Dec 26, 2024

2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog

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2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

EMS5683 Paramedic 3 COURSE PROCEDURE

EMS5683 Paramedic 3

12 Credit Hours

Student Level:

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

Catalog Description:

EMS5683 - Paramedic 3 (12 hrs)

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

Students will be scheduled to perform in the hospital environment, psychiatric facilities and other healthcare sites approximately 40 hours each week. This class will typically require a minimum of 11‑12 weeks, depending upon clinical scheduling requirements. Nursing and other specialty units may be utilized, including but not limited to: Intensive Care Units, Operating and Post Anesthesia Recovery Room, Emergency Departments, Labor and Delivery Rooms, Pediatric Units, Psychiatric Unit, Endoscopy Lab, and Respiratory Therapy.

Course Classification:

Lecture/Lab Combo

Prerequisite:

EMS5682 Paramedic 2

Controlling Purpose:

The purpose of Paramedic 3 is to provide students with the opportunity to apply the principles of patient assessment, ECG interpretation, pharmacology, airway management, and patient treatment modalities in the clinical setting. This course reinforces the academic and functional knowledge of the principles and concepts presented during the Paramedic Program.

Learner Outcomes:

The student will develop competencies in the application of the principles and management techniques used in emergency medicine. Competencies will be further developed in patient assessment skills, ECG interpretation, pharmacology use, airway skills, and patient treatment modalities.

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: Emergency Department Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of emergency department patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy on adult and pediatric patients, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Assist in the management of behavioral, medical and traumatized patients.
Initiate treatment of lacerations and other soft tissue wounds and assist the physician as needed.
Correctly apply ECG leads appropriate for the hospital.
Correctly interpret ECG tracings.
Assist respiratory therapist in performing the respiratory assessment, to include breath sounds, history, and assisting with the administration of breathing treatments.
Identify accepted methods of treating dysrhythmias.
Identify the effects of an AMI on the electrocardiogram and laboratory test results.
Identify the parameters evaluated for the diagnosis of AMI and relate these to the pre‑hospital setting.
Perform nasogastric intubation and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform gastric lavage and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform Foley catheter placement.
Closely observe arterial blood gas sampling and interpret laboratory test results.
Observe and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Observe and if possible, perform a needle thoracostomy.
Observe and if possible, perform an emergency cricothyrotomy.
Observe and if possible, perform triage.
Interpret lab results and correlate to the patient’s presentation.
Manage the emotionally disturbed patient.
Defibrillate, cardiovert and apply external cardiac pacemaker.
Use peak flow meter and discuss values with the respiratory therapist.
Observe and if possible, perform endotracheal intubation.
Observe and if possible, insert an intraosseous needle and establish an infusion.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 2: Intensive Care Units Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of intensive care unit patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Set up and administer parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy on adult and pediatric patients, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Assist in the management of behavioral, medical and traumatized patients.
Initiate treatment of soft tissue wounds.
Correctly apply ECG leads appropriate for the hospital.
Correctly interpret ECG tracings.
Assist respiratory therapist in performing the respiratory assessment, to include breath sounds, history, and assisting with the administration of breathing treatments.
Identify accepted methods of treating dysrhythmias.
Identify the effects of an AMI on the electrocardiogram and laboratory test results.
Interpret laboratory test results and relate these to the patient’s presentation.
Perform nasogastric intubation and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform Foley catheter placement.
Closely observe arterial blood gas sampling and interpret laboratory test results.
Observe and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Learn indications and usage of temporary invasive pacemakers.
Observe and assist staff in proper moving and positioning of patients.
Observe and perform, if possible, the Valsalva maneuver and carotid sinus massage.
Observe and if possible, perform a needle thoracostomy.
Defibrillate, cardiovert and apply external cardiac pacemaker.
Use peak flow meter and discuss values with the respiratory therapist.
Observe and if possible, perform endotracheal intubation.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 3: Operating Room and Recovery Room Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of operating and recovery room patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment as needed, to include:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician, anesthetist or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Set up and administer parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy on adult and pediatric patients, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Correctly interpret ECG tracings.
Interpret laboratory test results and relate these to the patient’s presentation.
Perform nasogastric intubation and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform Foley catheter placement.
Closely observe arterial blood gas sampling and interpret laboratory test results.
Observe and assist staff in proper moving and positioning of patients.
Observe and if possible, perform a needle thoracostomy.
Defibrillate, cardiovert and apply external cardiac pacemaker.
Perform endotracheal intubation
Place an LMA device.
Observe conscious sedation, and local, general and spinal anesthesia.
Observe assisted ventilation devices.
Observe orthopedic surgical procedures and consider the anatomy of bones, nerves and vessels.
Recognize an upper airway obstruction.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 4: Labor and Delivery Room Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of labor and delivery room patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital/clinic policy.
Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Set up and administer parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Observe and identify the different stages of labor.
Observe fetal monitoring.
Locate fetal heart sounds.
Accurately time contractions and assess the intensity of uterine muscle tone.
Assess antepartum and postpartum maternal bleeding, and observe and assist with its treatment.
Discuss and perform, if possible:
uterine massage.
Pitocin administration.
Observe and if possible, assist with the normal delivery.
Observe and if possible, assist with the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord.
Observe and if possible, assist with the staff interactions with patients in labor.
Observe and if possible, assist with techniques utilized for the prevention of tearing, to include stretching, support and control of delivery speed.
Observe an episiotomy.
Observe a Cesarean delivery, if possible.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of shoulder dystocia, breech birth and prolapsed cord.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of pre‑eclampsia and eclampsia.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of the newborn and premature neonate.
Observe and if possible, assist with suctioning of the neonate, to include meconium staining.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of placenta previa, abruptio and pre‑term labor.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of hypotensive patients.
Observe and if possible, assist with the APGAR scoring.
Observe and if possible, assist with the methods of conserving neonatal body warmth.
Observe and if possible, assist with prenatal counseling.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 5: Pediatric Unit Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of pediatric unit patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Observe and if possible, assist with the administration of parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Observe and if possible, set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Interpret lab results and correlate to the patient’s presentation.
Use peak flow meter and discuss values with the respiratory therapist.
Auscultate and correctly identify adventitious breath sounds.
Evaluate and if possible, assist with the management of:
- asthma.
- croup.
- epiglottitis.
- trauma.
- dehydration.
- elevated body temperature.
- seizure activity.
Interact with the patient’s parents.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 6: Respiratory Therapy Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of respiratory therapy patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Auscultate and correctly identify adventitious breath sounds.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Assist respiratory therapist in performing the respiratory assessment, to include breath sounds, history, and assisting with the administration of breathing treatments.
Closely observe and perform arterial blood gas sampling and interpret laboratory test results.
Observe and if possible, perform endotracheal intubation.
Use peak flow meter and discuss values with the respiratory therapist.
Observe and assist in proper moving and assist the therapist with respiratory care.
Observe assisted ventilation devices.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 7: Psychiatric Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of psychiatric patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Define the term behavioral emergency.
Discuss the role of drugs and alcohol in behavioral emergencies.
Describe and utilize verbal communication techniques useful in managing the emotionally disturbed patient.
Describe the use of open‑ended versus closed‑ended questions.
List factors associated with the increased risk of suicide.
Observe and if possible, help manage the following conditions:
- depression.
- suicide.
- anxiety.
- mania.
- schizophrenia.
- behavioral problems in the elderly.
- behavioral problems in children.
- domestic violence.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 8: Medical Clinic Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints that present to a rural medical clinic.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment, to include:
  - neurological assessment.
  - eye exam.
  - ear exam.
  - nose exam.
  - throat exam.
  - lymphatic system exam.
  - skin exam.
  - heart and lung sounds.
  - major systems.

Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician, P.A., nurse practitioner or nurse.
Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per clinic policy.

Perform venipuncture to draw venous blood samples.
Set up and administer parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Set up, start and maintain IV fluid therapy on adult and pediatric patients, to include changing IV bags and properly calculating flow rates.
Correctly recognize the need for and perform endotracheal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning.
Properly recognize the need and administer oxygen therapy, utilizing all equipment.
Assist in the management of behavioral, medical and traumatized patients.
Initiate treatment of lacerations and other soft tissue wounds and assist as needed.
Correctly apply ECG leads appropriate for the clinic.
Monitor and correctly interpret limb lead and twelve lead ECG tracings.
Assist with the administration of breathing treatments.
Identify accepted methods of treating dysrhythmias.
Identify the effects of an AMI on the electrocardiogram and laboratory test results.
Identify the parameters evaluated for the diagnosis of AMI and relate these to the pre‑hospital setting.
Perform nasogastric intubation and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform gastric lavage and understand the indications for this treatment.
Perform Foley catheter placement.
Closely observe arterial blood gas sampling and interpret laboratory test results.
Observe and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Observe and if possible, perform a needle thoracostomy.
Observe and if possible, perform an emergency cricothyrotomy.
Observe and if possible, perform triage.
Interpret lab results and correlate to the patient’s presentation.
Manage the emotionally disturbed patient.
Defibrillate, cardiovert and apply external cardiac pacemaker.
Use peak flow meter and discuss values with the respiratory therapist.
Observe and if possible, perform endotracheal intubation.
Observe and if possible, insert an intraosseous needle and establish an infusion.
Observe and assist with stress testing.
Observe and assist with sonography.
Evaluate basic parameters of X‑rays.
Assist with lesion removal.
Utilize therapeutic communications skills.
Develop interactive skills with other health care professionals.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 9: Laboratory Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the acquirement, analysis and management of laboratory samples.

Develop accurate skill levels in the process of peripheral (as defined by the AHA) venipuncture, to include selection and dilation of the vessel, preparation of the site, insertion, and calculation of proper flow rates.
Recognize and properly use the types of equipment utilized in parenteral therapy (catheter types, administration sets and infusion pumps).
Identify complications of venipuncture.
Maintain and observe the effects of fluid therapy by establishing an intravenous infusion and calculating the flow rate.
Draw blood samples.
Prepare the conscious patient for venipuncture.
Develop an understanding of transfusions and their administration.
Assist with the analysis of body fluids.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 10: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of neonatal intensive care unit patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Perform patient assessment, including:
- Perform a primary assessment to rule out life threats.
- Ascertain the patient’s history, including HPI, PMH, medications and allergies.
- Assess vital signs.
- Perform a secondary assessment.
- Develop a clinical impression and discuss with the physician or nurse.
- Perform the necessary documentation on the chart, per hospital policy.
Observe and assist staff in proper warming, suctioning and positioning of patients.
Set up and administer parenteral medications and identify the complications of this therapy.
Recite the class, action, dosage, uses, duration of action, contraindications, precautions, antidote and side effects of all medications administered to patients.
Observe and if possible, assist with the staff interactions with patient’s family members.
Observe and if possible, assist with the management of the newborn and premature neonate.
Observe and if possible, assist with suctioning of the neonate, to include meconium staining.
Observe and if possible, assist with the methods of conserving neonatal body warmth.
Observe and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Observe and if possible, ventilate the patient.
Observe assisted ventilation devices.
Utilize proper body substance isolation procedures.
Show integrity, appropriate communication and time management, and respect.
Show empathy, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
Show self-motivation, self-confidence, appropriate appearance and personal hygiene, teamwork and diplomacy.

UNIT 11: Patient Care Management Lab Objectives

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will have participated in the assessment and appropriate management of simulated patients of various ages, pathologies and complaints.

Formulate a working impression while obtaining a history and conducting a physical exam.
Implement a basic and advanced life support treatment plan.
Communicate the information to others via radio, verbal report at hospital and/or written patient report.
Value and defend all the performance during the exercise as it relates to competent, standard of care treatment in the pre-hospital setting.

UNIT 12: Pediatrics

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 pediatric patient.

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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Poliomyelitis
- Spina bifida
- Patients with a previous head injury
Identify the possible presenting sign(s) for the following diseases/ illnesses:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Poliomyelitis
- Spina bifida
- Patients with a previous head injury
Anticipate accommodations that may be needed in order to properly manage the following patients:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Poliomyelitis
- Spina bifida
- Patients with a previous head injury
Identify the possible presenting sign(s) for the following diseases/ illnesses:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Poliomyelitis
- Spina bifida
- 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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:
- Command
- Finance
- Logistics
- Operations
- 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:
- Safety
- Logistics
- Rehabilitation (rehab)
- Staging
- Treatment
- Triage
- Transportation
- Extrication/ rescue
- Disposition of deceased (morgue)
- 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:
- Immediate
- Delayed
- Hold
- 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:
- Airway, respiratory and hemorrhage control
- Burn management
- 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:
- Table top exercises
- 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 an MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of triage group leader.
Given a classroom simulation of an MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of treatment group leader.
Given a classroom simulation of an MCI with 5-10 patients, fulfill the role of transportation group leader.

UNIT 21: 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:
- Head protection
- Eye protection
- Hand protection
- Personal flotation devices
- Thermal protection/ layering systems
- High visibility clothing
- 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:
- Hydraulics
- Strainers
- 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:
- Oxygen deficiency
- Chemical/ toxic exposure/ explosion
- Engulfment
- Machinery entrapment
- 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:
- Apparatus placement
- Headlights and emergency vehicle lighting
- Cones, flares
- Reflective and high visibility clothing
- List and describe the hazards associated with the following auto/ truck components:
- Energy absorbing bumpers
- Air bag/ supplemental restraint systems
- Catalytic converters and conventional fuel systems
- Stored energy
- Alternate fuel systems
Given a diagram of a passenger auto, identify the following structures:
- A, B, C, D posts
- Fire wall
- Unibody versus frame designs
Describe methods for emergency stabilization using rope, cribbing, jacks, spare tire, and come-a-longs for vehicles found on their:
- Wheels
- Side
- Roof
- 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:
- Low angle
- High angle
- Belay
- Rappel
- Scrambling
- Hasty rope slide
Describe the procedure for stokes litter packaging for low angle evacuations.
Explain the procedures for low angle litter evacuation to include:
- Anchoring
- Litter/ rope attachment
- 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/embankment
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:
- Stretcher lift straps
- “Leap frogging”
- 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 22: 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:
- Potential hazards to the rescuers, public and environment
- Potential risk of primary contamination to patients
- Potential risk of secondary contamination to rescuers
Identify resources for substance identification, decontamination and treatment information including the following:
- Poison control center
- Medical control
- Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
- Reference textbooks
- Computer databases (CAMEO)
- CHEMTREC
- Technical specialists
- Agency for toxic substances and disease registry
Explain the following terms/ concepts:
- Primary contamination risk
- Secondary contamination risk
List and describe the following routes of exposure:
- Topical
- Respiratory
- Gastrointestinal
- Parenteral
Explain the following toxicologic principles:
- Acute and delayed toxicity
- Route of exposure
- Local versus systemic effects
- Dose response
- 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:
- Corrosives (acids/ alkalis)
- Pulmonary irritants (ammonia/ chlorine)
- Pesticides (carbamates/ organophosphates)
- Chemical asphyxiants (cyanide/ carbon monoxide)
- Hydrocarbon solvents (xylene, methylene chloride)
Explain the potential risk associated with invasive procedures performed on contaminated patients.
Given a contaminated patient determine the level of decontamination necessary and:
- Level of rescuer PPE
- Decontamination methods
- Treatment
- 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:
- Boiling point
- Flammable/ explosive limits
- Flash point
- Ignition temperature
- Specific gravity
- Vapor density
- Vapor pressure
- Water solubility
- Alpha radiation
- Beta radiation
- Gamma radiation
Define the toxicologic terms and their use in the risk assessment process:
- Threshold limit value (TLV)
- Lethal concentration and doses (LD)
- Parts per million/ billion (ppm/ ppb)
- Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
- Permissible exposure limit (PEL)
- Short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL)
- Ceiling level (TLV-C)
Given a specific hazardous material be able to do the following:
- Research the appropriate information about its physical and chemical characteristics
  and hazards
- Suggest the appropriate medical response
- Determine risk of secondary contamination
- Determine the factors which determine where and when to treat a patient to include:
- Substance toxicity
- Patient condition
- Availability of decontamination
Determine the appropriate level of PPE to include:
- Types, application, use and limitations
- Use of chemical compatibility chart
- Explain decontamination procedures when functioning in the following modes:
- Critical patient rapid two step decontamination process
- Non-critical patient eight step decontamination process
Explain specific decontamination procedures.
Explain the four most common decontamination solutions used to include:
- Water
- Water and tincture of green soap
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Vegetable oil
Identify the areas of the body difficult to decontaminate to include:
- Scalp/ hair
- Ears/ ear canals/ nostrils
- Axilla
- Finger nails
- Navel
- Groin/ buttocks/ genitalia
- Behind knees
- Between toes, toe nails
Explain the medical monitoring procedures of hazardous material team members to be used both pre and post entry, to include:
- Vital signs
- Body weight
- General health
- Neurologic status
- ECG
Explain the factors which influence the heat stress of hazardous material team personnel to include:
- Hydration
- Physical fitness
- Ambient temperature
- Activity
- Level of PPE
- Duration of activity
Explain the documentation necessary for Haz-Mat medical monitoring and rehabilitation operations.
- The substance
- The toxicity and danger of secondary contamination
- Appropriate PPE and suit breakthrough time
- Appropriate level of decontamination
- Appropriate antidote and medical treatment
- 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 23: 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 24: Documentation

Outcomes: At the completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to effectively document the essential elements of patient assessment, care and transport.

Identify the general principles regarding the importance of EMS documentation and ways in which documents are used.
Identify and use medical terminology correctly.
Recite appropriate and accurate medical abbreviations and acronyms.
Record all pertinent administrative information.
Explain the role of documentation in agency reimbursement.
Analyze the documentation for accuracy and completeness, including spelling.
Identify and eliminate extraneous or nonprofessional information.
Describe the differences between subjective and objective elements of documentation.
Evaluate a finished document for errors and omissions.
Evaluate a finished document for proper use and spelling of abbreviations and acronyms.
Evaluate the confidential nature of an EMS report.
Describe the potential consequences of illegible, incomplete, or inaccurate documentation.
Describe the special considerations concerning patient refusal of transport.
Record pertinent information using a consistent narrative format.
Explain how to properly record direct patient or bystander comments.
Describe the special considerations concerning mass casualty incident documentation.
Apply the principles of documentation to computer charting, as access to this technology becomes available.
Identify and record the pertinent, reportable clinical data of each patient interaction.
Note and record pertinent negative clinical findings.
Correct errors and omissions, using proper procedures as defined under local protocol.
Revise documents, when necessary, using locally-approved procedures.
Assume responsibility for self-assessment of all documentation.
Demonstrate proper completion of an EMS event record used locally.
Advocate among peers the relevance and importance of properly completed documentation.
Resolve the common negative attitudes toward the task of documentation.
Understand documentation as it pertains to insurance concerns.

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.