Dec 04, 2024

2020 - 2021 Cowley College Academic Catalog

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2020 - 2021 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 course provides students with an understanding of electrocardiography, cardiology, and resuscitation. Students also gain a functional knowledge of the principles, concepts, pathophysiology and treatment modalities for medical and trauma emergencies commonly encountered by the paramedic, as well as an understanding of EMS operations, MCIs, and other pertinent topics. The student will develop competencies in interpreting and treating ECG rhythms, localizing myocardial infarction sites, and advanced patient resuscitation. Students will gain the ability to assess and manage patients with medical and/or trauma emergencies, and will develop competencies in EMS operations.

Course Classification:

Lecture/Lab Combo

Prerequisites:

EMS5681 Paramedic 1

Controlling Purpose:

Learner Outcomes:

The student will develop competencies in interpreting and treating ECG rhythms, localizing myocardial infarction sites, and advanced patient resuscitation. Students will 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: Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will understand the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and be able to perform a complete field assessment in order to identify pathophysiological occurrences.

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
Discuss prevention strategies that may reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to coronary artery disease.
Describe the anatomy of the heart, including the position in the thoracic cavity, layers of the heart, chambers of the heart, and location and function of cardiac valves.
Identify the major structures of the vascular system.
Identify the factors affecting venous return.
Identify and define the components of cardiac output.
Identify phases of the cardiac cycle.
Identify the arterial blood supply to any given area of the myocardium.
Compare and contrast the coronary arterial distribution to the major portions of the cardiac conduction system.
Identify the structure and course of all divisions and subdivisions of the cardiac conduction system.
Identify and describe how the heart’s pacemaking control, rate, and rhythm are determined.
Explain the physiological basis of conduction delay in the AV node.
Define the functional properties of cardiac muscle.
Define the events comprising electrical potential.
List the most important ions involved in myocardial action potential and their primary function in this process.
Describe the events involved in the steps from excitation to contraction of cardiac muscle fibers.
Describe the clinical significance of Starling’s law.
Identify the structures of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Identify the effect of the ANS on heart rate, rhythm and contractility.
Define and give examples of positive and negative inotropism, chronotropism and dromotropism.
Discuss the pathophysiology of cardiac disease and injury.
Identify and describe the details of inspection, auscultation and palpation specific to the cardiovascular system.
Define pulse deficit, pulsus paradoxus and pulsus alternans.
Identify the normal characteristics of the point of maximal impulse (PMI).
Identify and define the heart sounds.
Relate heart sounds to hemodynamic events in the cardiac cycle.
Describe the differences between normal and abnormal heart sounds.
Identify and describe the components of the focused history as it relates to the patient with cardiovascular compromise.

UNIT 2: Introduction to the ECG

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to explain the purpose of ECG monitoring while identifying wave forms and correlating the electrophysiological and hemodynamic events occurring throughout the cardiac cycle.

Explain the purpose of ECG monitoring.
Describe how ECG wave forms are produced.
Use the ECG graph to identify and measure wave forms.
Measure time and plot out wave forms and complexes.
Correlate the electrophysiological and hemodynamic events occurring throughout the entire cardiac cycle with the various ECG wave forms, segments and intervals.
Identify how heart rates, durations, and amplitudes may be determined from ECG recordings.
Relate the cardiac surfaces or areas represented by the ECG leads.
Determine heart rate and rhythm.
Begin a systematic approach to ECG rhythm analysis
Given an ECG, identify the arrhythmia.
Identify the limitations to the ECG.
Differentiate among the primary mechanisms responsible for producing cardiac arrhythmias.
Describe a systematic approach to the analysis and interpretation of cardiac arrhythmias.
Identify the major classifications of pediatric cardiac rhythms.
Identify the ECG changes characteristically produced by electrolyte imbalances and specify the clinical implications.
Identify patient situations where ECG rhythm analysis is indicated.
Value and defend the urgency in rapid determination of and rapid intervention of patients in cardiac arrest.
Value and defend the possibility of termination of resuscitative efforts in the out-of-hospital setting.
Demonstrate how to set and adjust the ECG monitor settings to varying patient situations.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of various ECG lead systems.
Demonstrate how to record an ECG.
Defend patient situations where ECG rhythm analysis is indicated.

UNIT 3: ECG Interpretation

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe dysrhythmias and their origins while understanding the morbidity and mortality associated with myocardial conduction defects.

Describe the arrhythmias originating in the sinus node, the AV junction, the atria, and the ventricles.
Identify the ECG characteristics of the atrial mechanisms.
Differentiate atrial from junctional ectopics.
Recognize the change in direction of the P wave.
Differentiate between sinus and junctional P waves
Differentiate between ectopic and escape junctional mechanisms.
Identify the causes for the junctional mechanisms.
Describe the arrhythmias originating or sustained in the AV junction.
Describe the abnormalities originating within the bundle branch system.
Describe the process of differentiating wide QRS complex tachycardias.
Recognize the pitfalls in the differentiation of wide QRS complex tachycardias.
Recognize AVNRT and AVRT.
Recognize Wolff-Parkinson-White and Brugada syndromes.
Describe the conditions of pulseless electrical activity.
Describe the phenomena of reentry, aberration and accessory pathways.
Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with myocardial conduction defects.

UNIT 4: Pacemakers - Rhythms and External Pacing

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will understand artificial pacemakers being able to describe their risks, benefits and hazards.

Identify the clinical indications for transcutaneous and permanent artificial cardiac pacing.
Describe the components and the functions of a transcutaneous pacing system.
Explain what each setting and indicator on a transcutaneous pacing system represents and how the settings may be adjusted.
Describe the techniques of applying a transcutaneous pacing system.
Describe the characteristics of an implanted pacemaking system.
Describe artifacts that may cause confusion when evaluating the ECG of a patient with a pacemaker.
Identify the chambers of the heart that are being paced.
List the possible complications of pacing.
List the causes and implications of pacemaker failure.
Identify additional hazards that interfere with artificial pacemaker function.
Recognize the complications of artificial pacemakers as evidenced on ECG.
Value and defend the application of transcutaneous pacing system.
Value and defend the urgency in identifying pacemaker malfunction.
Set up and apply a transcutaneous pacing system.

UNIT 5: 12-18 Lead Electrocardiogram

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to recognize ECG findings that may evidence myocardial ischemia and correlate these findings to a reach a clinical interpretation.

Identify the surfaces of the heart visualized by the 12, 15 and 18 leads.
Identify the surfaces of the heart visualized by the right precordial leads.
Describe methods to calculate the electrical axis.
Recognize a significant abnormal axis deviation.
Recognize the changes on the ECG that may reflect evidence of myocardial ischemia and injury.
Recognize the limitations of the ECG in reflecting evidence of myocardial ischemia and injury.
Correlate abnormal ECG findings with clinical interpretation.
Demonstrate the ability to correctly run a 12-18 lead ECG.
Defend the rationale for performing a 12-18 lead ECG in the pre-hospital setting.

UNIT 6: Emergency Cardiac Care

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will identify cardiac dysrhythmias and demonstrate appropriate interventions for these dysrhythmias.

Identify the major therapeutic objectives in the treatment of the patient with any arrhythmia.
Identify the major mechanical, pharmacological and electrical therapeutic interventions.
Describe the major mechanical, pharmacological and electrical therapeutic interventions.
Based on field impressions, identify the need for rapid intervention for the patient in cardiovascular compromise.
Define the terms defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.
Demonstrate satisfactory performance of psychomotor skills of basic and advanced life support techniques according to the current American Heart Association Standards and Guidelines, including:
1. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital setting
2. Defibrillation
3. Synchronized cardioversion
4. Transcutaneous pacing
5. Valsalva maneuver
6. Carotid sinus massage
7. Precordial thump
Demonstrate proper techniques for performing infant and child defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.

UNIT 7: Pulmonary

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 respiratory problems.

Discuss the epidemiology of pulmonary diseases and conditions.
Identify and describe the function of the structures located in the upper and lower airway.
Discuss the physiology of ventilation and respiration.
Identify common pathological events that affect the pulmonary system.
Discuss abnormal assessment findings associated with pulmonary diseases and conditions.
Compare various airway and ventilation techniques used in the management of pulmonary diseases.
Review the pharmacological preparations that paramedics use for management of respiratory diseases and conditions.
Review the pharmacological preparations used in managing patients with respiratory diseases that may be prescribed by physicians.
Review the use of equipment used during the physical examination of patients with complaints associated with respiratory diseases and conditions.
Identify the epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment findings, and management for the following respiratory diseases and conditions:
Adult respiratory distress syndrome
Bronchial asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Pneumonia
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary thromboembolism
Neoplasms of the lung
Upper respiratory infections
Spontaneous pneumothorax
Hyperventilation syndrome
Recognize and value the assessment and treatment of patients with respiratory diseases.
Indicate appreciation for the critical nature of accurate field impressions of patients with respiratory diseases and conditions.
Demonstrate proper use of airway and ventilation devices.
Conduct a history and patient assessment for patients with pulmonary diseases and conditions.
Demonstrate the application of CPAP/BiPAP unit.

UNIT 8: Cardiology

Describe the epidemiology, morbidity and mortality, and pathophysiology of angina pectoris.
List and describe the assessment parameters to be evaluated in a patient with angina pectoris.
Identify what is meant by the OPQRST of chest pain assessment.
List other clinical conditions that may mimic signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease and angina pectoris.
Identify the ECG findings in patients with angina pectoris.
Identify the paramedic responsibilities associated with management of the patient with angina pectoris.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with chest pain, list the anticipated clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Describe the epidemiology, morbidity and mortality of myocardial infarction.
List the mechanisms by which an MI may be produced by traumatic and non-traumatic events.
Identify the primary hemodynamic changes produced in myocardial infarction.
List and describe the assessment parameters to be evaluated in a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction.
Identify the anticipated clinical presentation of a patient with a suspected acute myocardial infarction.
Differentiate the characteristics of the pain/ discomfort occurring in angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.
Identify the ECG changes characteristically seen during evolution of an acute myocardial infarction.
Identify the most common complications of an acute myocardial infarction.
List the characteristics of a patient eligible for thrombolytic therapy.
Describe the “window of opportunity” as it pertains to reperfusion of a myocardial injury or infarction.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with a suspected acute myocardial infarction, list the anticipated clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Specify the measures that may be taken to prevent or minimize complications in the patient suspected of myocardial infarction.
Describe the most commonly used cardiac drugs in terms of therapeutic effect and dosages, routes of administration, side effects and toxic effects.
Describe the epidemiology, morbidity and mortality of heart failure.
Define the principle causes and terminology associated with heart failure.
Identify the factors that may precipitate or aggravate heart failure.
Describe the physiological effects of heart failure.
Define the term “acute pulmonary edema” and describe its relationship to left ventricular failure.
Define preload, afterload and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and relate each to the pathophysiology of heart failure.
Differentiate between early and late signs and symptoms of left ventricular failure and those of right ventricular failure.
Explain the clinical significance of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
Explain the clinical significance of edema of the extremities and sacrum.
List the interventions prescribed for the patient in acute congestive heart failure.
Describe the most commonly used pharmacological agents in the management of congestive heart failure in terms of therapeutic effect, dosages, routes of administration, side effects and toxic effects.
Define the term “cardiac tamponade”.
List the mechanisms by which cardiac tamponade may be produced by traumatic and non-traumatic events.
Identify the limiting factor of pericardial anatomy that determines intrapericardiac pressure.
Identify the clinical criteria specific to cardiac tamponade.
Describe how to determine if pulsus paradoxus, pulsus alternans or electrical alternans is present.
Identify the paramedic responsibilities associated with management of a patient with cardiac tamponade.
Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of hypertensive emergencies.
Define the term “hypertensive emergency”.
Identify the characteristics of the patient population at risk for developing a hypertensive emergency.
Explain the essential pathophysiological defect of hypertension in terms of Starling’s law of the heart.
Identify the progressive vascular changes associate with sustained hypertension.
Describe the clinical features of the patient in a hypertensive emergency.
Rank the clinical problems of patients in hypertensive emergencies according to their sense of urgency.
From the priority of clinical problems identified, state the management responsibilities for the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Identify the drugs of choice for hypertensive emergencies, rationale for use, clinical precautions and disadvantages of selected antihypertensive agents.
Correlate abnormal findings with clinical interpretation of the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Define the term “cardiogenic shock”.
Describe the major systemic effects of reduced tissue perfusion caused by cardiogenic shock.
Explain the primary mechanisms by which the heart may compensate for a diminished cardiac output and describe their efficiency in cardiogenic shock.
Differentiate progressive stages of cardiogenic shock.
Identify the clinical criteria for cardiogenic shock.
Describe the characteristics of patients most likely to develop cardiogenic shock.
Describe the most commonly used pharmacological agents in the management of cardiogenic shock in terms of therapeutic effects, dosages, routes of administration, side effects and toxic effects.
Correlate abnormal findings with clinical assessment of the patient in cardiogenic shock.
Identify the paramedic responsibilities associated with management of a patient in cardiogenic shock.
Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of vascular disorders.
Describe the pathophysiology of vascular disorders.
List the traumatic and non-traumatic causes of vascular disorders.
Define the terms “aneurysm”, “claudication” and “phlebitis”.
Identify the peripheral arteries most commonly affected by occlusive disease.
Identify the major factors involved in the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysm.
Recognize the usual order of signs and symptoms that develop following peripheral artery occlusion.
Identify the clinical significance of claudication and presence of arterial bruits in a patient with peripheral vascular disorders.
Describe the clinical significance of unequal arterial blood pressure readings in the arms.
Recognize and describe the signs and symptoms of dissecting thoracic or abdominal aneurysm.
Describe the significant elements of the patient history in a patient with vascular disease.
Identify the hemodynamic effects of vascular disorders.
Identify the complications of vascular disorders.
Identify the paramedic’s responsibilities associated with management of patients with vascular disorders.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with vascular disorders.
Differentiate between signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, hypertensive emergencies, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with chest pain, characterize the clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Apply knowledge of the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease to develop prevention strategies.
Integrate pathophysiological principles into the assessment of a patient with cardiovascular disease.
Apply knowledge of the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease to develop prevention strategies.
Integrate pathophysiological principles into the assessment of a patient with cardiovascular disease.
Synthesize patient history, assessment findings and ECG analysis to form a field impression for the patient with cardiovascular disease.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient in need of a pacemaker.
Synthesize patient history, assessment findings and ECG analysis to form a field impression for the patient in need of a pacemaker.
Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on field impression for the patient in need of a pacemaker.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with chest pain, characterize the clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with chest pain.
Synthesize patient history, assessment findings and ECG analysis to form a field impression for the patient with angina pectoris.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with chest pain.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction.
Synthesize patient history, assessment findings and ECG analysis to form a field impression for the patient with a suspected myocardial infarction.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the suspected myocardial infarction patient.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of the patient with heart failure.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression of the patient with heart failure.
Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the heart failure patient.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with cardiac tamponade.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression of the patient with cardiac tamponade.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with cardiac tamponade.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression of the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of the patient with cardiogenic shock.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression of the patient with cardiogenic shock.
Develop, execute, and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with cardiogenic shock.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with vascular disorders.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history to form a field impression for the patient with vascular disorders.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment and field management of a patient with chest pain.
Value the sense of urgency for initial assessment and intervention in the patient with cardiac compromise.
Value and defend the sense of urgency necessary to protect the window of opportunity for reperfusion in the patient with suspected myocardial infarction.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with acute myocardial infarction, characterize the clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Defend the measures that may be taken to prevent or minimize complications in the patient with a suspected myocardial infarction.
Defend the urgency based on the severity of the patient’s clinical problems in a hypertensive emergency.
From the priority of clinical problems identified, state the management responsibilities for the patient with a hypertensive emergency.
Based on the pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with vascular disorders, characterize the clinical problems according to their life-threatening potential.
Value and defend the sense of urgency in identifying peripheral vascular occlusion.
Value and defend the sense of urgency in recognizing signs of aortic aneurysm.
Perform, document and communicate a cardiovascular assessment.
Given the model of a patient with signs and symptoms of heart failure, position the patient to afford comfort and relief.
Demonstrate how to determine if pulsus paradoxus, pulsus alternans or electrical alternans is present.
Complete a communication patch with medical direction and law enforcement used for termination of resuscitation efforts.
Demonstrate how to evaluate major peripheral arterial pulses.

UNIT 9: Neurology

Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of neurological emergencies.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to the nervous system.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to nervous system.
Discuss the pathophysiology of non-traumatic neurologic emergencies.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with non-traumatic neurologic emergencies.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and the transport of the patient with non-traumatic emergencies.
Discuss the management of non-traumatic neurological emergencies.
Discuss the pathophysiology of coma and altered mental status.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with coma and altered mental status.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of coma and altered mental status.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for seizures.
Discuss the pathophysiology of seizures.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with seizures.
Define seizure.
Describe and differentiate the major types of seizures.
List the most common causes of seizures.
Describe the phases of a generalized seizure.
Discuss the pathophysiology of syncope.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with syncope.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of syncope.
Discuss the pathophysiology of headache.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with headache.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of headache.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for neoplasms.
Discuss the pathophysiology of neoplasms.
Describe the types of neoplasms.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with neoplasms.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of neoplasms.
Define neoplasms.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to neoplasms.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with neoplasms.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of neoplasms.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with neoplasms.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for abscess.
Discuss the pathophysiology of abscess.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with abscess.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of abscess.
Define abscess.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to abscess.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with abscess.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of abscess.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with abscess.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Discuss the pathophysiology of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Describe the types of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Define stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for transient ischemic attack.
Discuss the pathophysiology of transient ischemic attack.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with transient ischemic attack.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of transient ischemic attack.
Define transient ischemic attack.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to transient ischemic attack.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with transient ischemic attack.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of transient ischemic attack.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with transient ischemic attack.
Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for degenerative neurological diseases.
Discuss the pathophysiology of degenerative neurological diseases.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with degenerative neurological diseases.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan of degenerative neurological diseases.
Define the following:
1. Muscular dystrophy
2. Multiple sclerosis
3. Dystonia
4. Parkinson’s disease
5. Trigeminal neuralgia
6. Bell’s palsy
7. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
8. Peripheral neuropathy
9. Myoclonus
10. Spina bifida
11. Poliomyelitis
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to degenerative neurological diseases.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with clinical significance in the patient with degenerative neurological diseases.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of degenerative neurological diseases.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with degenerative neurological diseases.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient with a neurological emergency.
Differentiate between neurological emergencies based on assessment findings.
Correlate abnormal assessment findings with the clinical significance in the patient with neurological complaints.
Develop a patient management plan based on field impression in the patient with neurological emergencies.
Characterize the feelings of a patient who regains consciousness among strangers.
Formulate means of conveying empathy to patients whose ability to communicate is limited by their condition.
Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with coma or altered mental status.
Perform a complete neurological examination as part of the comprehensive physical examination of a patient with coma or altered mental status.
Appropriately manage a patient with coma or altered mental status, including the administration of oxygen, oral glucose, 50% dextrose and narcotic reversal agents.
Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with syncope.
Appropriately manage a patient with syncope.
Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with seizures.
Appropriately manage a patient with seizures, including the administration of diazepam or lorazepam.
Perform an appropriate assessment of a patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage or TIA.
Appropriately manage a patient with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage or TIA.
Demonstrate an appropriate assessment of a patient with a chief complaint of weakness.

UNIT 10: 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 a 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 11: Allergies and Anaphylaxis

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 allergic or anaphylactic reaction.

Define allergic reaction.
Define anaphylaxis.
Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of anaphylaxis.
Identify the risk factors most predisposing to anaphylaxis.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to anaphylaxis.
Describe the prevention of anaphylaxis and appropriate patient education.
Discuss the pathophysiology of allergy and anaphylaxis.
Describe the common methods of entry of substances into the body.
Define natural and acquired immunity.
Define antigens and antibodies.
List common antigens most frequently associated with anaphylaxis.
Discuss the formation of antibodies in the body.
Describe physical manifestations in anaphylaxis.
Differentiate manifestations of an allergic reaction from anaphylaxis.
Recognize the signs and symptoms related to anaphylaxis.
Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of anaphylaxis.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles of the patient with anaphylaxis.
Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with anaphylaxis.
Develop a treatment plan based on field impression in the patient with allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.

UNIT 12: Gastroenterology

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 13: 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 14: Toxicology

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 a toxic exposure.

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:
1. Substance or drug abuse
2. Substance or drug dependence
3. Tolerance
4. Withdrawal
5. 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:
1. Cocaine
2. Marijuana and cannabis compounds
3. Amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs
4. Barbiturates
5. Sedative-hypnotics
6. Cyanide
7. Narcotics/ opiates
8. Cardiac medications
9. Caustics
10. Common household substances
11. Drugs abused for sexual purposes/ sexual gratification
12. Carbon monoxide
13. Alcohols
14. Hydrocarbons
15. Psychiatric medications
16. Newer anti-depressants and serotonin syndromes
17. Lithium
18. MAO inhibitors
19. Non-prescription pain medications
20. Nonsteroidal anitinflammatory agents
21. Salicylates
22. Acetaminophen
23. Theophylline
24. Metals
25. 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 15: Environmental Conditions

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 Ahomeostasis” 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 over heating.
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 16: 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, epiglotitis, 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 17: Behavioral and Psychiatric Disorders

Outcomes: At the end of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to describe and demonstrate safe, empathetic competence in caring for patients with behavioral emergencies.

Define behavior and distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior.
Define behavioral emergency.
Discuss the prevalence of behavior and psychiatric disorders.
Discuss the factors that may alter the behavior or emotional status of an ill or injured individual.
Describe the medical legal considerations for management of emotionally disturbed patients.
Discuss the pathophysiology of behavioral and psychiatric disorders.
Describe the overt behaviors associated with behavioral and psychiatric disorders.
Define the following terms:
1. Affect
2. Anger
3. Anxiety
4. Confusion
5. Depression
6. Fear
7. Mental status
8. Open-ended question
9. Posture
Describe the verbal techniques useful in managing the emotionally disturbed patient.
List the reasons for taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the patient, paramedic and others.
Describe the circumstances when relatives, bystanders and others should be removed from the scene.
Describe the techniques that facilitate the systematic gathering of information from the disturbed patient.
List situations in which the EMT-P is expected to transport a patient forcibly and against his will.
Identify techniques for physical assessment in a patient with behavioral problems.
Describe methods of restraint that may be necessary in managing the emotionally disturbed patient.
List the risk factors for suicide.
List the behaviors that may be seen indicating that patient may be at risk for suicide.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles with the assessment of the patient with behavioral and psychiatric disorders.
Differentiate between the various behavioral and psychiatric disorders based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan based on the field impressions.
Advocate for empathetic and respectful treatment for individuals experiencing behavioral emergencies.
Demonstrate safe techniques for managing and restraining a violent patient.

UNIT 18: 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 19: 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 20: Neonatology

Define the term newborn.
Define the term neonate.
Identify important antepartum factors that can affect childbirth.
Identify important intrapartum factors that can term the newborn high risk.
Identify the factors that lead to premature birth and low birth weight newborns.
Distinguish between primary and secondary apnea.
Discuss pulmonary perfusion and asphyxia.
Identify the primary signs utilized for evaluating a newborn during resuscitation.
Formulate an appropriate treatment plan for providing initial care to a newborn.
Identify the appropriate use of the APGAR score in caring for a newborn.
Calculate the APGAR score given various newborn situations.
Determine when ventilatory assistance is appropriate for a newborn.
Prepare appropriate ventilation equipment, adjuncts and technique for a newborn.
Determine when chest compressions are appropriate for a newborn.
Discuss appropriate chest compression techniques for a newborn.
Assess patient improvement due to chest compressions and ventilations.
Determine when endotracheal intubation is appropriate for a newborn.
Discuss appropriate endotracheal intubation techniques for a newborn.
Assess patient improvement due to endotracheal intubation.
Identify complications related to endotracheal intubation for a newborn.
Determine when vascular access is indicated for a newborn.
Discuss the routes of medication administration for a newborn.
Determine when blow-by oxygen delivery is appropriate for a newborn.
Discuss appropriate blow-by oxygen delivery devices and technique for a newborn.
Assess patient improvement due to assisted ventilations.
Determine when an orogastric tube should be inserted during positive-pressure ventilation.
Discuss the signs of hypovolemia in a newborn.
Discuss the initial steps in resuscitation of a newborn.
Assess patient improvement due to blow-by oxygen delivery.
Discuss the effects maternal narcotic usage has on the newborn.
Determine the appropriate treatment for the newborn with narcotic depression.
Discuss appropriate transport guidelines for a newborn.
Determine appropriate receiving facilities for low and high risk newborns.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for meconium aspiration.
Discuss the pathophysiology of meconium aspiration.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with meconium aspiration.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for meconium aspiration.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for apnea in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of apnea in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with apnea in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for apnea in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment findings, management/ treatment plan for diaphragmatic hernia.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for bradycardia in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of bradycardia in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with bradycardia in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for bradycardia in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for premature infants
Discuss the pathophysiology of premature infants.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with premature infants.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for premature infants.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for respiratory distress/ cyanosis in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of respiratory distress/ cyanosis in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with respiratory distress/ cyanosis in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for respiratory distress/ cyanosis in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for seizures in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of seizures in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with seizures in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for seizures in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for fever in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of fever in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with fever in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for fever in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for hypothermia in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hypothermia in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with hypothermia in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for hypothermia in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for hypoglycemia in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with hypoglycemia in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for hypoglycemia in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for vomiting in the neonate
Discuss the pathophysiology of vomiting in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with vomiting in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for vomiting in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for diarrhea in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of in diarrhea the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with diarrhea in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for diarrhea in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for common birth injuries in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of common birth injuries in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with common birth injuries in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for common birth injuries in the neonate.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality and risk factors for cardiac arrest in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest in the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with cardiac arrest in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for cardiac arrest in the neonate.
Discuss the pathophysiology of post arrest management of the neonate.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with post arrest situations in the neonate.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan to stabilize the post arrest neonate.
Demonstrate and advocate appropriate interaction with a newborn/ neonate that conveys respect for their position in life.
Recognize the emotional impact of newborn/ neonate injuries/ illnesses on parents/ guardians.
Recognize and appreciate the physical and emotional difficulties associated with separation of the parent/ guardian and a newborn/ neonate.
Listen to the concerns expressed by parents/ guardians.
Attend to the need for reassurance, empathy and compassion for the parent/ guardian.
Demonstrate preparation of a newborn resuscitation area.
Demonstrate appropriate assessment technique for examining a newborn.
Demonstrate appropriate assisted ventilations for a newborn.
Demonstrate appropriate endotracheal intubation technique for a newborn.
Demonstrate appropriate meconium aspiration suctioning technique for a newborn.
Demonstrate appropriate insertion of an orogastric tube.
Demonstrate needle chest decompression for a newborn or neonate.
Demonstrate appropriate chest compression and ventilation technique for a newborn.
Demonstrate appropriate techniques to improve or eliminate endotracheal intubation complications.
Demonstrate vascular access cannulation techniques for a newborn.
Demonstrate the initial steps in resuscitation of a newborn.
Demonstrate blow-by oxygen delivery for a newborn.

UNIT 21: Pediatrics

Discuss the paramedic’s role in the reduction of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality from acute illness and injury.
Identify methods/ mechanisms that prevent injuries to infants and children.
Describe Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC).
Discuss how an integrated EMSC system can affect patient outcome.
Identify key growth and developmental characteristics of infants and children and their implications.
Identify key anatomical and physiological characteristics of infants and children and their implications.
Describe techniques for successful assessment of infants and children.
Describe the rapid pediatric cardiopulmonary assessment.
Describe techniques for successful treatment of infants and children.
Identify the common responses of families to acute illness and injury of an infant or child.
Describe techniques for successful interaction with families of acutely ill or injured infants and children.
Outline differences in adult and childhood anatomy and physiology.
Identify “normal” age group related vital signs.
Discuss the appropriate equipment utilized to obtain pediatric vital signs.
List the indications and methods for gastric decompression for infants and children.
Define respiratory distress.
Define respiratory failure.
Define respiratory arrest.
Differentiate between upper airway obstruction and lower airway disease.
Describe the general approach to the treatment of children with respiratory distress, failure, or arrest from upper airway obstruction or lower airway disease.
Discuss the common causes of hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Evaluate the severity of hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Identify the major classifications of pediatric cardiac rhythms.
Describe the primary etiologies of altered level of consciousness in infants and children.
Identify common lethal mechanisms of injury in infants and children.
Discuss anatomical features of children that predispose or protect them from certain injuries.
Describe aspects of infant and children airway management that are affected by potential cervical spine injury.
Determine infant and child trauma patients who require spinal immobilization.
Discuss fluid management and shock treatment for infant and child trauma patient.
Determine when pain management and sedation are appropriate for infants and children.
Define child abuse.
Define child neglect.
Define sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Discuss the parent/caregiver responses to the death of an infant or child.
Define children with special health care needs.
Define technology assisted children.
Discuss appropriate transport guidelines for infants and children.
Discuss appropriate receiving facilities for low and high risk infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for hypoperfusion in infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for neurological emergencies in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of neurological emergencies in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with neurological emergencies in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for neurological emergencies in infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for trauma in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of trauma in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with trauma in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for trauma in infants and children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for abuse and neglect in infants and children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of abuse and neglect in infants and children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with abuse and neglect in infants and children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for abuse and neglect in infants and children, including documentation and reporting.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for SIDS infants.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for children with special health care needs including technology assisted children.
Discuss the pathophysiology of children with special health care needs including technology assisted children.
Discuss the assessment findings associated for children with special health care needs including technology assisted children.
Discuss the management/ treatment plan for children with special health care needs including technology assisted children.
Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for SIDS infants.
Discuss the pathophysiology of SIDS in infants.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with SIDS infants.
Demonstrate and advocate appropriate interactions with the infant/ child that convey an understanding of their developmental stage.
Recognize the emotional dependence of the infant/ child to their parent/ guardian.
Recognize the emotional impact of the infant/ child injuries and illnesses on the parent/ guardian.
Recognize and appreciate the physical and emotional difficulties associated with separation of the parent/guardian of a special needs child
Demonstrate the ability to provide reassurance, empathy and compassion for the parent/ guardian.
Demonstrate the appropriate approach for treating infants and children.
Demonstrate appropriate intervention techniques with families of acutely ill or injured infants and children.
Demonstrate an appropriate assessment for different developmental age groups.
Demonstrate an appropriate technique for measuring pediatric vital signs.
Demonstrate the use of a length-based resuscitation device for determining equipment sizes, drug doses and other pertinent information for a pediatric patient.
Demonstrate the appropriate approach for treating infants and children with respiratory distress, failure, and arrest.
Demonstrate proper placement of a gastric tube in infants and children.
Demonstrate appropriate immobilization techniques for infant and child trauma patients.
Demonstrate treatment of infants and children with head injuries.
Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with chest injuries.
Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with abdominal injuries.
Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with extremity injuries.
Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with burns.
Demonstrate appropriate parent/caregiver interviewing techniques for infant and child death situations.

UNIT 22: Geriatrics

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

Discuss population demographics demonstrating the rise in elderly population in the U.S.
Discuss society’s view of aging and the social, financial, and ethical issues facing the elderly.
Assess the various living environments of elderly patients.
Describe the local resources available to assist the elderly and create strategies to refer at risk patients to appropriate community services.
Discuss issues facing society concerning the elderly.
Discuss common emotional and psychological reactions to aging to include causes and manifestations.
Apply the pathophysiology of multi-system failure to the assessment and management of medical conditions in the elderly patient.
Discuss the problems with mobility in the elderly and develop strategies to prevent falls.
Discuss the implications of problems with sensation to communication and patient assessment.
Discuss the problems with continence and elimination and develop communication strategies to provide psychological support.
Discuss factors that may complicate the assessment of the elderly patient.
Describe principles that should be employed when assessing and communicating with the elderly.
Compare the assessment of a young patient with that of an elderly patient.
Discuss common complaints of elderly patients.
Compare the pharmacokinetics of an elderly patient to that of a young adult.
Discuss the impact of polypharmacy and medication non-compliance on patient assessment and management.
Discuss drug distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the elderly patient.
Discuss medication issues of the elderly including polypharmacy, dosing errors and increased drug sensitivity.
Discuss the use and effects of commonly prescribed drugs for the elderly patient.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes with age of the pulmonary system.
Describe the epidemiology of pulmonary diseases in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies for patients with pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and pulmonary embolism.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases in the elderly with that of a younger adult, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pulmonary embolism.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with pulmonary complaints, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pulmonary embolism.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the elderly patient with pulmonary complaints.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with pulmonary complaints, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pulmonary embolism.
Discuss the normal and abnormal cardiovascular system changes with age.
Describe the epidemiology for cardiovascular diseases in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies for patients with myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, aneurism, and hypertension.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly with that of a younger adult, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, aneurism, and hypertension.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the cardiovascular system, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, aneurism, and hypertension.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the elderly patient with cardiovascular complaints.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with cardiovascular complaints, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, aneurism and hypertension.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes with age of the nervous system.
Describe the epidemiology for nervous system diseases in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies for patients with cerebral vascular disease, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases in the elderly with that of a younger adult, including cerebral vascular disease, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the nervous system, including cerebral vascular disease, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with complaints related to the nervous system.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with complaints related to the nervous system, including cerebral vascular disease, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes of the endocrine system with age.
Describe the epidemiology for endocrine diseases in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies for patients with diabetes and thyroid diseases.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of diabetes and thyroid diseases in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the endocrine system, including diabetes and thyroid diseases.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with endocrine problems.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with endocrine problems, including diabetes and thyroid diseases.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes of the gastrointestinal system with age.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the gastrointestinal system.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with gastrointestinal complaints.
Develop and execute a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with gastrointestinal problems.
Discuss the assessment and management of an elderly patient with GI hemorrhage and bowel obstruction.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of GI hemorrhage and bowel obstruction in the elderly with that of a young adult.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes with age related to toxicology.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to toxicology.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with toxicological problems.
Develop and execute a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with toxicological problems.
Describe the epidemiology in the elderly, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies, for patients with drug toxicity.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of drug toxicity in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment findings common in elderly patients with drug toxicity.
Discuss the management/ considerations when treating an elderly patient with drug toxicity.
Describe the epidemiology for drug and alcohol abuse in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of drug and alcohol abuse in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment findings common in elderly patients with drug and alcohol abuse.
Discuss the management/ considerations when treating an elderly patient with drug and alcohol abuse.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes of thermoregulation with age.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to thermoregulation.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with environmental considerations.
Develop and execute a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with environmental considerations.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of hypothermia and hyperthermia in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment findings and management plan for elderly patients with hypothermia and hyperthermia.
Discuss the normal and abnormal psychiatric changes of age.
Describe the epidemiology of depression and suicide in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Compare and contrast the psychiatry of depression and suicide in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with psychiatric complaints, including depression and suicide.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the elderly psychiatric patient.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly psychiatric patient, including depression and suicide.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes of the integumentary system with age.
Describe the epidemiology for pressure ulcers in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers in the elderly with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the integumentary system, including pressure ulcers.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with complaints related to the integumentary system.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with complaints related to the integumentary system, including pressure ulcers.
Discuss the normal and abnormal changes of the musculoskeletal system with age.
Describe the epidemiology for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis with that of a younger adult.
Discuss the assessment of the elderly patient with complaints related to the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Identify the need for intervention and transportation of the patient with musculoskeletal complaints.
Develop a treatment and management plan of the elderly patient with musculoskeletal complaints, including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Describe the epidemiology for trauma in the elderly, including incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors, and prevention strategies for patients with orthopedic injuries, burns and head injuries.
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of trauma in the elderly with that of a younger adult, including orthopedic injuries, burns and head injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings common in elderly patients with traumatic injuries, including orthopedic injuries, burns and head injuries.
Discuss the management/ considerations when treating an elderly patient with traumatic injuries, including orthopedic injuries, burns and head injuries.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the elderly patient with trauma.
Demonstrate and advocate appropriate interactions with the elderly that conveys respect for their position in life.
Recognize the emotional need for independence in the elderly while simultaneously attending to their apparent acute dependence.
Recognize and appreciate the many impediments to physical and emotional well being in the elderly.
Recognize and appreciate the physical and emotional difficulties associated with being a caretaker of an impaired elderly person, particularly the patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
Demonstrate the ability to assess a geriatric patient.
Demonstrate the ability to adjust their assessment to a geriatric patient.

UNIT 23: Abuse and Assault

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has sustained abuse or assault.

Discuss the incidence of abuse and assault.
Describe the categories of abuse.
Discuss examples of spouse abuse.
Discuss examples of elder abuse.
Discuss examples of child abuse.
Discuss examples of sexual assault.
Describe the characteristics associated with the profile of the typical abuser of a spouse.
Describe the characteristics associated with the profile of the typical abuser of the elder.
Describe the characteristics associated with the profile of the typical abuser of children.
Describe the characteristics associated with the profile of the typical assailant of sexual assault.
Identify the profile of the “at-risk” spouse.
Identify the profile of the “at-risk” elder.
Identify the profile of the “at-risk” child.
Discuss the assessment and management of the abused patient.
Discuss the legal aspects associated with abuse situations.
Identify community resources that are able to assist victims of abuse and assault.
Discuss the documentation associated with abused and assaulted patient.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the abused patient.
Value the behavior of the abused patient.
Attend to the emotional state of the abused patient.
Recognize the value of non-verbal communication with the abused patient.
Attend to the needs for reassurance, empathy and compassion with the abused patient.
Listen to the concerns expressed by the abused patient.
Listen and value the concerns expressed by the sexually assaulted patient.
Demonstrate the ability to assess a spouse, elder or child abused patient.
Demonstrate the ability to assess a sexually assaulted patient.

UNIT 24: Patients with Special Challenges

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit the paramedic student will be able to integrate pathophysiological and psychosocial principles to adapt the assessment and treatment plan for diverse patients and those who face physical, mental, social and financial challenges.

Describe the various etiologies and types of hearing impairments.
Recognize the patient with a hearing impairment.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a hearing impairment.
Describe the various etiologies of visual impairments.
Recognize the patient with a visual impairment.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a visual impairment.
Describe the various etiologies and types of speech impairments.
Recognize the patient with a speech impairment.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a speech impairment.
Describe the various etiologies of obesity.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed it order to properly manage the patient with obesity.
Describe paraplegia/ quadriplegia.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with paraplegia/ quadriplegia.
Define mental illness.
Describe the various etiologies of mental illness.
Recognize the presenting signs of the various mental illnesses.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a mental illness.
Define the term developmentally disabled.
Recognize the patient with a developmental disability.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a developmental disability.
Describe Down’s syndrome.
Recognize the patient with Down’s syndrome.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with Down’s syndrome.
Describe the various etiologies of emotional impairment.
Recognize the patient with an emotional impairment.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with an emotional impairment.
Define emotional/ mental impairment (EMI).
Recognize the patient with an emotional or mental impairment.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage patients with an emotional or mental impairment.
Describe the following diseases/ illnesses:
1. Arthritis
2. Cancer
3. Cerebral palsy
4. Cystic fibrosis
5. Multiple sclerosis
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Myasthenia gravis
8. Poliomyelitis
9. Spina bifida
10. Patients with a previous head injury
Identify the possible presenting sign(s) for the following diseases/ illnesses:
1. Arthritis
2. Cancer
3. Cerebral palsy
4. Cystic fibrosis
5. Multiple sclerosis
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Myasthenia gravis
8. Poliomyelitis
9. Spina bifida
10. Patients with a previous head injury
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the following patients:
1. Arthritis
2. Cancer
3. Cerebral palsy
4. Cystic fibrosis
5. Multiple sclerosis
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Myasthenia gravis
8. Poliomyelitis
9. Spina bifida
10. Patients with a previous head injury
Identify the possible presenting sign(s) for the following diseases/ illnesses:
1. Arthritis
2. Cancer
3. Cerebral palsy
4. Cystic fibrosis
5. Multiple sclerosis
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Myasthenia gravis
8. Poliomyelitis
9. Spina bifida
10. Patients with a previous head injury
Define cultural diversity.
Recognize a patient who is culturally diverse.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage a patient who is culturally diverse.
Identify a patient that is terminally ill.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage a patient who is terminally ill.
Identify a patient with a communicable disease.
Recognize the presenting signs of a patient with a communicable disease.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage a patient with a communicable disease
Recognize sign(s) of financial impairments.
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the patient with a financial impairment.

UNIT 25: Acute Interventions for the Chronic Care Patient

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

Compare and contrast the primary objectives of the ALS professional and the home care professional.
Identify the importance of home health care medicine as related to the ALS level of care.
Differentiate between the role of EMS provider and the role of the home care provider.
Compare and contrast the primary objectives of acute care, home care and hospice care.
Summarize the types of home health care available in your area and the services provided.
Discuss the aspects of home care that result in enhanced quality of care for a given patient.
Discuss the aspects of home care that have a potential to become a detriment to the quality of care for a given patient.
List complications commonly seen in the home care patients which result in their hospitalization.
Compare the cost, mortality and quality of care for a given patient in the hospital versus the home care setting.
Discuss the significance of palliative care programs as related to a patient in a home health care setting.
Define hospice care, comfort care and DNR/ DNAR as they relate to local practice, law and policy.
List the stages of the grief process and relate them to an individual in hospice care.
List pathologies and complications typical to home care patients.
Given a home care scenario, predict complications requiring ALS intervention.
Given a series of home care scenarios, determine which patients should receive follow-up home care and which should be transported to an emergency care facility.
Describe airway maintenance devices typically found in the home care environment.
Describe devices that provide or enhance alveolar ventilation in the home care setting.
List modes of artificial ventilation and an out-of-hospital situation where each might be employed.
List vascular access devices found in the home care setting.
Recognize standard central venous access devices utilized in home health care.
Describe the basic universal characteristics of central venous catheters.
Describe the basic universal characteristics of implantable injection devices.
List devices found in the home care setting that are used to empty, irrigate or deliver nutrition or medication to the GI/ GU tract.
Describe complications of assessing each of the airway, vascular access, and GI/ GU devices described above.
Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the appropriate ALS interventions.
Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate interaction and support with the family members/ support persons for a patient who has died.
Describe common complications with central venous access and implantable drug administration ports in the out-of-hospital setting.
Describe the indications and contraindications for urinary catheter insertion in an out-of-hospital setting.
Identify the proper anatomy for placement of urinary catheters in males or females.
Identify failure of GI/ GU devices found in the home care setting.
Identify failure of ventilatory devices found in the home care setting.
Identify failure of vascular access devices found in the home care setting.
Identify failure of drains.
Differentiate between home care and acute care as preferable situations for a given patient scenario.
Discuss the relationship between local home care treatment protocols/ SOPs and local EMS Protocols/ SOPs.
Discuss differences in individuals’ ability to accept and cope with their own impending death.
Discuss the rights of the terminally ill.
Value the role of the home-care professional and understand their role in patient care along the life-span continuum.
Value the patient’s desire to remain in the home setting.
Value the patient’s desire to accept or deny hospice care.
Value the uses of long term venous access in the home health setting, including but not limited to:
Chemotherapy
Home pain management
Nutrition therapy
Congestive heart therapy
Antibiotic therapy
Observe for an infected or otherwise complicated venous access point
Demonstrate proper tracheotomy care.
Demonstrate the insertion of a new inner cannula and/ or the use of an endotracheal tube to temporarily maintain an airway in a tracheostomy patient.
Demonstrate proper technique for drawing blood from a central venous line.
Demonstrate the method of accessing vascular access devices found in the home health care setting.

UNIT 26: Life Span Development

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate the physiological, psychological, and sociological changes throughout human development with assessment and communication strategies for patients of all ages.

Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an infant with those of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a toddler with those of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a pre-school child with those of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a school-aged child with those of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an adolescent with those of an early adult.
Summarize the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a middle aged adult with those of an early adult.
Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a person in late adulthood with those of an early adult.
Value the uniqueness of infants, toddlers, pre-school, school aged, adolescent, early adulthood, middle aged, and late adulthood physiological and psychosocial characteristics.

UNIT 27: Trauma Systems and Mechanism of Injury

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 trauma patient.

List and describe the components of a comprehensive trauma system.
Describe the role of and differences between levels of trauma centers.
Describe the criteria for transport to a trauma center.
Describe the criteria and procedure for air medical transport.
Define energy and force as they relate to trauma.
Define laws of motion and energy and understand the role that increased speed has on injuries.
Describe each type of impact and its effect on unrestrained victims (e.g., “down and under,” “up and over,” compression, deceleration).
Describe the pathophysiology of the head, spine, thorax, and abdomen that result from the above forces.
List specific injuries and their causes as related to interior and exterior vehicle damage.
Describe the kinematics of penetrating injuries.
List the motion and energy considerations of mechanisms other than motor vehicle crashes.
Define the role of kinematics as an additional tool for patient assessment.

UNIT 28: Hemorrhage and Shock

Discuss the epidemiology, including the morbidity/ mortality and prevention strategies, for shock and hemorrhage.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
Predict shock and hemorrhage based on mechanism of injury.
Discuss the various types and degrees of shock and hemorrhage.
Discuss the pathophysiology of hemorrhage and shock.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with hemorrhage or shock.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the patient with hemorrhage or shock.
Discuss the treatment plan and management of hemorrhage and shock.
Discuss the management of external hemorrhage.
Differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Differentiate between the administration rate and amount of IV fluid in a patient with controlled versus uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Relate internal hemorrhage to the pathophysiology of compensated and decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Relate internal hemorrhage to the assessment findings of compensated and decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Discuss the management of internal hemorrhage.
Define shock based on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of shock.
Describe the body’s physiologic response to changes in perfusion.
Describe the effects of decreased perfusion at the capillary level.
Discuss the cellular ischemic phase related to hemorrhagic shock.
Discuss the capillary stagnation phase related to hemorrhagic shock.
Discuss the capillary washout phase related to hemorrhagic shock.
Discuss the assessment findings of hemorrhagic shock.
Relate pulse pressure changes to perfusion status.
Relate orthostatic vital sign changes to perfusion status.
Define compensated and decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Discuss the pathophysiological changes associated with compensated shock.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with compensated shock.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the patient with compensated shock.
Discuss the treatment plan and management of compensated shock.
Discuss the pathophysiological changes associated with decompensated shock.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with decompensated shock.
Identify the need for intervention and transport of the patient with decompensated shock.
Discuss the treatment plan and management of the patient with decompensated shock.
Differentiate between compensated and decompensated shock.
Relate external hemorrhage to the pathophysiology of compensated and decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Relate external hemorrhage to the assessment findings of compensated and decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Differentiate between the normotensive, hypotensive, or profoundly hypotensive patient.
Differentiate between the administration of fluid in the normotensive, hypotensive, or profoundly hypotensive patient.
Discuss the physiologic changes associated with the pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG).
Discuss the indications and contraindications for the application and inflation of the PASG.
Apply epidemiology to develop prevention strategies for hemorrhage and shock.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with hemorrhage or shock.
Synthesize assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression for the patient with hemorrhage or shock.
Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the hemorrhage or shock patient.
Demonstrate the assessment of a patient with signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the assessment of a patient with signs and symptoms of compensated hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of compensated hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the assessment of a patient with signs and symptoms of decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of decompensated hemorrhagic shock.
Demonstrate the assessment of a patient with signs and symptoms of external hemorrhage.
Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of external hemorrhage.
Demonstrate the assessment of a patient with signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhage.
Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhage.

UNIT 29: Soft Tissue 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 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:
1. Hemostasis
2. Inflammation phase
3. Epithelialization
4. Neovascularization
5. Collagen synthesis
6. Discuss the pathophysiology of soft tissue injuries.
7. Differentiate between the following types of closed soft tissue injuries:
8. Contusion
9. Hematoma
10. 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:
1. Abrasions
2. Lacerations
3. Major arterial lacerations
4. Avulsions
5. Impaled objects
6. Amputations
7. Incisions
8. Crush injuries
9. Blast injuries
10. Penetrations/ punctures
Discuss the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of blast injuries.
Predict blast injuries based on mechanism of injury, including:
1. Primary
2. Secondary
3. Tertiary
Discuss types of trauma including:
1. Blunt
2. Penetrating
3. Barotrauma
4. 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:
1. Crush injury
2. Crush syndrome
3. Compartment syndrome
4. Discuss the mechanisms of injury in a crush injury.
5. Discuss the effects of reperfusion and rhabdomyolysis on the body.
6. Discuss the assessment findings associated with crush injuries.
7. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a crush injury.
8. Discuss the management of a patient with a crush injury.
9. Discuss the pathophysiology of hemorrhage associated with soft tissue injuries, including:
10. Capillary
11. 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:
1. Direct pressure
2. Elevation
3. Pressure dressing
4. Pressure point
5. 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:
1. Dressings
2. Sterile
3. Non-sterile
4. Occlusive
5. Non-occlusive
6. Adherent
7. Non-adherent
8. Absorbent
9. Non-absorbent
10. Wet
11. Dry
12. Bandages
13. Absorbent
14. Non-absorbent
15. Adherent
16. Non-adherent
17. 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:
1. Airway/ face/ neck trauma
2. Thoracic trauma (open/ closed)
3. 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:
1. Contusion
2. Hematoma
3. Crushing
4. Abrasion
5. Laceration
6. Avulsion
7. Amputation
8. Impaled object
9. Penetration/ puncture
10. Blast

UNIT 30: 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 31: Head and Facial Trauma

Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of facial injures.
Explain facial anatomy and relate physiology to facial injuries.
Predict facial injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Predict other injuries commonly associated with facial injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Differentiate between the following types of facial injuries, highlighting the defining characteristics of each:
1. Eye
2. Ear
3. Nose
4. Throat
5. Mouth
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a facial injury.
Differentiate between facial injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with a facial injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with a facial injury based on the field impression.
Explain the pathophysiology of eye injuries.
Relate assessment findings associated with eye injuries to pathophysiology.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an eye injury.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with an eye injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with an eye injury based on the field impression.
Explain the pathophysiology of ear injuries.
Relate assessment findings associated with ear injuries to pathophysiology.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with an ear injury.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with an ear injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with an ear injury based on the field impression.
Explain the pathophysiology of nose injuries.
Relate assessment findings associated with nose injuries to pathophysiology.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a nose injury.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with a nose injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with a nose injury based on the field impression.
Explain the pathophysiology of throat injuries.
Relate assessment findings associated with throat injuries to pathophysiology.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a throat injury.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with a throat injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with a throat injury based on the field impression.
Explain the pathophysiology of mouth injuries.
Relate assessment findings associated with mouth injuries to pathophysiology.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a mouth injury.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with a mouth injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with a mouth injury based on the field impression.
Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of head injures.
Explain anatomy and relate physiology of the CNS to head injuries.
Predict head injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Distinguish between head injury and brain injury.
Explain the pathophysiology of head/ brain injuries.
Explain the concept of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP).
Explain the effect of increased and decreased carbon dioxide on ICP.
Define and explain the process involved with each of the levels of increasing ICP.
Relate assessment findings associated with head/ brain injuries to the pathophysiologic process.
Classify head injuries (mild, moderate, severe) according to assessment findings.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a head/ brain injury.
Describe and explain the general management of the head/ brain injury patient, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.
Analyze the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration in the blood and management of the airway in the head/ brain injured patient.
Explain the pathophysiology of diffuse axonal injury.
Relate assessment findings associated with concussion, moderate and severe diffuse axonal injury to pathophysiology.
Develop a management plan for a patient with a moderate and severe diffuse axonal injury.
Explain the pathophysiology of skull fracture.
Relate assessment findings associated with skull fracture to pathophysiology.
Develop a management plan for a patient with a skull fracture.
Explain the pathophysiology of cerebral contusion.
Relate assessment findings associated with cerebral contusion to pathophysiology.
Develop a management plan for a patient with a cerebral contusion.
Explain the pathophysiology of intracranial hemorrhage, including:
1. Epidural
2. Subdural
3. Intracerebral
4. Subarachnoid
Relate assessment findings associated with intracranial hemorrhage to pathophysiology, including:
1. Epidural
2. Subdural
3. Intracerebral
4. Subarachnoid
Develop a management plan for a patient with a intracranial hemorrhage, including:
1. Epidural
2. Subdural
3. Intracerebral
4. Subarachnoid
Describe the various types of helmets and their purposes.
Relate priorities of care to factors determining the need for helmet removal in various field situations including sports related incidents.
Develop a management plan for the removal of a helmet for a head injured patient.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with head/ brain injury.
Differentiate between the types of head/ brain injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression for a patient with a head/ brain injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for a patient with a head/ brain injury based on the field impression.

UNIT 32: Spinal Trauma

Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of spinal injuries in the trauma patient.
Describe the anatomy and physiology of structures related to spinal injuries.
1. Cervical
2. Thoracic
3. Lumbar
4. Sacrum
5. Coccyx
6. Head
7. Brain
8. Spinal cord
9. Nerve tract(s)
10. Dermatomes
Predict spinal injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Describe the pathophysiology of spinal injuries.
Explain traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injuries.
Describe the assessment findings associated with spinal injuries.
Describe the management of spinal injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with spinal injuries.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a spinal injury.
Differentiate between spinal injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression.
Describe the pathophysiology of traumatic spinal injury related to:
1. Spinal shock
2. Spinal neurogenic shock
3. Quadriplegia/ paraplegia
4. Incomplete cord injury/ cord syndromes:
5. Central cord syndrome
6. Anterior cord syndrome
7. Brown-Sequard syndrome

Describe the assessment findings associated with traumatic spinal injuries.
Describe the management of traumatic spinal injuries.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a traumatic spinal injury.
Differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression for traumatic spinal injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for traumatic spinal injury based on the field impression.
Describe the pathophysiology of non-traumatic spinal injury, including:
1. Low back pain
2. Herniated intervertebral disk
3. Spinal cord tumors
Describe the assessment findings associated with non-traumatic spinal injuries
Describe the management of non-traumatic spinal injuries.
Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with non-traumatic spinal injury.
Differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression for non-traumatic spinal injury based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan for non-traumatic spinal injury based on the field impression.
Advocate the use of a thorough assessment when determining the proper management modality for spine injuries.
Value the implications of failing to properly immobilize a spine injured patient.
Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper management modality for a patient with a suspected traumatic spinal injury.
Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper management modality for a patient with a suspected non-traumatic spinal injury.
Demonstrate immobilization of the urgent and non-urgent patient with assessment findings of spinal injury from the following presentations:
1. Supine
2. Prone
3. Semi-prone
4. Sitting
5. Standing
Demonstrate documentation of suspected spinal cord injury to include:
1. General area of spinal cord involved
2. Sensation
3. Dermatomes
4. Motor function
5. Area(s) of weakness
Demonstrate preferred methods for stabilization of a helmet from a potentially spine injured patient.
Demonstrate helmet removal techniques.
Demonstrate alternative methods for stabilization of a helmet from a potentially spine injured patient.
Demonstrate documentation of assessment before spinal immobilization.
Demonstrate documentation of assessment during spinal immobilization.
Demonstrate documentation of assessment after spinal immobilization.

UNIT 33: Thoracic Trauma

Describe the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of thoracic injuries in the trauma patient.
Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organs and structures related to thoracic injuries.
Predict thoracic injuries based on mechanism of injury.
Discuss the types of thoracic injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of thoracic injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with thoracic injuries.
Discuss the management of thoracic injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with thoracic injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of specific chest wall injuries, including:
1. Rib fracture
2. Flail segment
3. Sternal fracture

Discuss the assessment findings associated with chest wall injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with chest wall injuries.
Discuss the management of chest wall injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of injury to the lung, including:
1. Simple pneumothorax
2. Open pneumothorax
3. Tension pneumothorax
4. Hemothorax
5. Hemopneumothorax
6. Pulmonary contusion
Discuss the assessment findings associated with lung injuries.
Discuss the management of lung injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with lung injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of myocardial injuries, including:
1. Pericardial tamponade
2. Myocardial contusion
3. Myocardial rupture

Discuss the assessment findings associated with myocardial injuries.
Discuss the management of myocardial injuries.
Describe the procedure for pericardiocentesis.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with myocardial injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of vascular injuries, including injuries to:
1. Aorta Vena cava
2. Vena cava
3. Pulmonary arteries/veins
Discuss the assessment findings associated with vascular injuries.
Discuss the management of vascular injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with vascular injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of diaphragmatic injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with diaphragmatic injuries.
Discuss the management of diaphragmatic injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with diaphragmatic injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of esophageal injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with esophageal injuries.
Discuss the management of esophageal injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with esophageal injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of tracheo-bronchial injuries.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with tracheo-bronchial injuries.
Discuss the management of tracheo-bronchial injuries.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with tracheo-bronchial injuries.
Discuss the pathophysiology of traumatic asphyxia.
Discuss the assessment findings associated with traumatic asphyxia.
Discuss the management of traumatic asphyxia.
Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with traumatic asphyxia.
Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with thoracic injury.
Differentiate between thoracic injuries based on the assessment and history.
Formulate a field impression based on the assessment findings.
Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression.
Advocate the use of a thorough assessment to determine a differential diagnosis and treatment plan for thoracic trauma.
Advocate the use of a thorough scene survey to determine the forces involved in thoracic trauma.
Value the implications of failing to properly diagnose thoracic trauma.
Value the implications of failing to initiate timely interventions to patients with thoracic trauma.
Demonstrate a clinical assessment for a patient with suspected thoracic trauma.
Demonstrate the following techniques of management for thoracic injuries:
1. Needle decompression
2. Fracture stabilization
3. Elective incubation
4. ECG monitoring
5. Oxygenation and ventilation

UNIT 34: 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 35: 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 36: 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:
1. Direct
2. Indirect
3. Pathologic

Discuss the types of musculoskeletal injuries:
1. Fracture (open and closed)
2. Dislocation/ fracture
3. Sprain
4. 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 37: Trauma Airway Management

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to identify a variety of adjuncts and correctly perform a variety of skills to ensure a patent airway on a trauma patient.

Identify patients who require airway control.
Explain the need for increased oxygenation and tidal volume exchange in trauma patients.
List methods of manual and mechanical airway management and how to implement them while maintaining in-line cervical spine immobilization.
List methods of ventilation and how to implement them while maintaining in-line cervical spine immobilization.
Describe techniques for initial and subsequent assessment of airway and ventilation interventions in trauma patients.
Effectively perform the trauma jaw thrust maneuver.
Correctly insert an OPA while maintaining spinal immobilization.
Correctly insert an NPA while maintaining spinal immobilization.
Correctly insert the PtL or Combitube dual lumen airway while maintaining spinal immobilization.
Correctly insert an EOA or EGTA while maintaining spinal immobilization.
Correctly perform endotracheal intubation while maintaining spinal immobilization.
Identify the need, and correctly perform needle thoracostomy.
Identify the need, and correctly perform cricothyrotomy.

UNIT 38: Agricultural Emergencies

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to identify common agricultural injuries, their mechanism of injury and treatment.

Describe the general guidelines for emergency care of agricultural injuries and related industrial injuries.
Identify the mechanisms of injury responsible for the majority of agricultural accidents.
List the general guidelines for stabilizing and shutting down, agricultural equipment and other machinery.
List the common accidents/mechanisms of injury associated with various types of agricultural machinery, storage devices, and livestock.
Identify important issues when faced with agricultural emergencies.

UNIT 39: Rural EMS

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to Identify situations and conditions unique to rural EMS.

Discuss various challenges facing rural EMS providers.
Describe some possible solutions to problems commonly faced by rural EMS units.
Differentiate between rural and urban EMS when considering treatment and response time.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of air medical transport.
Identify the conditions/situations in which air medical transport should be considered.

UNIT 40: Crime Scene Awareness

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have an awareness of the human hazard of crime and violence and the safe operation at crime scenes and other emergencies.

Explain how EMS providers are often mistaken for the police.
Explain specific techniques for risk reduction when approaching the following types of routine EMS scenes:
Highway encounters
Violent street incidents
Residences and “dark houses”
Describe warning signs of potentially violent situations.
Explain emergency evasive techniques for potentially violent situations, including:
1. Threats of physical violence.
2. Firearms encounters
3. Edged weapon encounters
4. Explain EMS considerations for the following types of violent or potentially violent situations:
5. Gangs and gang violence
6. Hostage/sniper situations
7. Clandestine drug labs
8. Domestic violence
9. Emotionally disturbed people
10. Hostage/sniper situations
Explain the following techniques:
1. Field “contact and cover” procedures during assessment and care
2. Evasive tactics
3. Concealment techniques
Describe police evidence considerations and techniques to assist in evidence preservation.
Demonstrate the following techniques:
1. Field “contact and cover” procedures during assessment and care
2. Evasive tactics
3. Concealment techniques

UNIT 41: Pediatric Trauma

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will demonstrate an understanding of the assessment and management techniques unique to pediatric trauma patients.

Identify the unique differences in injury patterns for children.
Demonstrate an understanding of the special importance of managing the airway and restoring adequate tissue oxygenation in pediatric patients.
Identify the quantitative vital signs for children.
Demonstrate an understanding of management techniques for the variety of injuries found in pediatric patients.
Identify the signs of pediatric trauma suggestive of child abuse.

UNIT 42: Geriatric Trauma

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will demonstrate an understanding of the assessment and management techniques unique to geriatric trauma patients.

Demonstrate an understanding of the differences in the mechanism of injury for the elderly.
Identify the variables in the pathophysiology of aging.
Demonstrate an understanding of the special considerations in assessing the elderly.
Understand the importance of identifying any preexisting medical conditions.
Communicate appropriately with the elderly.
Define implied consent and explain the usually limited role of the third-party powers in trauma scene decision making.
Identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect in the elderly.

UNIT 43: Ambulance Operations

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will understand standards and guidelines that help ensure safe and effective ground and air medical transport.

Identify current local and state standards which influence ambulance design, equipment requirements and staffing of ambulances.
Discuss the importance of completing an ambulance equipment/ supply checklist.
Discuss the factors to be considered when determining ambulance stationing within a community.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of air medical transport.
Identify the conditions/ situations in which air medical transport should be considered.
Assess personal practices relative to ambulance operations which may affect the safety of the crew, the patient and bystanders.
Serve as a role model for others relative to the operation of ambulances.
Value the need to serve as the patient advocate to ensure appropriate patient transportation via ground or air.
Demonstrate how to place a patient in, and remove a patient from, an ambulance.

UNIT 44: Medical Incident Command

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate the principles of general incident management and multiple casualty incident (MCI) management techniques in order to function effectively at major incidents.

Explain the need for the incident management system (IMS)/ incident command system (ICS) in managing emergency medical services incidents.
Define the term multiple casualty incident (MCI).
Define the term disaster management.
Describe essential elements of scene size-up when arriving at a potential MCI.
Describe the role of the paramedics and EMS systems in planning for MCIs and disasters.
Define the following types of incidents and how they affect medical management:
Open or uncontained incident
Closed or contained incident
Describe the functional components of the incident management system in terms of the following:
1. Command
2. Finance
3. Logistics
4. Operations
5. Planning
Differentiate between singular and unified command and when each is most applicable.
Describe the role of command.
Describe the need for transfer of command and procedures for transferring it.
Differentiate between command procedures used at small, medium and large scale medical incidents.
Explain the local/ regional threshold for establishing command and implementation of the incident management system including threshold MCI declaration.
List and describe the functions of the following groups and leaders in ICS as it pertains to EMS incidents:
1. Safety
2. Logistics
3. Rehabilitation (rehab)
4. Staging
5. Treatment
6. Triage
7. Transportation
8. Extrication/ rescue
9. Disposition of deceased (morgue)
10. Communications
Describe the methods and rationale for identifying specific functions and leaders for these functions in ICS.
Describe the role of both command posts and emergency operations centers in MCI and disaster management.
Describe the role of the physician at multiple casualty incidents.
Define triage and describe the principles of triage.
Describe the START (simple triage and rapid treatment) method of initial triage.
Given a list of 20 patients with various multiple injuries, determine the appropriate triage priority with 90% accuracy.
Given color coded tags and numerical priorities, assign the following terms to each:
1. Immediate
2. Delayed
3. Hold
4. Deceased
Define primary and secondary triage.
Describe when primary and secondary triage techniques should be implemented.
Describe the need for and techniques used in tracking patients during multiple casualty incidents.
Describe techniques used to allocate patients to hospitals and track them.
Describe modifications of telecommunications procedures during multiple casualty incidents.
List and describe the essential equipment to provide logistical support to MCI operations to include:
1. Airway, respiratory and hemorrhage control
2. Burn management
3. Patient packaging/ immobilization
List the physical and psychological signs of critical incident stress.
Describe the role of critical incident stress management sessions in MCIs.
Describe the role of the following exercises in preparation for MCIs:
1. Table top exercises
2. Small and large MCI drills
Understand the rationale for initiating incident command even at a small MCI event.
Explain the rationale for having efficient and effective communications as part of an incident command/ management system.
Explain why common problems of an MCI can have an adverse effect on an entire incident.
Explain the organizational benefits for having standard operating procedures (SOPs) for using the incident management system or incident command system.
Demonstrate the use of local/ regional triage tagging system used for primary and secondary triage.
Given a simulated tabletop multiple casualty incident, with 5-10 patients:
Establish unified or singular command
Conduct a scene assessment
Determine scene objectives
Formulate an incident plan
Request appropriate resources
Determine need for ICS expansion and groups
Coordinate communications and groups leaders
Coordinate outside agencies
Demonstrate effective initial scene assessment and update (progress) reports.
Given a classroom simulation of a MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of triage group leader.
Given a classroom simulation of a MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of treatment group leader.
Given a classroom simulation of a MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of transportation group leader.

UNIT 45: Rescue Awareness and Operations

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to integrate the principles of rescue awareness and operations to safely rescue a patient from water, hazardous atmospheres, trenches, highways, and hazardous terrain.

Define the term rescue.
Explain the medical and mechanical aspects of rescue situations.
Explain the role of the paramedic in delivering care at the site of the injury, continuing through the rescue process and to definitive care.
Describe the phases of a rescue operation.
List and describe the types of personal protective equipment needed to safely operate in the rescue environment to include:
1. Head protection
2. Eye protection
3. Hand protection
4. Personal flotation devices
5. Thermal protection/ layering systems
6. High visibility clothing
7. Specialized footwear
Explain the differences in risk between moving water and flat water rescue.
Explain the effects of immersion hypothermia on the ability to survive sudden immersion and self rescue.
Explain the phenomenon of the cold protective response in cold water drowning situations.
Identify the risks associated with low head dams and the rescue complexities they pose.
Given a picture of moving water, identify and explain the following features and hazards associated with:
1. Hydraulics
2. Strainers
3. Dams/ hydro-electric sites
Explain why water entry or go techniques are methods of last resort.
Explain the rescue techniques associated with reach-throw-row-go.
Given a list of rescue scenarios, identify the victim survivability profile and which are rescue versus body recovery situations.
Explain the self rescue position if unexpectedly immersed in moving water.
Given a series of pictures identify which would be considered “confined spaces” and potentially oxygen deficient.
Identify the hazards associated with confined spaces and risks posed to potential rescuers to include:
1. Oxygen deficiency
2. Chemical/ toxic exposure/ explosion
3. Engulfment
4. Machinery entrapment
5. Electricity

Identify components necessary to ensure site safety prior to confined space rescue attempts.

Identify the poisonous gases commonly found in confined spaces to include:

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Carbon dioxide (C0₂)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Low/ high oxygen concentrations (Fi0₂)
Methane (CH₄)
Ammonia (NH₃)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

Explain the hazard of cave-in during trench rescue operations.
Describe the effects of traffic flow on the highway rescue incident including limited access superhighways and regular access highways.
List and describe the following techniques to reduce scene risk at highway incidents:
1. Apparatus placement
2. Headlights and emergency vehicle lighting
3. Cones, flares
4. Reflective and high visibility clothing
5. List and describe the hazards associated with the following auto/ truck components:
6. Energy absorbing bumpers
7. Air bag/ supplemental restraint systems
8. Catalytic converters and conventional fuel systems
9. Stored energy
10. Alternate fuel systems
Given a diagram of a passenger auto, identify the following structures:
1. A, B, C, D posts
2. Fire wall
3. Unibody versus frame designs
Describe methods for emergency stabilization using rope, cribbing, jacks, spare tire, and come-a-longs for vehicles found on their:
1. Wheels
2. Side
3. Roof
4. Inclines
Describe the electrical hazards commonly found at highway incidents (above and below ground).
Explain the difference between tempered and safety glass, identify its locations on a vehicle and how to break it safely.
Explain typical door anatomy and methods to access through stuck doors.
Explain SRS or “air bag” systems and methods to neutralize them.
Define the following terms:
1. Low angle
2. High angle
3. Belay
4. Rappel
5. Scrambling
6. Hasty rope slide
Describe the procedure for stokes litter packaging for low angle evacuations.
Explain the procedures for low angle litter evacuation to include:
1. Anchoring
2. Litter/ rope attachment
3. Lowering and raising procedures
Explain techniques to be used in non-technical litter carries over rough terrain.
Explain non-technical high angle rescue procedures using aerial apparatus.
Develop specific skill in emergency stabilization of vehicles and access procedures and an awareness of specific extrication strategies.
Explain assessment procedures and modifications necessary when caring for entrapped patients.
List the equipment necessary for an “off road” medical pack.
Explain specific methods of improvisation for assessment, spinal immobilization and extremity splinting.
Explain the indications, contraindications and methods of pain control for entrapped patients.
Explain the need for and techniques of thermal control for entrapped patients.
Explain the pathophysiology of “crush trauma” syndrome.
Develop an understanding of the medical issues involved in providing care for a patient in a rescue environment.
Develop proficiency in patient packaging and evacuation techniques that pertain to hazardous or rescue environments.
Explain the different types of “stokes” or basket stretchers and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each.
Using cribbing, ropes, lifting devices, spare tires, chains, and hand winches, demonstrate the following stabilization procedures:
Stabilization on all four wheels
Stabilization on its side
Stabilization on its roof
Stabilization on an incline/ embankments
Using basic hand tools demonstrate the following:
Access through a stuck door
Access through safety and tempered glass
Access through the trunk
Access through the floor
Roof removal
Dash displacement/ roll-up
Steering wheel/ column displacement
Access through the roof
Demonstrate methods of “stokes” packaging for patients being:
Vertically lifted (high angle)
Horizontally lifted (low angle)
Carried over rough terrain
Demonstrate methods of packaging for patients being vertically lifted without stokes litter stretcher packaging.
Demonstrate the following litter carrying techniques:
1. Stretcher lift straps
2. “Leap frogging”
3. Passing litters over and around obstructions
Demonstrate litter securing techniques for patients being evacuated by aerial apparatus.
Demonstrate in-water spinal immobilization techniques.
Demonstrate donning and properly adjusting a PFD.
Demonstrate use of a throw bag.

UNIT 46: Hazardous Material Incidents

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to evaluate hazardous materials emergencies, call for appropriate resources, and work in the cold zone.

Explain the role of the paramedic/ EMS responder in terms of the following:
Incident size-up
Assessment of toxicologic risk
Appropriate decontamination methods
Treatment of semi-decontaminated patients
Transportation of semi-decontaminated patients
Size-up a hazardous materials (haz-mat) incident and determine the following:
1. Potential hazards to the rescuers, public and environment
2. Potential risk of primary contamination to patients
3. Potential risk of secondary contamination to rescuers
Identify resources for substance identification, decontamination and treatment information including the following:
1. Poison control center
2. Medical control
3. Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
4. Reference textbooks
5. Computer databases (CAMEO)
6. CHEMTREC
7. Technical specialists
8. Agency for toxic substances and disease registry
Explain the following terms/ concepts:
1. Primary contamination risk
2. Secondary contamination risk
List and describe the following routes of exposure:
1. Topical
2. Respiratory
3. Gastrointestinal
4. Parenteral
Explain the following toxicologic principles:
1. Acute and delayed toxicity
2. Route of exposure
3. Local versus systemic effects
4. Dose response
5. Synergistic effects
Explain how the substance and route of contamination alters triage and decontamination methods.
Explain the limitations of field decontamination procedures.
Explain the use and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hazardous material situations.
List and explain the common signs, symptoms and treatment for the following substances:
1. Corrosives (acids/ alkalis)
2. Pulmonary irritants (ammonia/ chlorine)
3. Pesticides (carbamates/ organophosphates)
4. Chemical asphyxiants (cyanide/ carbon monoxide)
5. Hydrocarbon solvents (xylene, methlyene chloride)
Explain the potential risk associated with invasive procedures performed on contaminated patients.
Given a contaminated patient determine the level of decontamination necessary and :
1. Level of rescuer PPE
2. Decontamination methods
3. Treatment
4. Transportation and patient isolation techniques
Identify local facilities and resources capable of treating patients exposed to hazardous materials.
Determine the hazards present to the patient and paramedic given an incident involving hazardous materials.
Define the following and explain their importance to the risk assessment process:
1. Boiling point
2. Flammable/ explosive limits
3. Flash point
4. Ignition temperature
5. Specific gravity
6. Vapor density
7. Vapor pressure
8. Water solubility
9. Alpha radiation
10. Beta radiation
11. Gamma radiation
Define the toxicologic terms and their use in the risk assessment process:
1. Threshold limit value (TLV)
2. Lethal concentration and doses (LD)
3. Parts per million/ billion (ppm/ ppb)
4. Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
5. Permissible exposure limit (PEL)
6. Short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL)
7. Ceiling level (TLV-C)
Given a specific hazardous material be able to do the following:
1. Research the appropriate information about its physical and chemical characteristics
  and hazards
2. Suggest the appropriate medical response
3. Determine risk of secondary contamination
4. Determine the factors which determine where and when to treat a patient to include:
5. Substance toxicity
6. Patient condition
7. Availability of decontamination
Determine the appropriate level of PPE to include:
1. Types, application, use and limitations
2. Use of chemical compatibility chart
3. Explain decontamination procedures when functioning in the following modes:
4. Critical patient rapid two step decontamination process
5. Non-critical patient eight step decontamination process
Explain specific decontamination procedures.
Explain the four most common decontamination solutions used to include:
1. Water
2. Water and tincture of green soap
3. Isopropyl alcohol
4. Vegetable oil
Identify the areas of the body difficult to decontaminate to include:
1. Scalp/ hair
2. Ears/ ear canals/ nostrils
3. Axilla
4. Finger nails
5. Navel
6. Groin/ buttocks/ genitalia
7. Behind knees
8. Between toes, toe nails
Explain the medical monitoring procedures of hazardous material team members to be used both pre and post entry, to include:
1. Vital signs
2. Body weight
3. General health
4. Neurologic status
5. ECG
Explain the factors which influence the heat stress of hazardous material team personnel to include:
1. Hydration
2. Physical fitness
3. Ambient temperature
4. Activity
5. Level of PPE
6. Duration of activity
Explain the documentation necessary for Haz-Mat medical monitoring and rehabilitation operations.
1. The substance
2. The toxicity and danger of secondary contamination
3. Appropriate PPE and suit breakthrough time
4. Appropriate level of decontamination
5. Appropriate antidote and medical treatment
6. Transportation method
Given a simulated hazardous substance, use reference material to determine the appropriate actions.
Integrate the principles and practices of hazardous materials response in an effective manner to prevent and limit contamination, morbidity, and mortality
Be able to describe the unique challenges of nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorism for emergency medical service personnel.

UNIT 47: Assessment Based Management

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:
1. Chest pain
2. Medical and traumatic cardiac arrest
3. Acute abdominal pain
4. GI bleed
5. Altered mental status
6. Dyspnea
7. Syncope
8. Seizures
9. Environmental or thermal problem
10. Hazardous material or toxic exposure
11. Trauma or multi trauma patients
12. Allergic reactions
13. Behavioral problems
14. Obstetric or gynecological problems
15. 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:
1. Chest pain
2. Cardiac Arrest
3. Traumatic arrest
4. Medical arrest
5. Acute abdominal pain
6. GI bleed
7. Altered mental status
8. Dyspnea
9. Syncope
10. Seizure
11. Thermal/ environmental problem
12. Hazardous materials/ toxicology
13. Trauma
14. Isolated extremity fracture (tibia/ fibula or radius/ ulna)
15. Femur fracture
16. Shoulder dislocation
17. Clavicular fracture or A-C separation
18. Minor wound (no sutures required, sutures required, high risk wounds, with tendon and/ or nerve injury)
19. Spine injury (no neurologic deficit, with neurologic deficit)
20. Multiple trauma‑blunt
21. Penetrating trauma
22. Impaled object
23. Elderly fall
24. Athletic injury
25. Head injury (concussion, subdural/ epidural)
26. Allergic reactions/ bites/ envenomation
27. Local allergic reaction
28. Systemic allergic reaction
29. Envenomation
30. Behavioral
31. Mood disorders
32. Schizophrenic and delusional disorders
33. Suicidal
34. Obstetrics/ gynecology
35. Vaginal bleeding
36. Childbirth (normal and abnormal)
37. Pediatric
38. Respiratory distress
39. Fever
40. Seizures

UNIT 48: Navigation

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be aware of different maps, their uses and the importance of effective and efficient map reading and interpretation.

Identify major passageways using a map.
Given a map, determine an appropriate route of travel to arrive at a given location.
Understand the value of having immediate access to maps on any ambulance call.
Recognize G.P.S. as a navigational tool.

UNIT 49: Pre-Clinical or Rotation Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will recognize the need for, and perform, all the skills involved with successful endotracheal intubation and patient ventilation in the hospital setting.

Recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy using all equipment.
Perform endotracheal intubation.
Observe and assist with patient ventilation.
Utilize proper body substance isolation techniques.

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.