Emergency Medical/Paramedic Course Descriptions

Course content addresses the management of airway and respiratory problems, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, techniques of oxygen therapy, bleeding control and treatment for shock, soft tissue injuries and fracture care, principles of spinal immobilization, fundamentals of triage and transportation of the sick injured, and treatment modalities for a range of medical, obstetrical, pediatric, environmental and behavioral emergencies. This course offers an introduction to patient assessment skills and includes training in the application of MAST, use of Automated External Defibrillators as required for licensure at the EMT-Basic level in the State of Maine.

This course is a prerequisite to entry into the advanced levels of EMS education.

This course provides an in-depth study of the pathophysiology of cardiac and vascular disorders. Topics covered include the physiology, assessment and treatment of acid base balance disturbances, cardiac rhythm alterations, 12 lead EKG analysis, and treatment of vascular disorders. In the lab, students learn advanced paramedic skills such as cardiac arrest management and clinical decision making. Students completing the course will receive a certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and the MEMS 12-lead Objectives for the Paramedic.

Students will learn how to calculate drug dosages and safely administer emergency medications. Students will begin to learn about approved prehospital medications. Students learn how to administer medications via various routes including inhaled, injected, and intravenous. This course builds upon the basic pharmacology content presented in the EMT-Intermediate course. In this class students will also do an in-depth study of the pathophysiology of airway and pulmonary diseases and disorders. In lab sessions students will reinforce previous airway management techniques, as well as CPAP, Capnography, and Clinical Decision Making. An emphasis will be placed on Assessment Based Management throughout this course.

This faculty directed practicum provides the opportunity for each student to develop competency in clinical skills with the hospital and prehospital setting. Clinical rotations occur in cardiac care units, newborn nurseries, labor & delivery, post-anesthesia units, same-day surgery, geriatrics, respiratory, cardiology, emergency room, operating room and others under the direction of a designated preceptor. The prehospital rotation allows the student to assume the role of the Paramedic in order to perfect clinical and assessment skills. During this rotation the student will primarily observe and assist the precepting Paramedics. The student works under the direction of an experienced Paramedic.

The student is given an intense introduction to the pathophysiology and management of selected diseases, based on body systems. These include infectious and communicable diseases, allergies and anaphylaxis, behavioral disorders, toxicology and hematology, vascular, neurological, endocrine, renal, urogenital, gastrointestinal systems and associated emergencies. An overview of common laboratory and diagnostics tests is presented. This class will build off of EMS208 and 209, further reinforcing Assessment Based Management and pharmacological interventions. At the completion of this course the student will be certified in the 2006 Maine EMS Prehospital Interfacility Transfer Program (PIFT).

This class provides students with the opportunity to study how growth and development impacts the delivery of emergency care. Topics include pediatric and neonatal emergencies, obstetrical care, geriatric emergencies, and age appropriate care. Provisions for providing emergency care to all age groups are presented. The normal physiological changes of aging are reviewed. The lab portion of the program includes education in Geriatric Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS).

This course provides students with a comprehensive course in the pathophysiology, kinematics, and management of the trauma patient. Topics include multisystems trauma, spinal injury, head injury, orthopedic injury, and burns. Upon completion of the lab portion of the class, students receive certification in Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Students will also participate in the Difficult Airway Lab reinforcing techniques and skills learned in EMS209 and EMS218. Continued study and usage of Assessment Based Management will be reinforced.

This faculty directed practicum provides the opportunity for each student to develop competency in clinical skills with the hospital and prehospital setting. Clinical rotations occur in cardiac care units, newborn nurseries, labor & delivery, post-anesthesia units, same-day surgery, geriatrics, respiratory, cardiology, emergency room, operating room and others under the direction of a designated preceptor. The prehospital rotation allows the student to assume the role of the Paramedic in order to perfect clinical and assessment skills. During this rotation the student will be expected to serve in a leadership capacity in the treatment and decision-making process. The student works under the direction of an experienced Paramedic.