Credit(s): 4
Contact Hours: 128
Effective Term Fall 2018 (550)

Requisites

(Admission to Emergency Medical Services (Associate in Science) (EMS-AS) or
Admission to Paramedic (Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility) (PMED-CT)) and
Prerequisite EMS 2601 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite EMS 2601L with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite EMS 2664 with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite EMS 2602 with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite EMS 2665 with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite Current Florida EMT certification and
Pre- or Co-requisite Current AHA BLS Provider

Course Description

This laboratory course is an in-depth study of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Paramedic: National EMS Education Standards which covers "hands-on" skills related to Paramedic Theory II.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate the proper patient care of cardiovascular emergencies by:
    1. Identifying the pharmacology, actions, indications, precautions, methods of administration, dosages, contraindications and side effects of common emergency cardiovascular drugs (American Heart Association/Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
    2. Identifying and describing the historical information, specific observations and physical findings to be evaluated in the cardiac patient.
    3. Identifying the wave forms, intervals and normal values relative to an electrocardiogram (ECG).
    4. Performing a 12-lead ECG and ascertaining the appropriate field impression.
    5. Recognizing the changes and any limitations on the ECG that may reflect evidence of myocardial ischemia and injury.
    6. Identifying ECG characteristics of cardiac dysrhythmias.
    7. Describing the use of a vagotonic maneuvers, synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation and discussing energy recommendations for adult and pediatric patients.
    8. Identifying wave forms, artifacts and dysrhythmias on limb lead or 12-lead rhythm strips and monitor.
    9. Utilizing the proper method of obtaining history, assessing and managing dysrhythmias or cardiac condition.
    10. Describing application of ECG electrodes and obtaining a sample limb and 12-lead rhythm strip.
    11. Using defibrillator/cardiac electrical therapy combination pads for cardiac monitoring, pacing, defibrillation, and cardioversion.
    12. Properly and safely performing all of the components of post resuscitation care including how to determine the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
  2. The student will demonstrate the proper patient assessment and management of endocrine emergencies by:
    1. Identifying the risk factors related to disorders of the endocrine system.
    2. Properly gathering and recognizing the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings in the patient with endocrine disorders.
    3. Recognizing common prescription drugs that a patient with endocrine problems might take and the implications of each.
    4. Recalling correctly the pharmacology, actions, indications, precautions, methods of administration, dosages, contraindications and side effects of relevant drugs.
    5. Correctly identifying the relevant pathophysiology, performing the assessment, and management of patients with the following endocrinologic emergencies: hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, Cushing’s syndrome, Adrenal insufficiency, Pituitary disorders, Thyroid disorders.
  3. The student will demonstrate the proper patient care of neurological emergencies by:
    1. Recalling the risk factors associated with nervous system dysfunction.
    2. Recognizing the pathophysiology and demonstrate the proper assessment and management of patients with the following conditions: coma, altered mental status, seizures, syncope, transient ischemic attack, stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, degenerative neurologic diseases, chronic alcoholism, back pain and non-traumatic spinal disorders.
    3. Correctly identifying and differentiating the major types of seizures.
    4. Correctly identifying the types of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage and the relative findings expected during patient assessment.
    5. Correctly obtaining the medical history, assessing and managing patients with neurological disorders.
  4. The student will demonstrate the proper patient care of patients with digestive, genitourinary and reproductive emergencies by:
    1. Identifying common prescription drugs that a patient with digestive, genitourinary and reproductive problems might take and the implications of each.
    2. Obtaining a history, assessing, managing and administering relevant medications for patients with digestive, genitourinary and reproductive problems.
    3. Differentiating between hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic abdominal pain.
    4. Performing the proper technique for a comprehensive physical examination on a patient complaining of abdominal pain.
    5. Recalling the correct pathophysiology and demonstrate the appropriate assessment, and management of patients with the following abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders: both Upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, acute gastroenteritis, colitis, diverticulitis, appendicitis, peptic ulcer disease, bowel obstruction, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, esophageal varices, hemorrhoids, cholecystitis, acute hepatitis.
    6. Synthesizing assessment findings and patient history information to accurately differentiate between pain of a urogenital emergency and that of other origins.
  5. The student will demonstrate proper patient assessment and care of environmental injuries by:
    1. Identifying and describing the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings in the patient with hypothermic or hyperthermic disorders.
    2. Identifying and describing the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings in the patient with a near-drowning emergency.
    3. Identifying and describing the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings in the patient with acute and/or chronic exposure to ionizing radiation.
    4. Identifying and describing the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings in patients with decompression sickness, overpressure accidents, pneumomediastinum, air embolism, nitrogen narcosis and subcutaneous emphysema and the significance of each.
    5. Obtaining a history and assessing patients with hypothermic and hyperthermic problems.
    6. Obtaining a history and assessing patients with near-drowning emergencies.
    7. Obtaining a history and assessing patients with scuba diving emergencies.
  6. The student will demonstrate proper patient assessment and care of pediatric emergencies by:
    1. Recalling the general goals of management of the pediatric patient.
    2. Correctly and accurately calculating and administering the pediatric dosage for relevant drugs (e.g., current American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support, American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals, or National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Emergency Pediatric Care).
    3. Performing the appropriate techniques correctly for airway maintenance in the pediatric patient.
    4. Correctly performing techniques to access sites for intravenous infusion in pediatric patients.
    5. Accurately obtaining history and assessing the pediatric patient.
  7. The student will demonstrate proper assessment and care of the gynecologic patient by:
    1. Identifying the significance of historical information, observations and physical findings to be evaluated in the patient's gynecologic problems.
    2. Accurately obtaining a history, assessing and managing the patient with a gynecologic problem.
    3. Recalling the corresponding pathophysiology and demonstrate the assessment, and management of patients with specific gynecological emergencies.
  8. The student will demonstrate proper assessment and care of the obstetric patient by:
    1. Identifying and applying the relevant historical information, observations and physical findings in caring for the obstetric patient.
    2. Performing the correct and appropriate assessment of the obstetrical patient.
    3. Identifying and describing complications associated with pregnancy and delivery.
    4. Performing the correct assessment, management and treatment of obstetrical patients, including assisting with childbirth.
    5. Performing the correct procedures for handling maternal complications of labor.
  9. The student will demonstrate the proper assessment and care of the neonate by:
    1. Performing stimulation of and CPR for the distressed neonate.
    2. Correctly identifying observations and physical findings to be evaluated in the neonate.
    3. Correctly identifying potential problems and necessary equipment requirements for transportation of the neonate.
    4. Obtaining a history, assessing and managing the neonate.
    5. Performing appropriate airway management including administering oxygen and suctioning utilizing a bulb syringe for the neonate.
    6. Correctly calculating and applying the APGAR score for the newborn patient.
  10. The student will demonstrate the appropriate assessment and care of patients with special challenges by:
    1. Identifying considerations in prehospital management related to physical challenges such as hearing, visual, and speech impairments; obesity; and patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
    2. Identifying considerations in prehospital management of patients who have mental illness, are developmentally disabled, or are emotionally or mentally impaired.
    3. Describing special considerations for prehospital management of patients with selected pathological challenges.
    4. Recognizing and properly applying considerations in assessment, care and management of culturally diverse patients.
    5. Properly applying special considerations in the prehospital management of terminally ill patients.
    6. Demonstrating the special considerations in management of patients with communicable diseases.
    7. Properly determining which patients should receive follow-up home care and which should be transported to an emergency care facility, given a series of home care scenarios.
  11. At the completion of this course the student will have a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis and management of common or major immune system disorders and/or emergencies by:
    1. Recognizing the pathophysiology of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
    2. Recognizing the physical manifestations of anaphylaxis.
    3. Differentiating manifestations of an allergic reaction from anaphylaxis during patient assessment.
    4. Demonstrating in a simulated patient care scenario the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms related to anaphylaxis.
    5. Differentiating among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of anaphylaxis and properly apply its use in a given patient scenario.
  12. At the completion of this course the student will have a complex dept and comprehensive breadth of anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, reporting requirements, prognosis and management of HIV-related disease, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases by:
    1. Describing the rationale for the various types of PPE and demonstrating their proper use.
    2. Demonstrating the proper disposal of contaminated supplies (sharps, gauze sponges, tourniquets, etc).
    3. Correctly performing the assessment and prehospital management of a sepsis/systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patient.
  13. At the completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate a complex depth and comprehensive breadth regarding the assessment and management of psychiatric disorders/emergencies for all age groups by:
    1. Performing the verbal techniques useful in managing the emotionally disturbed patient.
    2. Correctly choosing and applying the appropriate method(s) of restraint that may be necessary in managing the emotionally disturbed patient.
    3. Providing a differential field impressions between the various behavioral and psychiatric disorders based on the assessment and history.
  14. At the completion of this course the student will be have a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of patients suffering from toxidromes and poisonings by:
    1. Correctly recognizing, assessing and managing the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by ingestion, inhalation, injection and absorption.
    2. Correctly recognizing, assessing and managing the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by overdose.
    3. Correctly recognizing, assessing and managing the signs and symptoms related to the most commonly abused drugs.
    4. Explaining the proper procedures for transporting a patient exposed to a toxic chemical to an appropriate receiving facility.
  15. At the completion of this course the student will synthesize comprehensive knowledge of causes and pathophysiology into the management of cardiac arrest and peri-arrest states. Integrates a comprehensive knowledge of the causes and pathophysiology into the management of shock, respiratory failure or arrest with an emphasis on early intervention to prevent arrest by:
    1. Appropriately performing the assessment, care and management of special arrest and peri-arrest conditions.
    2. Performing the appropriate assessment, care and management of the different types of shock.
    3. Demonstrating the proper administration of fluid in the normotensive, hypotensive, or profoundly hypotensive patient.
    4. Verbalizing the appropriate considerations in determining the destination for patients in varying types of shock.
  16. At the completion of this course the student will have a complex depth and foundational breadth of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of common or major hematological diseases and/or emergencies by:
    1. Correctly identifying medications used to decrease the risk of thrombosis.
    2. Correctly identifying the components of the physical assessment as they relate to the hematologic system.
  17. At the completion of this course the student will have a fundamental depth and foundation breadth concerning the anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of common or major non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders by:
    1. Describing how the epidemiology of non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders affect patient assessment and care.
  18. At the completion of this course the student will have a fundamental depth and foundational breadth of knowledge of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial impact, presentations, prognosis, and management of common or major diseases of the eyes, ears, nose and throat by:
    1. Properly relating the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to the assessment and care of patients with diseases/injuries of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
  19. At the completion of this course the student will acquire a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of normal and abnormal changes associated with aging, pharmacokinetic changes, psychosocial and economic aspects of aging, polypharmacy and age related assessment and treatment modifications for major or common geriatric diseases and / or emergencies by:
    1. Demonstrating techniques that should be employed when assessing and communicating with the elderly.
    2. Recalling the medication issues of the elderly including polypharmacy, dosing errors and increased drug sensitivity and toxicology.
    3. Properly performing the appropriate assessment and management of the elderly patient with pulmonary complaints, including: pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pulmonary embolism.
    4. Properly performing the assessment and management of the elderly patient with complaints related to the cardiovascular system, including: myocardial infarction, heart failure, dysrhythmias, aneurism, hypertension.
    5. Properly performing the assessment and management of the elderly patient with complaints related to the nervous system, including: cerebral vascular disease, delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease.
    6. Properly performing the assessment and management of the elderly patient with complaints related to the endocrine system, including diabetes and thyroid diseases.
    7. Properly performing the assessment and management of the elderly patient with the following: gastrointestinal problems, toxicological problems, orthopedic injuries, burns and head injuries, drug and alcohol abuse, environmental considerations, depression or suicide risk factors.

Criteria Performance Standard

1. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 80% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors. 2. The minimum requirement for successful completion of critical course methods is that the student demonstrates skills performance mastery, at 100 percent accuracy, of each of the above stated objectives through classroom/laboratory competency-based educational measures developed by departmental instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 10/24/00, DBT 11/21/00, Eff I, 2001 (20011) reformatted 8/22/05 mr for 2005 3-year review. 2007 3-year review. C&I Approval: 03/25/2008, BOT Approval: 05/16/2008, Effective Term: Fall 2008 (400).
C&I Approval: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550)

Related Programs

  1. Emergency Medical Services (EMS-AS) (640) (Active)
  2. Paramedic (PMED-CT) (615) (Active)
  3. Paramedic Applied Technology Diploma (PARASW-AR) (615) (Active)
  4. Paramedic Career Certificate (PARACSW-AR) (615) (Active)