EMS 2601 - Paramedic Theory I

College of Health Sciences

Credit(s): 10
Contact Hours: 150
Effective Term Spring 2023 (615)

Requisites

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

Course Description

This is the first phase in the sequence necessary for completion of the Paramedic Certificate curriculum. This course is designed to reinforce concepts and clinical skills learned at the EMT level and to integrate this knowledge with beginning advanced life support concepts and skills. Emphasis is placed on psychomotor skills for patient assessment, airway management and ventilation, pharmacology, monitoring devices, and management of trauma patients. This course is an in-depth study of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Paramedic: National EMS Education Standards, the Florida Department of Education Standards, and in accordance with F.S. 401.2701 and Florida Administrative Code 64J-1.020 which includes aspects of the prehospital environment.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. EMS Systems: The student will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the history of EMS and of EMS Systems.
    1. Define terms, including but not limited to: EMS systems, licensure, registration, profession, professionalism, health care professional, ethics, peer review, medical direction and protocols.
    2. Describe the attributes of a paramedic as a health care professional.
    3. Explain paramedic licensure/ certification, re-certification, and reciprocity requirements in his or her state.
    4. Evaluate the importance of maintaining one’s paramedic license/ certification.
    5. Describe the benefits of paramedic continuing education.
    6. Discuss the role of national associations and of a national registry agency.
    7. Discuss Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64-E, Florida Administrative Code.
    8. Discuss the roles of various EMS standard setting agencies.
    9. Identify the components of an EMS System as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
    10. Describe examples of professional behaviors in the following areas: integrity, empathy, self-motivation, appearance and personal hygiene, self-confidence, communications, time management, teamwork and diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
    11. Describe the importance of quality EMS research to the future of EMS.
    12. Describe the role of the EMS physician in providing medical direction.
    13. Provide examples of local protocols.
    14. Describe the relationship between a physician on the scene, the paramedic on the scene, and the EMS physician providing on-line medical direction.
    15. Define the role of the paramedic relative to the safety of the crew, the patient, and bystanders.
    16. Assess personal practices relative to the responsibility for personal safety, the safety of the crew, the patient, and bystanders.
    17. Advocate the need for injury prevention, including abusive situations.
    18. Exhibit professional behaviors in the following areas: integrity, empathy, self-motivation, appearance and personal hygiene, self-confidence, communications, time management, teamwork and diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.
    19. Discuss the diverse types of EMS services and how they affect the delivery of advanced pre-hospital care.
  2. Research: At the completion of this lesson the student will have the fundamental understanding of research principles to interpret literature and advocate evidence-based practice.
    1. Discuss EMS research and evidence based decision making
    2. Interpret results, reach conclusions, and generate new ideas based on results.
    3. Discuss the importance of evidenced based medicine and medical research and its role in refining EMS practices.
    4. Conduct scientific literature searches.
    5. Discuss ethical considerations relating of conducting medical research.
  3. Workforce Safety and Wellness: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of provider safety and wellbeing, standard safety precautions, personal protective equipment, stress management, prevention of work related injuries, lifting and moving patients, disease transmission and wellness principles.
    1. Discuss the concept of wellness and its benefits.
    2. Discuss how cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility contribute to physical fitness.
    3. Describe the impact of shift work on circadian rhythms.
    4. Discuss how periodic risk assessments and knowledge of warning signs contribute to cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention
    5. Differentiate proper from improper body mechanics for lifting and moving patients in emergency and non-emergency situations.
    6. Describe the problems that a paramedic might encounter in a hostile situation and the techniques used to manage the situation.
    7. Explain the need to determine scene safety.
    8. Discuss the importance of “Standard Precautions” (BSI)
    9. Describe the equipment available for self-protection when confronted with a variety of adverse situations.
    10. Describe the three phases and factors that trigger the stress response.
    11. Differentiate between normal/ healthy and detrimental reactions to anxiety and stress.
    12. Identify and describe the defense mechanisms and management techniques commonly used to deal with stress.
    13. Describe the components of critical incident stress management (CISM).
    14. Describe the needs of the paramedic when dealing with death and dying.
    15. Discuss the importance of standard precautions and body substance isolation practices.
    16. Defend the need to treat each patient as an individual, with respect and dignity.
    17. Defend the need to respect the emotional needs of dying patients and their families
    18. Identify the human, environmental, and socioeconomic impact of unintentional and alleged unintentional events.
    19. Identify health hazards and potential crime areas within the community
    20. Describe the importance of effective documentation as one justification for funding of prevention programs.
  4. Public Health: At the completion of this lesson, the student will apply fundamental knowledge of principles of public health and epidemiology including public health emergencies, health promotion, and illness and injury prevention.
    1. Define public health and explain the goal of the public health field.
    2. Identify the EMS role within the public health field.
    3. Recognized the three categories of public health laws.
    4. Discuss basic concepts of epidemiology.
    5. Discuss ways of EMS involvement in injury prevention.
    6. Identity areas of need for prevention programs in the community.
  5. EMS Communication: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of EMS communication system, communication with other health care professionals, and team communication and dynamics.
    1. Identify the role of verbal, written, and electronic communications in the provision of EMS.
    2. Describe the phases of communications necessary to complete a typical emergency.
    3. Identify the importance of proper terminology when communicating during an emergency.
    4. List factors that impede effective verbal and written communications.
    5. List factors which enhance verbal and written communications.
    6. Recognize the legal status of written communications related to an emergency.
    7. Identify the components of the local EMS communications system and describe their function and use.
    8. Identify and differentiate among the following communications systems: simplex, multiplex, duplex, trunked, digital communications, and cellular telephone.
    9. Describe the functions and responsibilities of the Federal Communications Commission.
    10. Describe how an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) functions as an integral part of the EMS team.
    11. List appropriate information to be gathered by the Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
    12. Describe and organize a list of patient assessment information in the correct order for electronic transmission to medical direction according to the format used locally.
    13. State the proper procedures and sequence for delivery of patient information to other healthcare professionals.
  6. Therapeutic Communication: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of the principles of communicating with patients in a manner that achieves a positive relationship as well as factors that affect communication.
    1. Describe the principles of therapeutic and effective communication.
    2. Identify internal and external factors that affect a patient/ bystander interview conducted by a paramedic.
    3. Review the strategies for developing patient rapport.
    4. Summarize the methods to assess mental status based on interview techniques.
    5. Discuss the strategies for interviewing a patient who is unmotivated to talk.
    6. Summarize developmental considerations of various age groups that influence patient interviewing.
    7. Review unique interviewing techniques necessary to employ with patients who have special needs.
    8. Discuss interviewing considerations used by paramedics in cross-cultural communications.
  7. Medical/Legal and Ethics: At the completion of this lesson the student will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of medical-legal and ethical concepts related to EMS.
    1. Differentiate between legal and ethical responsibilities.
    2. Differentiate between licensure and certification as they apply to the paramedic.
    3. List the specific problems or conditions encountered while providing care that a paramedic is required to report, and identify in each instance to whom the report is to be made.
    4. Review terms, including but not limited to, the following: abandonment, battery, breach of duty, consent (expressed, implied, informed, voluntary), DNR orders, duty to act, emancipated minor, false imprisonment, liability, libel, negligence, proximate cause, scope of practice, slander, and tort.
    5. Differentiate between the scope of practice and the standard of care for paramedic practice.
    6. Discuss the concept of medical direction, including off-line medical direction and on-line medical direction, and its relationship to the standard of care of a paramedic.
    7. Review the four elements that must be present in order to prove negligence.
    8. Review the legal concept of immunity, including Good Samaritan statutes and governmental immunity, as it applies to the paramedic.
    9. Review the importance and necessity of patient confidentiality and the standards for maintaining patient confidentiality that apply to the paramedic.
    10. Review consent to include expressed, informed, implied, and involuntary. Given a scenario, demonstrate appropriate patient management and care techniques in a refusal of care situation.
    11. Differentiate between assault and battery and describe how to avoid each.
    12. Describe the actions that the paramedic should take to preserve evidence at a crime or accident scene.
    13. Describe the importance of providing accurate documentation (oral and written) in substantiating an incident.
    14. Describe the characteristics of a patient care report required to make it an effective legal document.
    15. Describe the criteria necessary to honor an advance directive in Florida.
    16. Demonstrate an understanding of the Paramedic’s role in mandatory reporting associated with abused, neglected and/or assaulted patient.
  8. Scene Size up: At the end of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of knowledge regarding scene management.
    1. Describe common hazards found at the scene of a trauma and a medical patient.
    2. Discuss common mechanisms of injury/nature of illness.
    3. Discuss the procedures for multiple-patient situations.
    4. Explain the rationale for crew members to evaluate scene safety prior to entering.
    5. List the minimum standard precautions that should be followed and PPE that should be worn at the emergency scene.
    6. Discuss special considerations for dealing with a violent scene.
  9. Primary Assessment: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of primary assessment for all patients.
    1. Summarize the reasons for forming a general impression of the patient.
    2. Summarize the elements of a general impression of the patient.
    3. Discuss and demonstrate methods of evaluating and assessing mental status.
    4. Categorize levels of consciousness in the pediatric, adult and geriatric patient.
    5. Discuss and demonstrate methods of assessing the airway in the pediatric, adult and geriatric patient.
    6. Describe and demonstrate methods used for assessing if a patient is breathing.
    7. Differentiate between the methods of assessing breathing and providing airway care to the pediatric, adult and geriatric patient.
    8. Differentiate between locating and assessing a pulse in the pediatric, adult and geriatric patient.
    9. Describe normal and abnormal finding when assessing skin color, temperature, moisture and capillary refill in adult, child, and infant.
    10. Discuss the need for assessing the patient for external bleeding.
    11. Differentiate between critical life-threatening, potentially life-threatening, and non-life-threatening patient presentations.
  10. History Taking: At the end of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of components of the patient history, interviewing techniques, how to integrate therapeutic communications techniques and adapt the line of inquiry based on findings and presentation.
    1. Describe the components and demonstrate techniques of patient history taking.
    2. Describe components of the patient history.
    3. Demonstrate the importance of empathy when obtaining a health history.
    4. Explain the importance of obtaining a SAMPLE and OPQRST history.
    5. Describe the technique for obtaining past medical history for medical and trauma patients.
    6. Adapt communication strategies to communicate effectively with the following types of patients: patients of all ages; patients of various cultures; patients with sensory impairments; angry, hostile, uncooperative, silent or overly talkative patients; patients who are anxious, crying or depressed; patients who offer multiple complaints or symptoms; intoxicated patients.
  11. Secondary Assessment: At the end of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of techniques of physical examination for all major body systems and anatomical regions.
    1. Describe the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation for patients of all ages.
    2. Distinguish the importance of abnormal findings of the assessment of the skin.
    3. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the body systems.
    4. Appreciate the limitations of conducting a physical exam in the out-of-hospital environment.
    5. Describe the evaluation of patient’s perfusion status based on findings in the initial assessment.
    6. State the reasons for performing a rapid trauma assessment.
    7. Discuss the reason for performing a focused history and physical exam.
    8. Discuss the components of the detailed physical exam in relation to the techniques of examination.
    9. Explain the reasons for identifying the need for additional help or assistance.
    10. State reasons for management of the cervical spine once the patient has been determined to be a trauma patient.
    11. Discuss the reasons for repeating the initial assessment as part of the on-going assessment.
    12. Describe the components of the on-going assessment.
    13. Discuss medical identification devices/ systems.
  12. Reassessment: At the end of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of how and when to perform a reassessment for all patient situations.
    1. Describe the components of the skills involved in patient reassessment.
    2. Discuss the reasons for repeating the primary assessment as part of the reassessment.
    3. Explain trending assessment components and its value to other health professionals who assume care of the patient.
    4. Discuss the steps for performing the reassessment of patients in various age groups.
  13. Documentation: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of the principles of medical documentation and report writing.
    1. Identify the general principles regarding the importance of EMS documentation and ways in which documents are used.
    2. Identify and use medical terminology correctly.
    3. Record all pertinent administrative information to a given standard.
    4. Analyze the documentation for accuracy and completeness, including spelling.
    5. Describe the differences between subjective and objective elements of documentation.
    6. Describe the potential consequences of illegible, incomplete, or inaccurate documentation.
    7. Describe the special considerations concerning patient refusal of transport.
    8. Explain how to properly record direct patient or bystander comments.
    9. Describe the special considerations concerning mass casualty incident documentation.
    10. Identify and record the pertinent, reportable clinical data of each patient interaction.
    11. Discuss the importance of pertinent negative clinical findings.
  14. Life Span Development: At the end of this lesson the student will integrate the physiological, psychological, and sociological changes throughout human development with assessment and communication strategies for patients of all ages.
    1. Compare, contrast and analyze the physiological and psycho-social characteristics of the adult versus an infant.
    2. Compare, contrast and analyze the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of the adult versus a toddler.
    3. Compare, contrast and analyze the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of the adult versus pre-school child.
    4. Compare, contrast and analyze the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of the adult versus school aged child.
    5. Compare, contrast and analyze the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of the adult versus adolescent.
  15. Medical Terminology: At the end of this lesson, the student will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations into written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care professionals.
    1. Identify medical terminology word parts such as root works, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms.
    2. Correctly utilize medical terminology describing body structures, functions, conditions and disorders, body regions, cavities, areas, and landmarks.
    3. Correctly use medical abbreviations and symbols as they relate to body systems.
    4. Read and understand basic medical documentation in medical records and medical reports.
  16. Anatomy and Physiology General Overview: At the end of this lesson, the student will demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems.
    1. Define anatomical terminology.
    2. Identification of the planes and sections of the body.
    3. Demonstrates knowledge of anatomical topography.
    4. Describe the different organ systems.
    5. Identify and explain cell structure and function.
    6. Discuss tissue Level of organization and membranes.
    7. Explain nutrition, metabolism and body temperature regulation.
  17. Pathophysiology: At the end of this lesson, the student will develop an understanding of pathophysiology of major human systems.
    1. Describe the factors that precipitate disease in the human body including familial diseases and risk factors.
    2. Describe environmental risk factors.
    3. Review terms including but not limited to: cardiogenic, hypovolemic, neurogenic, anaphylactic and septic shock.
    4. Describe multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
    5. Discuss the correlation of pathophysiology with disease processes.
    6. Identify the Major classes of cells.
    7. Describe and discuss the cellular structure, function and components.
    8. Define the types of body tissues.
    9. Describe alterations in cells and tissues including cellular adaptation, cellular injury, manifestation of cellular injury and cellular death/necrosis.
    10. Discuss the cellular environment including distribution of body fluids, aging and distribution of body fluids, water movement between ICF and ECF, water movement between plasma and interstitial fluid, alterations in water movement - edema, water balance and the role.
    11. Describe genetics and familial diseases including factors causing disease, analyzing risk, combined effects and interaction among risk factors, and common familial disease and associated risk factors.
    12. Define hypoperfusion and discuss pathogenesis, types of shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, cellular metabolism impairment.
    13. Describe the self –defense mechanisms including the lines of defense, characteristics of the immune response, introduction of the immune response, humoral immune response, cell-mediated immune response, cellular interactions in the immune response, fetal and neonatal immune function and aging and the immune response in the elderly.
    14. Describe the inflammation process including the acute inflammatory response, mast cells plasma protein systems, cellular components of inflammation, cellular products, systemic response of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation responses, local inflammation responses, phases of resolution and repair, and aging and self defense mechanisms.
    15. Discuss variances in immunity and inflammation including hypersensitivity, allergy, autoimmunity and isoimmunity, and immunity and inflammation deficiencies.
    16. Discuss blood volume circulation disturbances.
    17. Describe the buffer system.
  18. Pharmacology: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have a comprehensive knowledge of the principals of prehospital pharmacology.
    1. List the four main sources of drug products.
    2. Describe how drugs are classified.
    3. List legislative acts controlling drug use and abuse in the United States.
    4. Differentiate among Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V substances.
    5. Use reference materials to research medications.
    6. Discuss standardization of drugs
    7. Discuss investigational drugs, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process and the FDA classifications for newly approved drugs.
    8. Discuss the paramedic's responsibilities and scope of management pertinent to the administration of medications.
    9. List and describe general properties of drugs.
    10. List and describe liquid and solid drug forms.
    11. List and differentiate all methods and routes of medication administration covered in the current National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
    12. Describe the process called pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, including theories of drug action, drug-response relationship, factors altering drug responses, predictable drug responses, iatrogenic drug responses, and unpredictable adverse drug responses.
    13. Describe specific medications used by rescuers in the prehospital setting.
    14. Describe common unintended adverse effects of medication administration.
    15. Discuss the prevention, recognition and management of adverse medication reactions.
    16. Anticipate how various factors, such as age, body mass, and others, can alter drug responses.
    17. Select the optimal medication and method of medication administration for patients with a particular clinical condition or situation.
  19. Medication Administration: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an understanding of the anatomy and physiology and the route of administration within the scope of practice of the paramedic.
    1. Review the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to medication administration.
    2. Discuss the paramedic’s responsibilities and scope of management pertinent to the administration of medications.
    3. Review mathematical principles and discuss equations as a basis for performing drug calculations.
    4. Describe the indications, contraindications, procedure, equipment and risks associated with peripheral intravenous or external jugular access.
    5. Describe the indications, equipment needed, technique used, precautions, and general principles of intraosseous needle placement and infusion.
    6. Describe complications that can occur as a result of IV therapy.
    7. Discuss the "six rights" of drug administration and correlate these with the principles of medication administration.
    8. Describe the use of standard precautions and body substance isolation (BSI) procedures when administering a medication.
    9. Describe the role of medical direction in medication administration and describe the difference between direct orders (online) and standing orders (off-line).
    10. Explain why determining what medications (prescribed / OTC) a patient is taking is a critical aspect of patient assessment.
    11. Describe the equipment needed and general principles of administering oral medications.
    12. Describe the indications, equipment needed, techniques used, precautions, and general principles of administering medications by the following routes: inhalation route, gastric tube, rectal route.
    13. Differentiate among the different percutaneous routes of medication administration.
    14. Describe the purpose, equipment needed, techniques used, complications, and general principles for obtaining a blood sample.
    15. Obtain venous and capillary blood for testing and discuss blood chemistry and normal values as referenced in the National EMS educational guidelines: Paramedic Instructional Guidelines.
    16. Synthesize a pharmacologic management plan including medication administration.
  20. Emergency Medications: At the completion of this lesson the student will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of emergency medications within the scope of practice for the paramedic.
    1. Identify medications used by the paramedic, including indications, contraindications, dosages, adverse reactions, side effects, and interactions for the following: Airway management, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic conditions, gastrointestinal, miscellaneous medications.
  21. Airway Management and Respiration: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have the student will have an in-depth understanding of the scope of practice of the paramedic for airway anatomy, airway assessment, and techniques of assuring a patient airway.
    1. Explain the primary objective of airway maintenance.
    2. Explain the differences between pediatric, adult and geriatric airway anatomy.
    3. Name and label the structures of the respiratory system.
    4. List the concentration of gases that comprise atmospheric air.
    5. Describe the measurement of oxygen in the blood.
    6. Describe the measurement of carbon dioxide in the blood.
    7. Describe peak expiratory flow.
    8. List factors that cause decreased oxygen concentrations in the blood.
    9. List the factors that increase and decrease carbon dioxide production in the body.
    10. Define pulses paradoxes.
    11. Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for ventilating a patient with an automatic transport ventilator (ATV).
    12. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, liter flow range, and concentration of delivered oxygen for supplemental oxygen delivery devices.
    13. Define, identify and describe a tracheostomy, stoma, and tracheostomy tube.
    14. Define, identify, and describe a laryngectomy.
    15. Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for the pediatric patient.
    16. Describe the steps for relief of FBAO in infant, child, and adult.
    17. Describe the techniques of suctioning and its importance.
    18. Describe the steps for insertion of an NPA and OPA airway.
    19. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications and equipment for rapid sequence intubation with neuromuscular blockade.
    20. Identify neuromuscular blocking drugs and other agents used in rapid sequence intubation.
    21. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications and equipment for sedation during intubation.
    22. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and complications for performing an open cricothyrotomy.
    23. Identify and describe the function of the structures located in the upper and lower airway.
    24. Discuss the physiology of ventilation and respiration.
    25. Describe the steps in performing the skills of assisting ventilations in the conscious patient in respiratory distress using a bag-valve-mask and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
  22. Artificial Ventilations: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system, physiology and pathophysiology of respirations.
    1. Explain pulse oximetry.
    2. Describe use of airway and ventilation devices including administration of BIPAP/CPAP and PEEP devices.
    3. Describe methods of assessment for confirming correct placement of any airway device.
    4. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, equipment and technique for extubation.
    5. Describe methods of endotracheal intubation in the pediatric patient.
  23. Monitoring Devices: At the end of this lesson the student will have a fundamental understanding of the scope of practice of the paramedic for obtaining and using the information from patient monitoring devices.
    1. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of continuous ECG monitoring.
    2. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of 12-Lead ECG.
    3. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of capnography (wave form).
    4. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of capnometry (colorimetric).
    5. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of CO-oximetry.
    6. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of Methemaglobin monitoring.
    7. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of total hemoglobin.
    8. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of Basic blood chemistry.
    9. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of ultrasound.
    10. Describe the purpose, indications, procedure, normal findings, and limitations of other devices identified at the EMT level.
  24. Trauma Overview: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment and management of trauma patients of all age groups.
    1. Describe and provide a general overview of multisystem trauma patient management.
    2. Discuss the golden principle of out-of-hospital trauma care.
    3. Discuss the National Trauma Triage Protocol of injured patients (http://cdc.gov/fieldtriage/).
    4. Discuss and describe State of Florida’s Trauma Scorecard methodologies as required in FS 401.2701 & 64J-2.004 & 2.005.
    5. List and describe the components of a comprehensive trauma system.
    6. Describe the role of and differences between levels of trauma centers.
    7. Describe the criteria for different transportation modes to a trauma center.
    8. Discuss and describe significant & non-significant Mechanism of Injury (MOI) & provide examples of each.
    9. Discuss the pathophysiology and assessment of the trauma patient.
    10. Explain the relationship between mechanism of injury and potential energy, kinetic energy and work.
    11. Define the term blunt & penetrating trauma and provide examples of the mechanism of injury (MOI) that would cause each to occur and include: effects of high, medium & low velocity penetrating trauma, primary, secondary, tertiary and miscellaneous blast injuries, factors to consider of a patient injured in a fall, consider age (pediatric & geriatrics).
    12. Describe the criteria and procedure for air medical transport.
    13. Define energy and force as they relate to trauma.
    14. Define laws of motion and energy and understand the role that increased speed has on injuries.
    15. Discuss the assessment and management of the trauma patient.
    16. Describe the pathophysiology of the head, spine, thorax, and abdomen that result from the above forces.
    17. List specific injuries and their causes as related to interior and exterior vehicle damage.
    18. Describe the kinematics of penetrating injuries.
    19. Discuss the role of documentation in trauma.
  25. Bleeding: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment and management of bleeding.
    1. Discuss the compensatory mechanism in hemorrhagic shock.
    2. Discuss the administration of medications to assist in the maintenance of homeostasis.
    3. Discuss the maintenance of tissue oxygenation in a bleeding patient.
    4. Defend and differentiate the type and use of IV fluids for fluid resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock.
    5. Discuss methods to assist external bleeding control.
  26. Chest Trauma: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment, and management of chest trauma for all age groups.
    1. Discuss the pathophysiology, assessment and management of chest trauma.
    2. Differentiate between a pneumothorax (open, simple & tension) &hemothorax.
    3. Describe the assessment & management of a patient with a suspected chest (open and closed) injury.
    4. Discuss the pathophysiology of myocardial injuries, including the following: pericardial tamponade, myocardial contusion, myocardial rupture, commotio cordis.
    5. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with thoracic injuries.
    6. Discuss the pathophysiology of specific chest wall injuries, including the following: rib fracture, flail segment, sternal fracture.
    7. Discuss the assessment findings associated with chest wall injuries.
    8. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with chest wall injuries.
    9. Discuss the management of chest wall injuries.
    10. Discuss the assessment findings associated with lung injuries.
    11. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with lung injuries.
    12. Discuss the pathophysiology of myocardial injuries, including the following: pericardial tamponade, myocardial contusion, myocardial rupture, commotio cordis.
    13. Discuss the assessment findings associated with myocardial injuries and their management.
    14. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with myocardial injuries.
    15. Discuss the pathophysiology of vascular injuries, including injuries to the following: aorta, vena cava, pulmonary arteries/veins.
    16. Discuss the assessment findings associated with vascular injuries and their management.
    17. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with vascular injuries.
    18. Discuss the pathophysiology, assessment and management of diaphragmatic injuries.
    19. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with diaphragmatic injuries.
    20. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with esophageal injuries.
    21. Discuss the pathophysiology, assessment and managment of tracheo-bronchial injuries.
    22. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with tracheobronchial injuries.
    23. Discuss the pathophysiology, assessment and management of traumatic asphyxia.
    24. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with traumatic asphyxia.
    25. Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a thoracic injury.
    26. Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression.
    27. Recognize the need for the use of a thorough assessment to determine a differential diagnosis and treatment plan for thoracic trauma.
    28. Discuss the management of lung injuries, to include assisting in the insertion of a chest tube as well as monitoring and management of a chest tube.
  27. Abdominal and Genitourinary Trauma: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of vascular injury, solid and hollow organ injuries, blunt versus penetrating mechanisms, evisceration, retroperitoneal injuries and injuries to the external genitalia.
    1. Review the anatomy and physiology of organs and structures related to abdominal injuries.
    2. Discuss the abdominal vascular structures
    3. Describe the mechanism of injury for and types of open and closed abdominal and retroperitoneal injuries involving seat belts, penetrating, blunt and evisceration.
    4. Discuss and explain the pathophysiology for pelvic fractures, solid organ injuries, hollow organ injuries, abdominal vascular injuries, retroperitoneal space (kidneys), genitourinary system
    5. Describe and demonstrate the assessment and management for, pelvic fractures, solid organ injuries, hollow organ injuries, abdominal vascular injuries, retroperitoneal space (kidneys), genitourinary system
    6. Develop a patient management plan for a patient with abdominal injuries, based upon field impression.
    7. Describe the epidemiology, including the morbidity/mortality and prevention strategies for abdominal vascular injuries.
    8. Integrate the pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with abdominal injuries
    9. Develop the management of a patient with an impaled object, evisceration and shock.
    10. Discuss the variations in symptoms, signs and treatment of patients across the ages
    11. Discuss the emotional treatment associated with abdominal and genitourinary injuries.
  28. Orthopedic Trauma: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have a fundamental understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology, assessment, and management of orthopedic injuries.
    1. Review the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, include the healing process.
    2. Discuss types of musculoskeletal injuries: fracture (open and closed – epiphyseal, greenstick, and torus), dislocation/fracture, sprains, and strains.
    3. Discuss the pathophysiology and potential complications of orthopedic injuries.
    4. Discuss and demonstrate the patient assessment techniques and findings for orthopedic injuries.
    5. Explain the 6 “P” orthopedic injury assessment
    6. Discuss the general guidelines for management of orthopedic injuries: heat therapy, cold therapy, and splinting.
    7. Discuss medication administration (analgesics and anxiolytics)
    8. Discuss the pathophysiology of open and closed fractures.
    9. Discuss the pathophysiology, assessment and management of specific orthopedic injuries: shoulder girdle, humeral fractures, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand, pelvis, hip, femoral shaft, knee, tibia and fibula, ankle, and calcaneus.
    10. Discuss the out-of-hospital management of dislocation/fractures, including splinting and realignment.
    11. Explain the importance of manipulating a knee dislocation/fracture with an absent distal pulse.
    12. Define luxation and subluxation
    13. Discuss and demonstrate the assessment and management of sprains and strains
    14. Review the pathophysiology and mechanism of injury for compartment and crush syndrome
    15. Discuss the assessment and management of compartment and crush syndrome, and rhabdomyolysis.
    16. Discuss the pathophysiology, and demonstrate the assessment and management of a tendon injury to the knee (patellar), shoulder and Achilles.
    17. Develop a patient management plan for the musculoskeletal injury based on the field impression.
    18. Recognize the use of pain management in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
    19. Discuss the assessment and management of an amputation
  29. Soft Tissue Trauma: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment, and management of wounds such as avulsions, bite wounds, lacerations, puncture wounds, burns (electrical, chemical and thermal), high pressure injection and crush syndrome.
    1. Review anatomy and physiology and identify the major functions of the integumentary system.
    2. Discuss the pathophysiology of soft tissue injuries and the healing process including: inflammation, epithelialization, neurovascularization, collagen synthesis, alterations in would healing and abnormal scar formation.
    3. Differentiate between the following types of closed soft tissue injuries: contusions, hematoma and crush injuries.
    4. Review the assessment findings and management associated with closed soft tissue injuries.
    5. Differentiate between the following types of open soft tissue injuries: abrasions, lacerations, major arterial lacerations, avulsions, impaled objects, amputations, incisions, crush injuries, blast injuries, and penetrations/punctures.
    6. Review the pathophysiology of open wounds.
    7. Review between the various management techniques for hemorrhage control of open soft tissue injuries, including but not limited to: direct pressure, pressure dressing, and tourniquet application.
    8. Integrate pathophysiological principles to the assessment of a patient with a soft tissue injury and synthesize and demonstrate a treatment plan
    9. Formulate treatment priorities for patients with soft tissue injuries in conjunction with airway/face/neck trauma, thoracic trauma (open/closed), and abdominal trauma.
    10. Defend the rationale explaining why immediate life-threats must take priority over wound closure.
    11. Describe the epidemiology, including incidence, mortality/ morbidity, risk factors, and prevention strategies for the patient with a burn injury.
    12. Describe the pathophysiologic complications and systemic complications of a burn injury.
    13. Review and describe types of burn injuries, including a thermal burn, an inhalation burn, a chemical burn, an electrical burn, and a radiation exposure.
    14. Review and describe the depth classifications of burn injuries, including a superficial burn, a partial-thickness burn, a full-thickness burn, and other depth classifications described by local protocol.
    15. Review and describe the severity of a burn including a minor burn, a moderate burn, a severe burn, and other severity classifications described by local protocol.
    16. Describe special considerations for a pediatric patient with a burn injury.
    17. Discuss conditions associated with burn injuries, including: trauma, blast injuries, airway compromise, respiratory compromise, and child abuse.
    18. Describe the management of a burn injury, including airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies, and other management described by local protocol.
    19. Describe the pathophysiology of a thermal burn injury.
    20. Describe the pathophysiology and assessment findings of a burn from the following causes: inhalation, chemicals and electricity.
    21. Describe the assessment and management of a thermal, inhalation, electrical and chemical burn injury and radiation exposure, including: airway and ventilation, circulation, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, transport considerations, psychological support/ communication strategies.
    22. Describe the types of chemicals and their burning processes and a chemical burn injury to the eye.
    23. Describe the pathophysiology of a radiation exposure, including the types and characteristics of ionizing radiation.
    24. Identify and describe the severity of a radiation exposure.
    25. Develop, execute and evaluate a management plan based on the field impression for the patient with thermal, inhalation, chemical, electrical, and radiation burn injuries.
  30. Head, Face, Neck, and Spine: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have a fundamental understanding of pathophysiology, assessment, and management of unstable facial fractures, orbital fractures, perforated tympanic membrane, and a complex depth, comprehensive breadth of skull fractures, penetrating neck trauma, laryngotracheal injuries, spine trauma.
    1. Differentiate between facial injuries based on the assessment and history.
    2. Relate assessment findings associated with head, facial and neck injuries to pathophysiology.
    3. Develop a patient management plan based on patient assessment and a field impression for injuries to the following areas: eye(s), nose, throat/neck, face, mouth, and ear(s).
    4. Formulate a field impression for a patient with an injury for the following areas based on the assessment findings: eye(s), nose, throat/neck, face, mouth, and ear(s).
    5. Distinguish between head injury and brain injury.
    6. Define and explain the process involved with each of the levels of increasing ICP.
    7. Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with a head/brain injury.
    8. Describe and demonstrate the assessment and general management of the head/ brain injury patient, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.
    9. Explain the pathophysiology of skull fracture and intracranial hemorrhage, including epidural, subdural, intracerebral, and subarachnoid.
    10. Develop a management plan for a patient for each of the following conditions: skull fracture, cerebral contusion, intracranial hemorrhage, epidural, subdural, intracerebral, and subarachnoid.
    11. Differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injuries based on the assessment and history.
    12. Describe the pathophysiology of non-traumatic spinal injury, including but not limited to, low back pain, herniated intervertebral disk and spinal cord tumors.
    13. Describe and demonstrate the assessment and management of non- traumatic spinal injuries.
    14. Describe the pathophysiology of traumatic spinal injury related to: spinal shock, spinal neurogenic shock, quadriplegia/paraplegia, incomplete cord injury/cord syndromes, including central cord syndrome, anterior cord syndrome and Brown-Sequard syndrome.
    15. Discuss and demonstrate the assessment and management of spine trauma including dislocations/subluxations, fractures, and sprains/strains.
    16. Develop a management plan for a patient with spine trauma including dislocations/subluxations, fractures, and sprains/strains.
    17. Develop a patient management plan for both a traumatic and a non-traumatic spinal injury based on the field impression.
    18. Given a scenario, defend whether or not to remove a helmet prior to transport of a patient.
    19. Discuss various methods for stabilization and removal of a helmet.
    20. Discuss the assessment and management of each of the following: perforated tympanic membranes, orbital fracture, mandibular fractures.
    21. Develop a management plan for a patient for each of the following: perforated tympanic membranes, orbital fracture, mandibular fractures.
  31. Nervous System Trauma: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of neurology anatomy and a foundational understanding of pathophysiology, assessment, and management of Cauda equine syndrome, nerve root injury, peripheral nerve injury, and a complex depth, comprehensive breadth of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and spinal shock.
    1. Review the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, brain, spinal cord, skull and spinal column.
    2. Discuss pathophysiology of the following nervous system injury including: Cauda Equine syndrome, peripheral nerve injuries, intracerebral hemorrhages, cranial fractures, brain tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries.
    3. Discuss the mechanism of injury which would result in a nervous system injury.
    4. Discuss the specific assessment (s) for nervous system injuries including: Brown-Sequard syndrome, Cauda Equine syndrome, Anterior cord syndrome, Central cord syndrome, intracerebral hemorrhage.
    5. Discuss the pathophysiology of a traumatic brain injury and spinal shock.
    6. Develop a management plan for a patient with traumatic brain injury and spinal shock
    7. Synthesize and demonstrate the spinal motion restriction technique for the different spinal cord injuries.
    8. Discuss the research involving the management of nervous system injuries and patient management.
  32. Special Considerations in Trauma: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment and management of trauma in the pregnant patient, pediatric patient, geriatric patient and cognitively impaired patient.
    1. All trauma objectives should integrate the assessment and management differences associated with the following special populations: pregnancy, pediatric, geriatric, cognitively impaired.
  33. Environmental Emergencies: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of pathophysiology, assessment and management of near-drowning, temperature-related illness, bites and envenomation, dysbarism such as high-altitude, diving injuries, electrical injury and high altitude illness.
    1. Define "environmental emergency."
    2. Discuss the pathophysiology and MOI of the following: Drowning and water related incidents, temperature-related illness, bites and envenomation, dysbarism such as high-altitude edema, diving injuries, lightning (electrical) injury, high altitude illness.
    3. Identify environmental factors that may cause illness, exacerbate preexisting illness and complicate treatment or transport decisions.
    4. Describe several methods of temperature monitoring.
    5. Identify the components of the body’s thermoregulatory mechanism.
    6. Describe the general process of thermal regulation, including substances used and wastes generated.
    7. Describe the body’s compensatory process for overheating.
    8. Discuss and list the common forms of heat and cold disorders.
    9. Discuss the pathophysiology of temperature related illness
    10. Relate symptomatic findings to the commonly used terms: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
    11. Describe the contribution of dehydration to the development of heat disorders.
    12. Describe the differences between classical and exertional heatstroke.
    13. Define fever and discuss its pathophysiologic mechanism.
    14. Discuss the role of fluid therapy in the treatment of temperature related emergencies
    15. Integrate the pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
    16. Identify differences between mild, severe, chronic and acute hypothermia
    17. Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient who has either mild or severe hypothermia.
    18. Define frostbite and superficial frostbite (frostnip).
    19. Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the patient with superficial or deep frostbite.
    20. Define submersion
    21. List signs and symptoms of submersion
    22. Describe the lack of significance of fresh versus saltwater immersion, as it relates to submersion
    23. Discuss the incidence of "wet" versus "dry" drownings and the differences in their management.
    24. Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the submersion patient.
    25. Define self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA).
    26. Discuss the pathophysiology of diving emergencies including: decompression illness/sickness, altitude illnesses, pulmonary over pressurization syndrome (POPS), arterial gas embolism.
    27. Relate the gas laws to the pathology of injury in a submersion emergency
    28. List signs and symptoms of diving emergencies.
    29. Describe the function of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and how its members may aid in the management of diving related illnesses.
    30. Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions for the management of diving accidents.
    31. Describe the specific function and benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management of diving accidents.
    32. Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a management plan for the patient who has had a diving accident.
    33. Develop a patient management plan based on the field impression of the patient affected by an environmental emergency.
    34. Discuss the pathophysiology of bites and envenomation including: hymenoptera, snake bites, spider bites, scorpion stings, tick bites.
    35. Discuss and demonstrate the assessment and management of: hymenoptera, snake bites, spider bites, scorpion stings, tick bites
    36. Relate the assessment of bites and envenomation to the immune response and shock
  34. Multi-Systems Trauma: At the completion of this lesson the student will have an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of multi-system trauma and blast injuries.
    1. Explain which ALS interventions should occur prior to a transport decision and during transport
  35. Respiratory System: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system and the management of respiratory emergencies.
    1. Discuss the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality of respiratory illness in the United States.
    2. Define hypoventilation, hyperventilation and outline the conditions they are often associated with.
    3. Review the anatomy, physiology and functions of the respiratory system.
    4. Explain how gas exchange occurs at the interface of the alveoli and the pulmonary capillary bed.
    5. Describe the physiology of respiration including nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, chemical, renal respiratory control mechanisms and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
    6. Discuss those factors that contribute to the formation of a general impression and degree of respiratory distress.
    7. Identify breathing patterns that are associated with respiratory distress and neurological insults and their correlation with the signs of increased work of breathing.
    8. Differentiate between normal and abnormal breath sounds and its physiologic significance.
    9. Discuss abnormal assessment findings associated with pulmonary diseases and conditions.
    10. Explain how to assess the adequacy of the circulation of a patient with dyspnea.
    11. Discuss the way transport decisions are made for patients with respiratory distress.
    12. Describe the interventions available for treating patients with respiratory emergencies.
    13. Describe those devices used to monitor patients with respiratory emergencies.
    14. Describe those complications which cause the COPD patient to decompensate.
    15. Explain the concepts of hypoxic drive and auto-PEEP as they relate to the COPD patient.
    16. Compare various airway and ventilation techniques used in the management of pulmonary diseases.
    17. Review the pharmacological preparations that paramedic use for management of respiratory diseases and conditions.
    18. Review the use of equipment used during the physical examination of patients with complaints associated with respiratory diseases and conditions.
    19. Describe the variations of respiratory anatomy and the pathophysiology of respiratory disease across the life spans.

Criteria Performance Standard

1. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 80% accuracy, demonstrate writing mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors. 2. The requirement for successful completion of critical course methods is that the student demonstrates skills performance mastery, at 100% 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). C&I 9/13/05, BOT 10/18/05, Eff 20052(0360). 2007 3-year review: C&I 3/25/08, BOT 5/16/08, eff20081(0400): C&I Approval: 04/13/2010, BOT Approval: 05/18/2010, Effective Term: Summer 2010 (425).
C&I Approval: 02/07/2023, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Spring 2023 (615)

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)