energy sources for muscle contraction and state the simple equation for cell respiration
Explain the importance of hemoglobin and myoglobin and oxygen debt and lactic acid
Describe the neuromuscular junction and explain the function for each part
Describe the structure of a sarcomere
Explain polarization, depolarization and repolarization in terms of ions and charges
Describe the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction
Explain the roles played by muscle in homeostasis of body temperature
Explain how muscle tension can be varied
Identify the sources of ATP used during muscular contraction
Describe the different types of skeletal muscle fibers and compare them to cardiac and smooth muscle fibers

UNIT 8: The Muscular System

Unit objective: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe the structural components and functional aspects of the muscular system.

State the major muscles of the body and their functions
Define the criteria employed in naming skeletal muscles
Describe the relationship between bones and skeletal muscles in producing body movements
Define a lever and fulcrum and compare the three classes of levers on the basis of placement of the fulcrum, effort and resistance
Discuss the administration of drugs by intramuscular injections

UNIT 9: Musculoskeletal Trauma

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for the patient with a musculoskeletal injury.

Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of musculoskeletal injuries.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.
Predict injuries based on the mechanism of injury, including:
- Direct
- Indirect
- Pathologic

Discuss the types of musculoskeletal injuries:
- Fracture (open and closed)
- Dislocation/ fracture
- Sprain
- Strain
Discuss the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with musculoskeletal injuries.
List the six “P”s of musculoskeletal injury assessment.
List the primary signs and symptoms of extremity trauma.
List other signs and symptoms that can indicate less obvious extremity injury.
Discuss the need for assessment of pulses, motor and sensation before and after splinting.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport when dealing with musculoskeletal injuries.
Discuss the management of musculoskeletal injuries.
Discuss the general guidelines for splinting.
Explain the benefits of cold application for musculoskeletal injury.
Explain the benefits of heat application for musculoskeletal injury.
Describe age associated changes in the bones.
Discuss the pathophysiology of open and closed fractures.
Discuss the relationship between volume of hemorrhage and open or closed fractures.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with fractures.
Discuss the management of fractures.
Discuss the usefulness of the pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG) in the management of fractures.
Describe the special considerations involved in femur fracture management.
Discuss the pathophysiology of dislocations.
Discuss the assessment findings of dislocations.
Discuss the out-of-hospital management of dislocation/ fractures, including splinting and realignment.
Explain the importance of manipulating a knee dislocation/ fracture with an absent distal pulse.
Describe the procedure for reduction of a shoulder, finger or ankle dislocation/ fracture.
Discuss the pathophysiology of sprains.
Discuss the assessment findings of sprains.
Discuss the management of sprains.
Discuss the pathophysiology of strains.
Discuss the assessment findings of strains.
Discuss the management of strains.
Discuss the pathophysiology of a tendon injury.
Discuss the assessment findings of tendon injury.
Discuss the management of a tendon injury.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a musculoskeletal injury.
Differentiate between musculoskeletal injuries based on the assessment findings and history.
Formulate a field impression of a musculoskeletal injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for the musculoskeletal injury based on the field impression.
Advocate the use of a thorough assessment to determine a working diagnosis and treatment plan for musculoskeletal injuries.
Advocate for the use of pain management in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper treatment plan for a patient with a suspected musculoskeletal injury.
Demonstrate the proper use of fixation, soft and traction splints for a patient with a suspected fracture.

UNIT 10: Soft Tissue Trauma

Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of soft tissue injures.
Describe the layers of the skin, specifically:
Epidermis and dermis (cutaneous)
Superficial fascia (subcutaneous)
Deep fascia
Identify the major functions of the integumentary system.
Identify the skin tension lines of the body.
Predict soft tissue injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Discuss the pathophysiology of wound healing, including:
- Hemostasis
- Inflammation phase
- Epithelialization
- Neovascularization
- Collagen synthesis
- Discuss the pathophysiology of soft tissue injuries.
- Differentiate between the following types of closed soft tissue injuries:
- Contusion
- Hematoma
- Crush injuries
Discuss the assessment findings associated with closed soft tissue injuries.
Discuss the management of a patient with closed soft tissue injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of open soft tissue injuries.
Differentiate between the following types of open soft tissue injuries:
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Major arterial lacerations
- Avulsions
- Impaled objects
- Amputations
- Incisions
- Crush injuries
- Blast injuries
- Penetrations/ punctures
Discuss the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of blast injuries.
Predict blast injuries based on mechanism of injury, including:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
Discuss types of trauma including:
- Blunt
- Penetrating
- Barotrauma
- Burns
Discuss the pathophysiology associated with blast injuries.
Discuss the effects of an explosion within an enclosed space on a patient.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with blast injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a blast injury.
Discuss the management of a patient with a blast injury.
Discuss the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of crush injuries.
Define the following conditions:
- Crush injury
- Crush syndrome
- Compartment syndrome
- Discuss the mechanisms of injury in a crush injury.
- Discuss the effects of reperfusion and rhabdomyolysis on the body.
- Discuss the assessment findings associated with crush injuries.
- Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a crush injury.
- Discuss the management of a patient with a crush injury.
- Discuss the pathophysiology of hemorrhage associated with soft tissue injuries, including:
- Capillary
- Venous
Discuss the assessment findings associated with open soft tissue injuries.
Discuss the assessment of hemorrhage associated with open soft tissue injuries.
Differentiate between the various management techniques for hemorrhage control of open soft tissue injuries, including:
- Direct pressure
- Elevation
- Pressure dressing
- Pressure point
- Tourniquet application
Differentiate between the types of injuries requiring the use of an occlusive versus non-occlusive dressing.
Identify the need for rapid assessment, intervention and appropriate transport for the patient with a soft tissue injury.
Discuss the management of the soft tissue injury patient.
Define and discuss the following:
- Dressings
- Sterile
- Non-sterile
- Occlusive
- Non-occlusive
- Adherent
- Non-adherent
- Absorbent
- Non-absorbent
- Wet
- Dry
- Bandages
- Absorbent
- Non-absorbent
- Adherent
- Non-adherent
- Tourniquet
Predict the possible complications of an improperly applied dressing, bandage, or tourniquet.
Discuss the assessment of wound healing.
Discuss the management of wound healing.
Discuss the pathophysiology of wound infection.
Discuss the assessment of wound infection.
Discuss the management of wound infection.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a soft tissue injury.
Formulate treatment priorities for patients with soft tissue injuries in conjunction with:
- Airway/ face/ neck trauma
- Thoracic trauma (open/ closed)
- Abdominal trauma
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression for the patient with soft tissue trauma.
Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with soft tissue trauma.
Defend the rationale explaining why immediate life-threats must take priority over wound closure.
Defend the management regimens for various soft tissue injuries.
Defend why immediate life-threatening conditions take priority over soft tissue management.
Value the importance of a thorough assessment for patients with soft tissue injuries.
Attend to the feelings that the patient with a soft tissue injury may experience.
Appreciate the importance of good follow-up care for patients receiving sutures.
Understand the value of the written report for soft tissue injuries, in the continuum of patient care.
Demonstrate the assessment and management of a patient with signs and symptoms of soft tissue injury, including:
- Contusion
- Hematoma
- Crushing
- Abrasion
- Laceration
- Avulsion
- Amputation
- Impaled object
- Penetration/ puncture
- Blast

UNIT 11: Burns

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the management plan for the patient with a burn injury.

Describe the anatomy and physiology pertinent to burn injuries.
Describe the epidemiology, including incidence, mortality/ morbidity, risk factors, and prevention strategies for the patient with a burn injury.
Describe the pathophysiologic complications and systemic complications of a burn injury.
Identify and describe types of burn injuries, including a thermal burn, an inhalation burn, a chemical burn, an electrical burn, and a radiation exposure.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of burn injuries, including a superficial burn, a partial-thickness burn, a full-thickness burn, and other depth classifications described by local protocol.
Identify and describe methods for determining body surface area percentage of a burn injury including the “rules of nines,” the “rules of palms,” and other methods described by local protocol.
Identify and describe the severity of a burn including a minor burn, a moderate burn, a severe burn, and other severity classifications described by local protocol.
Differentiate criteria for determining the severity of a burn injury between a pediatric patient and an adult patient.
Describe special considerations for a pediatric patient with a burn injury.
Discuss considerations which impact management and prognosis of the burn injured patient.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injuries.
Discuss conditions associated with burn injuries, including trauma, blast injuries, airway compromise, respiratory compromise, and child abuse.
Describe the management of a burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.
Describe the epidemiology of a thermal burn injury.
Describe the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to a thermal burn injury.
Describe the pathophysiology of a thermal burn injury.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of a thermal burn injury.
Identify and describe the severity of a thermal burn injury.
Describe considerations which impact management and prognosis of the patient with a thermal burn injury.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injury and conditions associated with a thermal burn injury.
Describe the management of a thermal burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, and psychological support/ communication strategies.
Describe the epidemiology of an inhalation burn injury.
Describe the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to an inhalation burn injury.
Describe the pathophysiology of an inhalation burn injury.
Differentiate between supraglottic and infraglottic inhalation injuries.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of an inhalation burn injury.
Identify and describe the severity of an inhalation burn injury.
Describe considerations which impact management and prognosis of the patient with an inhalation burn injury.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injury and conditions associated with an inhalation burn injury.
Describe the management of an inhalation burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, and psychological support/ communication strategies.
Describe the epidemiology of a chemical burn injury and a chemical burn injury to the eye.
Describe the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to a chemical burn injury and a chemical burn injury to the eye.
Describe the pathophysiology of a chemical burn injury, including types of chemicals and their burning processes and a chemical burn injury to the eye.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of a chemical burn injury.
Identify and describe the severity of a chemical burn injury.
Describe considerations which impact management and prognosis of the patient with a chemical burn injury and a chemical burn injury to the eye.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injury and conditions associated with a chemical burn injury.
Describe the management of a chemical burn injury and a chemical burn injury to the eye, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, and psychological support/ communication strategies.
Describe the epidemiology of an electrical burn injury.
Describe the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to an electrical burn injury.
Describe the pathophysiology of an electrical burn injury.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of an electrical burn injury.
Identify and describe the severity of an electrical burn injury.
Describe considerations which impact management and prognosis of the patient with an electrical burn injury.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injury and conditions associated with an electrical burn injury.
Describe the management of an electrical burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, and psychological support/ communication strategies.
Describe the epidemiology of a radiation exposure.
Describe the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to a radiation exposure.
Describe the pathophysiology of a radiation exposure, including the types and characteristics of ionizing radiation.
Identify and describe the depth classifications of a radiation exposure.
Identify and describe the severity of a radiation exposure.
Describe considerations which impact management and prognosis of the patient with a radiation exposure.
Discuss mechanisms of burn injury associated with a radiation exposure.
Discuss conditions associated with a radiation exposure.
Describe the management of a radiation exposure, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, and psychological support/ communication strategies.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a thermal burn injury.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an inhalation burn injury.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a chemical burn injury.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an electrical burn injury.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a radiation exposure.
Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field impression for the patient with a thermal burn injury.
Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field impression for the patient with an inhalation burn injury.
Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field impression for the patient with a chemical burn injury.
Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field impression for the patient with an electrical burn injury.
Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field impression for the patient with a radiation exposure.
Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with a thermal burn injury.
Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with an inhalation burn injury.
Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with a chemical burn injury.
Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with an electrical burn injury.
Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with a radiation exposure.
Value the changes of a patient’s self-image associated with a burn injury.
Value the impact of managing a burn injured patient.
Advocate empathy for a burn injured patient.
Assess safety at a burn injury incident.
Characterize mortality and morbidity based on the pathophysiology and assessment findings of a patient with a burn injury.
Value and defend the sense of urgency in burn injuries.
Serve as a model for universal precautions and body substance isolation (BSI).
Take body substance isolation procedures during assessment and management of patients with a burn injury.
Perform assessment of a patient with a burn injury.
Perform management of a thermal burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.
Perform management of an inhalation burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.
Perform management of a chemical burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.
Perform management of an electrical burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.

Perform management of a radiation exposure, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.

UNIT 12: Endocrinology

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with an endocrine problem.

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of endocrinologic emergencies.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to endocrinologic disease.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of organs and structures related to endocrinologic diseases.
Review the pathophysiology of endocrinologic emergencies.
Discuss the general assessment findings associated with endocrinologic emergencies.
Identify the need for rapid intervention of the patient with endocrinologic emergencies.
Discuss the management of endocrinologic emergencies.
Describe osmotic diuresis and its relationship to diabetes.
Describe the pathophysiology of adult onset diabetes mellitus.
Describe the pathophysiology of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus.
Describe the effects of decreased levels of insulin on the body.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with a diabetic emergency.
Discuss the management of diabetic emergencies.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with a diabetic emergency.
Differentiate between the pathophysiology of normal glucose metabolism and diabetic glucose metabolism.
Describe the mechanism of ketone body formation and its relationship to ketoacidosis.
Discuss the physiology of the excretion of potassium and ketone bodies by the kidneys.
Describe the relationship of insulin to serum glucose levels.
Describe the effects of decreased levels of insulin on the body.
Describe the effects of increased serum glucose levels on the body.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.
Discuss the utilization of glycogen by the human body as it relates to the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.
Describe the actions of epinephrine as it relates to the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with hypoglycemia.
Describe the compensatory mechanisms utilized by the body to promote homeostasis relative to hypoglycemia.
Describe the management of a responsive hypoglycemic patient.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with hypoglycemia.
Discuss the management of the hypoglycemic patient.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hypoglycemia.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with hyperglycemia.
Describe the management of hyperglycemia.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with hyperglycemia.
Discuss the management of the patient with hyperglycemia.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hyperglycemia.
Discuss the pathophysiology of nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.
Describe the management of nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.
Discuss the management of the patient with hyperglycemia.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hyperglycemia.
Discuss the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Describe the management of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Discuss the management of the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of thyrotoxicosis.
Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with thyrotoxicosis.
Describe the management of thyrotoxicosis.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with thyrotoxicosis.
Discuss the management of the patient with thyrotoxicosis.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with thyrotoxicosis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of myxedema.
Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with myxedema.
Describe the management of myxedema.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with myxedema.
Discuss the management of the patient with myxedema.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with myxedema.
Discuss the pathophysiology of Cushing’s syndrome.
Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Describe the management of Cushing’s syndrome.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Discuss the management of the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
Discuss the pathophysiology of adrenal Insufficiency.
Recognize signs and symptoms of the patient with adrenal insufficiency.
Describe the management of adrenal insufficiency.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with clinical significance in the patient with adrenal insufficiency.
Discuss the management of the patient with adrenal insufficiency.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with adrenal insufficiency.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an endocrinological emergency.
Differentiate between endocrine emergencies based on assessment and history.
Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with clinical significance in the patient with endocrinologic emergencies.
Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with an endocrinologic emergency.

UNIT 13: Gastroenterology

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for the patient with a gastroenterological problem.

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal emergencies.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to gastrointestinal emergencies.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to gastrointestinal diseases.
Discuss the pathophysiology of inflammation and its relationship to acute abdominal pain.
Define somatic pain as it relates to gastroenterology.
Define visceral pain as it relates to gastroenterology.
Define referred pain as it relates to gastroenterology.
Differentiate between hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic abdominal pain.
Discuss the signs and symptoms of local inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.
Discuss the signs and symptoms of peritoneal inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.
List the signs and symptoms of general inflammation relative to acute abdominal pain.
Based on assessment findings, differentiate between local, peritoneal and general inflammation as they relate to acute abdominal pain.
Describe the questioning technique and specific questions the paramedic should ask when gathering a focused history in a patient with abdominal pain.
Describe the technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination on a patient complaining of abdominal pain.
Define upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Discuss the pathophysiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Describe the management for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with upper GI bleeding.
Define lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Discuss the pathophysiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Describe the management for lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with lower GI bleeding.
Define acute gastroenteritis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of acute gastroenteritis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute gastroenteritis.
Describe the management for acute gastroenteritis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute gastroenteritis.
Define colitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of colitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to colitis.
Describe the management for colitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with colitis.
Define gastroenteritis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of gastroenteritis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to gastroenteritis.
Describe the management for gastroenteritis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with gastroenteritis.
Define diverticulitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of diverticulitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to diverticulitis.
Describe the management for diverticulitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with diverticulitis.
Define appendicitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of appendicitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to appendicitis.
Describe the management for appendicitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with appendicitis.
Define peptic ulcer disease.
Discuss the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to peptic ulcer disease.
Describe the management for peptic ulcer disease.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with peptic ulcer disease.
Define bowel obstruction.
Discuss the pathophysiology of bowel obstruction.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to bowel obstruction.
Describe the management for bowel obstruction.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with bowel obstruction.
Define Crohn’s disease.
Discuss the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to Crohn’s disease.
Describe the management for Crohn’s disease.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with Crohn’s disease.
Define pancreatitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of pancreatitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to pancreatitis.
Describe the management for pancreatitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with pancreatitis.
Define esophageal varices.
Discuss the pathophysiology of esophageal varices.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to esophageal varices.
Describe the management for esophageal varices.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with esophageal varices.
Define hemorrhoids.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to hemorrhoids.
Describe the management for hemorrhoids.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with hemorrhoids.
Define cholecystitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of cholecystitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to cholecystitis.
Describe the management for cholecystitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with cholecystitis.
Define acute hepatitis.
Discuss the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute hepatitis.
Describe the management for acute hepatitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute hepatitis.
Integrate pathophysiological principles of the patient with a gastrointestinal emergency.
Differentiate between gastrointestinal emergencies based on assessment findings.
Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with abdominal pain.
Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with abdominal pain.
Demonstrate insertion of a nasogastric tube.
Demonstrate insertion of an orogastric tube.

UNIT 14: Renal/Urology

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with a renal or urologic problem.

Describe the incidence, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors predisposing to urological emergencies.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to urogenital diseases.
Define referred pain and visceral pain as it relates to urology.
Describe the questioning technique and specific questions the paramedic should utilize when gathering a focused history in a patient with abdominal pain.
Describe the technique for performing a comprehensive physical examination of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.
Define acute renal failure.
Discuss the pathophysiology of acute renal failure.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to acute renal failure.
Describe the management for acute renal failure.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with acute renal failure.
Define chronic renal failure.
Discuss the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to chronic renal failure.
Describe the management for chronic renal failure.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with chronic renal failure.
Define renal dialysis.
Discuss the common complication of renal dialysis.
Define renal calculi.
Discuss the pathophysiology of renal calculi.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to renal calculi.
Describe the management for renal calculi.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with renal calculi.
Define urinary tract infection.
Discuss the pathophysiology of urinary tract infection.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to urinary tract infection.
Describe the management for a urinary tract infection.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with a urinary tract infection.
Apply the epidemiology to develop prevention strategies for urological emergencies.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with abdominal pain.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to accurately differentiate between pain of a urogenital emergency and that of other origins.
Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression made in the assessment.

UNIT 15: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will understand acid-base homeostasis as it relates to body fluids and electrolytes.

Describe the water compartments and the name for the water in each
Explain how water moves between the compartments
Explain how water is taken in by the body and exits the body
Describe an acid and a base
List the mechanisms which primarily control acid-base balance.
Describe the components on the ABG
Given an ABG report, analyze the results of the findings.

UNIT 16: Toxicology

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of toxic emergencies.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to toxic emergencies.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to toxic emergencies.
Describe the routes of entry of toxic substances into the body.
Discuss the role of the Poison Control Center in the United States.
List the toxic substances that are specific to your region.
Discuss the pathophysiology of the entry of toxic substances into the body.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with various toxidromes.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a toxic substance emergency.
Discuss the management of toxic substances.
Define poisoning by ingestion.
List the most common poisonings by ingestion.
Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by ingestion.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by ingestion.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with the most common poisonings by ingestion.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by ingestion.
Discuss the factors affecting the decision to induce vomiting in a patient with ingested poison.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by ingestion.
Define poisoning by inhalation.
List the most common poisonings by inhalation.
Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by inhalation.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by inhalation.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by inhalation.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by inhalation.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by inhalation.
Define poisoning by injection.
List the most common poisonings by injection.
Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by injection.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by injection.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with the most common poisonings by injection.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by injection.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with the most common poisonings by injection.
Define poisoning by surface absorption.
List the most common poisonings by surface absorption.
Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by surface absorption.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by surface absorption.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by surface absorption.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by surface absorption.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients with the most common poisonings by surface absorption.
Define poisoning by overdose.
List the most common poisonings by overdose.
Describe the pathophysiology of poisoning by overdose.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by overdose.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by overdose.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most common poisonings by overdose.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients with the most common poisonings by overdose.
Define drug abuse.
Discuss the incidence of drug abuse in the United States.
Define the following terms:
- Substance or drug abuse
- Substance or drug dependence
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Addiction
List the most commonly abused drugs (both by chemical name and street names).
Describe the pathophysiology of commonly used drugs.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to the most commonly abused drugs.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients using the most commonly abused drugs.
Differentiate among the various treatments and pharmacological interventions in the management of the most commonly abused drugs.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for patients using the most commonly abused drugs.
List the clinical uses, street names, pharmacology, assessment finding and management for patient who have taken the following drugs or been exposed to the following substances:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana and cannabis compounds
- Amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs
- Barbiturates
- Sedative-hypnotics
- Cyanide
- Narcotics/ opiates
- Cardiac medications
- Caustics
- Common household substances
- Drugs abused for sexual purposes/ sexual gratification
- Carbon monoxide
- Alcohols
- Hydrocarbons
- Psychiatric medications
- Newer anti-depressants and serotonin syndromes
- Lithium
- MAO inhibitors
- Non-prescription pain medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
- Salicylates
- Acetaminophen
- Theophylline
- Metals
- Plants and mushrooms
Discuss common causative agents, pharmacology, assessment findings and management for a patient with food poisoning.
Discuss common offending organisms, pharmacology, assessment findings and management for a patient with a bite or sting.
Integrate pathophysiological principles of the patient with a toxic substance exposure.
Differentiate between toxic substance emergencies based on assessment findings.
Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with the clinical significance in the patient exposed to a toxic substance.
Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient exposed to a toxic substance.

UNIT 17: Environmental Conditions

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for the patient with an environmentally induced or exacerbated medical or traumatic condition.

Define “environmental emergency.”
Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with environmental emergencies.
Identify risk factors most predisposing to environmental emergencies.
Identify environmental factors that may cause illness or exacerbate a preexisting illness.
Identify environmental factors that may complicate treatment or transport decisions.
List the principal types of environmental illnesses.
Define “homeostasis” and relate the concept to environmental influences.
Identify normal, critically high and critically low body temperatures.
Describe several methods of temperature monitoring.
Identify the components of the body’s thermoregulatory mechanism.
Describe the general process of thermal regulation, including substances used and wastes generated.
Describe the body’s compensatory process for overheating.
Describe the body’s compensatory process for excess heat loss.
List the common forms of heat and cold disorders.
List the common predisposing factors associated with heat and cold disorders.
List the common preventative measures associated with heat and cold disorders.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and complicating factors common to environmental emergencies and discuss differentiating features between emergent and urgent presentations.
Define heat illness.
Describe the pathophysiology of heat illness.
Identify signs and symptoms of heat illness.
List the predisposing factors for heat illness.
List measures to prevent heat illness.
Discuss the symptomatic variations presented in progressive heat disorders.
Relate symptomatic findings to the commonly used terms: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with heat illness.
Describe the contribution of dehydration to the development of heat disorders.
Describe the differences between classical and exertional heatstroke.
Define fever and discuss its pathophysiologic mechanism.
Identify the fundamental thermoregulatory difference between fever and heatstroke.
Discuss how one may differentiate between fever and heatstroke.
Discuss the role of fluid therapy in the treatment of heat disorders.
Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of heat disorders.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
Define hypothermia.
Describe the pathophysiology of hypothermia.
List measures to prevent hypothermia.
Identify differences between mild and severe hypothermia.
Describe differences between chronic and acute hypothermia.
List signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with hypothermia.
Discuss the impact of severe hypothermia on standard BCLS and ACLS algorithms and transport considerations.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has either mild or severe hypothermia.
Define frostbite.
Define superficial frostbite (frostnip).
Differentiate between superficial frostbite and deep frostbite.
List predisposing factors for frostbite.
List measures to prevent frostbite.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with frostbite.
Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of frostbite.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with superficial or deep frostbite.
Define near-drowning.
Describe the pathophysiology of near-drowning.
List signs and symptoms of near-drowning.
Describe the lack of significance of fresh versus saltwater immersion, as it relates to near-drowning.
Discuss the incidence of “wet” versus “dry” drownings and the differences in their management.
Discuss the complications and protective role of hypothermia in the context of near-drowning.
Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with near-drowning.
Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of near-drowning.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the near-drowning patient.
Define self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA).
Describe the laws of gasses and relate them to diving emergencies.
Describe the pathophysiology of diving emergencies.
Define decompression illness (DCI).
Identify the various forms of DCI.
Identify the various conditions that may result from pulmonary over-pressure accidents.
Differentiate between the various diving emergencies.
List signs and symptoms of diving emergencies.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with a diving related illness.
Describe the function of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and how its members may aid in the management of diving related illnesses.
Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions for the management of diving accidents.
Describe the specific function and benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management of diving accidents.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a management plan for the patient who has had a diving accident.
Define altitude illness.
Describe the application of gas laws to altitude illness.
Describe the etiology and epidemiology of altitude illness.
List predisposing factors for altitude illness.
List measures to prevent altitude illness.
Define acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Define high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Define high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
Discuss the symptomatic variations presented in progressive altitude illnesses.
List signs and symptoms of altitude illnesses.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with their clinical significance in the patient with altitude illness.
Discuss the pharmacology appropriate for the treatment of altitude illnesses.
Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions for the management of altitude illness.
Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has altitude illness.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient affected by an environmental emergency.
Differentiate between environmental emergencies based on assessment findings.
Correlate abnormal findings in the assessment with their clinical significance in the patient affected by an environmental emergency.
Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression of the patient affected by an environmental emergency.

UNIT 18: Infectious and Communicable Diseases

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a management plan for the patient with infectious and communicable diseases.

Review the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to infectious and communicable diseases.
Define specific terminology identified with infectious/ communicable diseases.
Discuss public health principles relevant to infectious/ communicable disease.
Identify public health agencies involved in the prevention and management of disease outbreaks.
List and describe the steps of an infectious process.
Discuss the risks associated with infection.
List and describe the stages of infectious diseases.
List and describe infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and helminths (worms).
Describe host defense mechanisms against infection.
Describe characteristics of the immune system, including the categories of white blood cells, the reticuloendothelial system (RES), and the complement system.
Describe the processes of the immune system defenses, to include humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
In specific diseases, identify and discuss the issues of personal isolation.
Describe and discuss the rationale for the various types of PPE.
Discuss what constitutes a significant exposure to an infectious agent.
Describe the assessment of a patient suspected of, or identified as having, an infectious/ communicable disease.
Discuss the proper disposal of contaminated supplies (sharps, gauze sponges, tourniquets, etc.).
Discuss disinfection of patient care equipment, and areas in which care of the patient occurred.
Discuss the following relative to HIV - causative agent, body systems affected and potential secondary complications, modes of transmission, the seroconversion rate after direct significant exposure, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, specific patient management and personal protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis), including the causative agent, body systems affected and potential secondary complications, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis), including the causative agent, the organ affected and potential secondary complications, routes of transmission, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss the susceptibility and resistance to Hepatitis B.
Discuss Hepatitis C, including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss Hepatitis D (Hepatitis delta virus), including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss Hepatitis E, including the causative agent, the organ affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss tuberculosis, including the causative agent, body systems affected and secondary complications, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss meningococcal meningitis (spinal meningitis), including causative organisms, tissues affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss other infectious agents known to cause meningitis including streptococcus pneumonia, Hemophilus influenza type b, and other varieties of viruses.
Discuss pneumonia, including causative organisms, body systems affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss tetanus, including the causative organism, the body system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss rabies and hantavirus as they apply to regional environmental exposures, including the causative organisms, the body systems affected, routes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Identify pediatric viral diseases.
Discuss chickenpox, including the causative organism, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss smallpox, including the causative organism, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss anthrax, including the causative organism, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization and control measures.
Discuss mumps, including the causative organism, the body organs and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss rubella (German measles), including the causative agent, the body tissues and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss measles (rubeola, hard measles), including the causative organism, the body tissues, organs, and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss the importance of immunization, and those diseases, especially in the pediatric population, which warrant widespread immunization (MMR).
Discuss pertussis (whooping cough), including the causative organism, the body organs affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss influenza, including causative organisms, the body system affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss mononucleosis, including the causative organisms, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss herpes simplex type 1, including the causative organism, the body regions and system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss the characteristics of, and organisms associated with, febrile and afebrile respiratory disease, to include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup, epiglottitis, and the common cold.
Discuss syphilis, including the causative organism, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, stages of signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss gonorrhea, including the causative organism, the body organs and associated structures affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss chlamydia, including the causative organism, the body regions, organs, and systems affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss herpes simplex 2 (genital herpes), including the causative organism, the body regions, tissues, and structures affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss scabies, including the etiologic agent, the body organs affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss lice, including the infesting agents, the body regions affected, modes of transmission and host factors, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and prevention.
Describe Lyme disease, including the causative organism, the body organs and systems affected, mode of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, phases of signs and symptoms, patient management and control measures, and immunization.
Discuss gastroenteritis, including the causative organisms, the body system affected, modes of transmission, susceptibility and resistance, signs and symptoms, patient management and protective measures, and immunization.
Discuss the local protocol for reporting and documenting an infectious/ communicable disease exposure.
Articulate the pathophysiological principles of an infectious process given a case study of a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease.
Articulate the field assessment and management, to include safety considerations, of a patient presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of an infectious/ communicable disease.
Advocate compliance with standards and guidelines by role modeling adherence to universal/ standard precautions and BSI.
Value the importance of immunization, especially in children and populations at risk.
Value the safe management of a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease.
Advocate respect for the feelings of patients, family, and others at the scene of an infectious/ communicable disease.
Advocate empathy for a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease.
Value the importance of infectious/ communicable disease control.
Consistently demonstrate the use of body substance isolation.
Demonstrate the ability to comply with body substance isolation guidelines.
Perform an assessment of a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease.
Effectively and safely manage a patient with an infectious/ communicable disease, including airway and ventilation care, support of circulation, pharmacological intervention, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other considerations as mandated by local protocol.

UNIT 19: Gynecology

Outcomes: At the end of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to utilize gynecological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the management plan for the patient experiencing a gynecological emergency.

Review the anatomic structures and physiology of the female reproductive system.
Identify the normal events of the menstrual cycle.
Describe how to assess a patient with a gynecological complaint.
Explain how to recognize a gynecological emergency.
Describe the general care for any patient experiencing a gynecological emergency.
Describe the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of specific gynecological emergencies.
Value the importance of maintaining a patient’s modesty and privacy while still being able to obtain necessary information.
Defend the need to provide care for a patient of sexual assault, while still preventing destruction of crime scene information.
Serve as a role model for other EMS providers when discussing or caring for patients with gynecological emergencies.
Demonstrate how to assess a patient with a gynecological complaint.
Demonstrate how to provide care for a patient with:
Excessive vaginal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Sexual assault

UNIT 20: Obstetrics

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to apply an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system to the assessment and management of a patient experiencing normal or abnormal labor.

Review the anatomic structures and physiology of the reproductive system.
Identify the normal events of pregnancy.
Describe how to assess an obstetrical patient.
Identify the stages of labor and the paramedic’s role in each stage.
Differentiate between normal and abnormal delivery.
Identify and describe complications associated with pregnancy and delivery.
Identify predelivery emergencies.
State indications of an imminent delivery.
Explain the use of the contents of an obstetrics kit.
Differentiate the management of a patient with predelivery emergencies from a normal delivery.
State the steps in the predelivery preparation of the mother.
Establish the relationship between body substance isolation and childbirth.
State the steps to assist in the delivery of a newborn.
Describe how to care for the newborn.
Describe how and when to cut the umbilical cord.
Discuss the steps in the delivery of the placenta.
Describe the management of the mother post-delivery.
Summarize neonatal resuscitation procedures.
Describe the procedures for handling abnormal deliveries.
Describe the procedures for handling complications of pregnancy.
Describe the procedures for handling maternal complications of labor.
Describe special considerations when meconium is present in amniotic fluid or during delivery.
Describe special considerations of a premature baby.
Advocate the need for treating two patients (mother and baby).
Value the importance of maintaining a patient’s modesty and privacy during assessment and management.
Serve as a role model for other EMS providers when discussing or performing the steps of childbirth.
Demonstrate how to assess an obstetric patient.
Demonstrate how to provide care for a patient with:
Excessive vaginal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Hypertensive crisis
Demonstrate how to prepare the obstetric patient for delivery.
Demonstrate how to assist in the normal cephalic delivery of the fetus.
Demonstrate how to deliver the placenta.
Demonstrate how to provide post-delivery care of the mother.
Demonstrate how to assist with abnormal deliveries.
Demonstrate how to care for the mother with delivery complications.

UNIT 21: Abdominal Trauma

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiologic principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for the patient with suspected abdominal trauma.

Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/mortality and prevention strategies for a patient with abdominal trauma.
Describe the anatomy and physiology of organs and structures related to abdominal injuries.
Predict abdominal injuries based on blunt and penetrating mechanisms of injury.
Describe open and closed abdominal injuries.
Explain the pathophysiology of abdominal injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with abdominal injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with abdominal injuries based on assessment findings.
Describe the management of abdominal injuries.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with abdominal injury.
Differentiate between abdominal injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression for patients with abdominal trauma based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for patients with abdominal trauma based on the field impression.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies for solid organ injuries.
Explain the pathophysiology of solid organ injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with solid organ injuries.
Describe the treatment plan and management of solid organ injuries.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies for hollow organ injuries.
Explain the pathophysiology of hollow organ injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with hollow organ injuries.
Describe the treatment plan and management of hollow organ injuries.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies for abdominal vascular injuries.
Explain the pathophysiology of abdominal vascular injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with abdominal vascular injuries.
Describe the treatment plan and management of abdominal vascular injuries.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies for pelvic fractures.
Explain the pathophysiology of pelvic fractures.
Describe the assessment findings associated with pelvic fractures.
Describe the treatment plan and management of pelvic fractures.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies for other related abdominal injuries.
Explain the pathophysiology of other related abdominal injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with other related abdominal injuries.
Describe the treatment plan and management of other related abdominal injuries.
Apply the epidemiologic principles to develop prevention strategies for abdominal injuries.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with abdominal injuries.
Differentiate between abdominal injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression based upon the assessment findings for a patient with abdominal injuries.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with abdominal injuries, based upon field impression.
Advocate the use of a thorough assessment to determine a differential diagnosis and treatment plan for abdominal trauma.
Advocate the use of a thorough scene survey to determine the forces involved in abdominal trauma.
Value the implications of failing to properly diagnose abdominal trauma and initiate timely interventions to patients with abdominal trauma.
Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper treatment plan for a patient with suspected abdominal trauma.
Demonstrate the proper use of PASG in a patient with suspected abdominal trauma.
Demonstrate the proper use of PASG in a patient with suspected pelvic fracture.

UNIT 22: Trauma in the Pregnant Patient

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will understand the special considerations and treatment of a pregnant trauma patient.

Identify the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy.
Identify the proper position for transport of the pregnant trauma patient.
Understand the physiology of the two lives involved in the management of the pregnant patient.
Identify complications of pregnancy related to minor, major or abdominal trauma.

UNIT 23: Assessment Based Management (Formative and Summative Scenarios)

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate the principles of assessment-based management to perform an appropriate assessment and implement the management plan for patients with common complaints.

Explain how effective assessment is critical to clinical decision making.
Explain how the paramedic’s attitude affects assessment and decision making.
Explain how uncooperative patients affect assessment and decision making.
Explain strategies to prevent labeling and tunnel vision.
Develop strategies to decrease environmental distractions.
Describe how manpower considerations and staffing configurations affect assessment and decision making.
Synthesize concepts of scene management and choreography to simulated emergency calls.
Explain the roles of the team leader and the patient care person.
List and explain the rationale for carrying the essential patient care items.
When given a simulated call, list the appropriate equipment to be taken to the patient.
Explain the general approach to the emergency patient.
Explain the general approach, patient assessment, differentials, and management priorities for patients with the following problems:
- Chest pain
- Medical and traumatic cardiac arrest
- Acute abdominal pain
- GI bleed
- Altered mental status
- Dyspnea
- Syncope
- Seizures
- Environmental or thermal problem
- Hazardous material or toxic exposure
- Trauma or multi trauma patients
- Allergic reactions
- Behavioral problems
- Obstetric or gynecological problems
- Pediatric patients
Describe how to effectively communicate patient information face to face, over the telephone, by radio, and in writing.
Appreciate the use of scenarios to develop high level clinical decision-making skills.
Defend the importance of considering differentials in patient care.
Advocate and practice the process of complete patient assessment on all patients.
Value the importance of presenting the patient accurately and clearly.
While serving as team leader, choreograph the EMS response team, perform a patient assessment, provide local/ regionally appropriate treatment, present cases verbally and in writing given a moulaged and programed simulated patient.
While serving as team leader, assess a programmed patient or mannequin, consider differentials, make decisions relative to interventions and transportation, provide the interventions, patient packaging and transportation, work as a team and practice various roles for the following common emergencies:
- Chest pain
- Cardiac Arrest
- Traumatic arrest
- Medical arrest
- Acute abdominal pain
- GI bleed
- Altered mental status
- Dyspnea
- Syncope
- Seizure
- Thermal/ environmental problem
- Hazardous materials/ toxicology
- Trauma
- Isolated extremity fracture (tibia/ fibula or radius/ ulna)
- Femur fracture
- Shoulder dislocation
- Clavicular fracture or A-C separation
- Minor wound (no sutures required, sutures required, high risk wounds, with tendon and/ or nerve injury)
- Spine injury (no neurologic deficit, with neurologic deficit)
- Multiple trauma‑blunt
- Penetrating trauma
- Impaled object
- Elderly fall
- Athletic injury
- Head injury (concussion, subdural/ epidural)
- Allergic reactions/ bites/ envenomation
- Local allergic reaction
- Systemic allergic reaction
- Envenomation
- Behavioral
- Mood disorders
- Schizophrenic and delusional disorders
- Suicidal
- Obstetrics/ gynecology
- Vaginal bleeding
- Childbirth (normal and abnormal)
- Pediatric
- Respiratory distress
- Fever
- Seizures

UNIT 24: Pre-Internship Field Exposure

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have spent a minimum of 48 hours on a type I ambulance, and while under the supervision of a Kansas certified paramedic, will have practiced, and observed, skills appropriate to the EMT level.

Perform patient assessment, including:
1. perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
2. ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
3. assess vital signs.
4. perform a secondary assessment.
5. develop a clinical impression and discuss with the preceptor.
6. perform the necessary documentation on the patient run report form.
Assign appropriate assessment, treatment and transportation priorities when multiple patients are encountered.
Perform proper BCLS, consistent with the American Heart Association guidelines.
Perform procedures and utilize specified equipment in a proper and safe fashion that is within the EMT scope of practice.
Perform biomedical communications.

Set up and administer all medications carried by the EMS organization which is providing the internship at the EMT certification level.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Given any medical or traumatic emergency, initiate appropriate and assertive treatment as per the organization’s protocols.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a calm, professional manner to bystanders, family, public service personnel and other health care providers.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

Projects Required:

As assigned.

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

None.

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Timeframe:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program:

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.