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EMT 101 Paramedic Care I

An introductory course that prepares the student for the role of a paramedic. This modular course covers an overview of the emergency medical services (EMS) system, roles and responsibilities of the paramedic, well-being of the paramedic, ambulance operations, research and national and local legal issues that impact EMS. The course also provides a foundational level of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, lifespan development, patient assessment, and pharmacology. Basic life support skills, patient assessment, and pharmacology skills are introduced and assessed in the simulation lab.

Credits

Prerequisite

None

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

EMT 101 Paramedic Care I

Campus Location

Dover

Effective Date

202452

Prerequisites

None

Course Credits and Hours

10 credit(s)

9 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

Demonstrate performance of basic life support (BLS) skills in a lab setting. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PCG 1, 5, 6, 7 )
Explain the history and design of the Delaware and national emergency medical services (EMS) systems. (CCC 5 ;PGC 4)*
Describe the components of an EMS System. (CCC 1, 2, 4;PGC 4, 6)
Discuss the roles and responsibilities of EMS providers. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 4, 6)
Describe components of a culture of safety for patients and EMS providers. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4 5; PGC 4, 5)
Discuss the legal system pertinent to emergency medical services (EMS). (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Explain legal issues related to providing patient care. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Describe liability issues. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Identify the legal responsibilities involving medical direction. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Explain paramedic legal responsibilities. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Describe the research process. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Explain the role of research in quality management and clinical practice. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Describe the role of EMS in public health. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6, 8)
Identify and explain the anatomy and physiology of body systems pertinent to paramedic practice. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 3)
Identify and explain physiologic and biologic manifestations of disease and the adaptations that the body makes to changes produced by the disease process. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 3)
Describe the component of the EMS communication system.* (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3)
Integrate comprehensive anatomical medical terminology and abbreviations into written and oral communication. (CCC1; PGC 6)
Identify and explain anatomical, physiological, and emotional changes across the lifespan. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 3)
Describe and demonstrate techniques used to obtain a medical history from a variety of patients. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform an assessment of mental status. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform physical examinations of a variety of patients. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Analyze interview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
Describes principles of therapeutic communication strategies in a manner that achieves a positive patient relationship. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 6, 7)
Demonstrate how to document patient assessment findings and care. (CCC 1; PGC 4)
Discuss the principles of pharmacology and pharmacology mathematics. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1, 3 , 4, 5, 6, 7)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

Demonstrate performance of basic life support (BLS) skills in a lab setting.
1. Demonstrate how to perform BLS Skills included in the current Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs in a skill lab setting.
2. Demonstrate how to apply standard precautions, and to don, off, and dispose of PPE.
3. Demonstrate how to lift and move simulated patients in a variety of settings.*
Explain the history and design of the Delaware and national emergency medical services (EMS) systems.*
1. Describe the role of national groups involved in the development, education, and implementation of EMS.
2. Describe the history of EMS nationally and on the state level.*
3. Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of each recognized level of EMS providers, including required education and certification nationally and on a state level.*
4. Identify issues that impact the statewide EMS system.
5. Describe the role of medical direction in relation to prehospital care.*
6. Describe quality assurance and quality improvement in relation to paramedic care.*
7. Explain the process for development of policies and protocols for all provider levels within the state.
Describe the components of an EMS System.*
1. Explain the continuum of care for patients who enter the EMS System.*
2. Explain regional systems of care for conditions including trauma, STEMI, pediatrics, and stroke.*
3. Describe Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedic and other EMS-related specialty roles.*
Discuss the roles and responsibilities of EMS providers.*
1. Describe the paramedic’s role as a professional as it relates to behavior, communication techniques, continuing education, certification, and appearance.*
2. Describe the profession as an extension of primary care facilities.
3. Explain the role of the paramedic in illness and injury prevention.
4. Summarize the importance of EMS research and quality improvement programs to the EMS provider’s practice.
5. Describe the strategies to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being for the EMS provider.*
6. Describe quality improvement compared to quality assurance in EMS system performance.*
Describe components of a culture of safety for patients and EMS providers.*
1. Describe standard safety precautions.
2. Identify potential scene dangers and hazards.
3. Explain strategies to prevent work-related injuries and illness.*
4. Compare and contrast forms of disease transmission and how EMS providers protect themselves from exposure.*
5. Describe the causes of stress and the psychological and physiological effects of it.*
6. Discuss coping strategies that lead to resilience and wellness.*
7. Discuss the role of peer support for mental health resilience and suicide prevention.*
8. Apply the principles of crew resource management in simulated patient care.*
Discuss the legal system pertinent to emergency medical services (EMS)
1. Describe the enabling legislation that established and shaped emergency medical services at the national, state, and local level.*
2. Identify key roles of an emergency medical services system written in statute.
3. Describe the components of a civil lawsuit and strategies to follow if involved in one.
4. Explain the difference between tort and criminal actions.*
Explain legal issues related to providing patient care.
1. Define the following terms: abandonment, advanced directive, assault, battery, breach of duty, confidentiality, consent, do not resuscitate orders, duty to act, emancipated minor, false imprisonment, immunity, liability, libel, minor, negligence, proximate cause, scope of practice, slander, standard of care, and tort.
2. List specific reportable conditions or problems encountered while providing care, and identify to whom the reports are to be made.
3. Given a scenario with a patient in need of care, describe the process used to obtain informed or implied consent.*
4. Identify the legal issues involved in the decision not to transport a patient or reduce the level of care being provided.*
5. Describe the conditions under which use of force, including restraint, is acceptable.
6. Discuss the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) laws as they apply to patient care and transport issues.
7. Explain the importance and necessity of patient confidentiality and the standards for maintaining patient confidentiality that apply to the paramedic.
8. Explain the purpose of advanced directives and how they impact patient care.*
9. Explain the concepts of duty to act and abandonment.
10. Differentiate among the types of consent: expressed, informed, implied, and involuntary.*
11. Differentiate between assault and battery and describe how to avoid committing each.
12. Given a scenario, demonstrate appropriate patient interaction and documentation for a patient refusing care.
13. Examine a scenario to evaluate paramedic practice with respect to maintaining standards of confidentiality.*
14. Describe practices for evidence preservation for care at crime scenes.*
15. Describe statutory responsibilities for paramedics.*
16. Explain the mandatory reporting requirements for special situations, including abuse or neglect, drug-related injuries, childbirth, suicide, and crime scenes.*
17. Describe medical ethics and their implications for paramedics.*
18. Discuss end-of-life issues, including the moral and ethical implications of do-not-resuscitate orders and Advanced Directives.*
19. Describe patient rights and how paramedics can be patient advocates.*
20. Examine situations where ethical tests affect paramedic decision-making.*

Describe liability issues.
1. Describe the four elements that must be present in order to prove negligence.
2. Describe patient care behaviors that would protect the paramedic from claims of negligence.
3. Discuss immunity, including Good Samaritan statutes and governmental immunity, as it applies to the paramedic.
4. Differentiate between libel and slander.
5. Explain liability as it applies to emergency medical services, including physicians providing medical direction and paramedics’ supervision of other care providers.
6. Examine a scenario for issues of liability and immunity.
7. Examine a scenario to determine whether a paramedic providing care could be considered negligent.
Identify the legal responsibilities involving medical direction.
1. Discuss the legal implications of medical direction, including off-line medical direction and online medical direction, and its relationship to the paramedic’s standard of care.
Explain paramedic legal responsibilities.
1. Differentiate between the legal and ethical responsibilities of the paramedic.
2. Explain how the scope of practice and standard of care are defined for the paramedic profession.
3. Differentiate between licensure and certification as they apply to the paramedic.
4. Describe the importance of providing accurate documentation (oral and written) in substantiating an emergency medical services response.
5. Describe the characteristics of a patient care report required to make it an effective legal document.
6. Discuss the paramedic’s responsibilities relative to resuscitation efforts for patients who are potential organ donors.
Describe the research process.
1. Discuss the need for EMS research as described in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) EMS Agenda 2050.
2. Describe the components of EMS that benefit from research and quality improvement.
3. Describe the steps of the research process, including defining a research question, constructing a hypothesis, sampling, data collection, and analysis.*
4. Identify the steps of the research process in a peer-reviewed article.
5. Discuss ethical concerns and research design strengths and weaknesses in EMS research, including the role of Institutional Review Boards and the significance of the Belmont Report.
Explain the role of research in quality management and clinical practice.
1. Describe current approaches to quality improvement in EMS.
2. Describe the relationship between the quality management process and identification of a research problem.*
3. Describe the role of research in the development of paramedic clinical practice and EMS system operation.*
4. Identify the components of a research article.*
5. Describe evidence-based decision-making.*
Describe the role of EMS in public health.
1. Define public health and its goals in the healthcare system.*
2. Discuss how infection and prevention control apply to EMS*.
3. Discuss paramedics’ role in identifying and reporting human trafficking.*
4. Discuss how EHR reporting and data collection applies to public health.*
5. Discuss social, geographic, economic, and demographic determinants of health.*
6. Discuss EMS’s role in patient and community health education.*
7. Discuss principles of injury prevention and wellness programs.*
8. Discuss the public health concerns for unique populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and patients with special healthcare needs.*
9. Discuss the EMS role of health screenings and vaccinations.*
10. Discuss the role of EMS related to infectious diseases and public health.*
Identify and explain the anatomy and physiology of body systems pertinent to paramedic practice.
1. Define terminology related to the general organization of the human body.
2. Outline the basic structure and functions for normal human cells.
3. Relate basic chemical principles to cell function and homeostasis.
4. Describe the organization and functions for tissues and membranes.
5. Describe the normal structure and functions for each of the body systems.
6. Describe the essential components of normal perfusion.*
7. Explain the basic principles of human genetics and heredity.
Identify and explain physiologic and biologic manifestations of disease and the adaptations that the body makes to changes produced by the disease process.
1. Describe cellular adaptations to altered conditions in the body.
2. Describe the types and complications of shock.
3. Describe the treatment of shock, hypoperfusion and dehydration.
4. Describe the relationship of the immune system regarding different disease processes.
5. Describe the systemic effects of disturbances in fluid balance, electrolyte imbalance, and acid-base balance.
Describe the EMS communication system.*
1. Describe the communication loop and barriers to effective communication.*
2. Demonstrate communication with other healthcare professionals to include cohesive and organized patient handoff.*
3. Describe how transmitting telemetric monitoring and video clinical data can affect patient care.
Integrate comprehensive anatomical medical terminology and abbreviations into written and oral communication.
1. Analyze the basic elements of a medical word, including word roots, combining forms,prefixes, and suffixes.
2. Define, pronounce, and appropriately use, in written and oral communications, terminology related to the general structure and organization of the human body.
3. Define, pronounce, and appropriately use, in written and oral communications, basic terminology describing the structures and functions for each of the major body systems.
4. Define, pronounce, and appropriately use, in written and oral communications, basic terminology describing human diseases, clinical and surgical procedures, imaging procedures, laboratory procedures, and medical abbreviations related to each of the major body systems.
Identify and explain anatomical, physiological, and emotional changes across the lifespan.
1. Identify the stages of the human lifespan.
2. Analyze the nature of developmental change across the life span.
3. Examine the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to studying human development.
4. Analyze the core milestones of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development for each stage in the life cycle.
5. Examine the main psychological, social, and cultural issues specific to each stage in the life cycle.

Describe and demonstrate techniques used to obtain a medical history from a variety of patients.
1. Perform interviews that incorporate the principles of therapeutic communication, and adjust communication strategies to be appropriate for the patient’s age, stage of development, and special needs or culture.*
2. Use effective communication techniques to obtain a chief complaint, history of present illness or injury, pertinent past medical history, family/social history, and review of the body systems.
3. Explain the role of active listening in communication.
4. Demonstrate the use of clinical reasoning to focus questioning while obtaining a medical history.
5. Formulate questions in order to obtain a focused medical history.
6. Demonstrate acquisition of pertinent histories of simulated patients.
Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform an assessment of mental status.
1. Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings of the following: appearance and behavior, posture and motor behavior, dress and grooming, speech and language, mood thought and perceptions, insight and judgment, memory, and attention.
Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform physical examinations of a variety of patients in a skill lab setting.
1. Demonstrate the proper use of body substance isolation measures.
2. Describe the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
3. List the techniques of a physical exam that comprise the general survey.
4. Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings for the following: skin, hair, and nails; lymphatic system; head and neck; eyes, ears and nose; throat and neck; chest and lungs; heart and blood vessels; abdomen; genitalia; anus/rectum; musculoskeletal system; and nervous system.
5. Perform an assessment of the following: skin, hair, and nails; lymphatic system; head and neck; eyes, ears, and nose; throat and neck; chest and lungs; heart and blood vessels; abdomen; musculoskeletal system; and nervous system.
Analyze interview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis.
1. Perform a SAMPLE history.
2. Utilize the OPQRST mnemonic to evaluate pain.
3. Describe the steps to complete a secondary assessment.
4. Describe how the physical assessment is modified for a patient with a life-threatening emergency.
5. Document interview and assessment findings using a standardized narrative format
Describes principles of therapeutic communication strategies in a manner that achieves a positive patient relationship.
1. Discuss how therapeutic communication strategies need to be adjusted based on a patient’s healthcare literacy.*
2. Describe strategies for communication challenges and verbal defusing*
3. Demonstrate non-discriminatory communication that addresses inherent or unconscious bias, is culturally aware and sensitive, and intended to improve patient outcomes.*
Demonstrate how to document patient assessment findings and care.*
1. Demonstrate how to record assessment findings*
2. Describe the principles of medical documentation and report writing.*
3. Describe how documentation is used to support medical necessity for care.*
Discuss the principles of pharmacology and pharmacology mathematics.
1. Describe practices to assure medication safety.
2. Describe the process for the development of drugs for human use.
3. Identify applicable government regulations related to the development and therapeutic use of medications.*
4. Define pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.*
5. Differentiate the DEA Scheduled Drug classifications (I, II, III, IV and V).*
6. Differentiate between a drug’s chemical name, trade name, generic name, and official name.*
7. Differentiate drug classifications by body system, class of agent, and mechanism of action.*
8. Describe how medications are to be stored and secured.*
9. Differentiate the phases of medication activity.*
10. Explain medication interactions: intestinal absorption, plasma protein binding, biotransformation, metabolism, renal excretion, and drug-drug-interaction.*
11. Describe how medication interactions and adverse drug reactions can affect paramedic assessment and treatment.
12. Explain the pharmacological concepts of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, biotransformation, metabolism, and excretion.
13. Explain the pharmacological concepts of pharmacodynamics: mechanism of action, medication response relationship, plasma levels, half-life, therapeutic index and threshold, LD50, and different factors that alter drug response.
14. Calculate metric conversions.
15. Calculate volume-based bolus, IV drip rates, weight-based IV bolus, and weight- based IV drip.
16. Calculate desired dose, concentration on hand, and volume on hand.
17. Recall medication class names, indications complications and side effects of commonly prescribed chronic or maintenance medications.*
18. Define polypharmacy and describe how it may affect paramedic assessment and care.*
19. Demonstrate how to use a Medication Cross Check Procedure in the skill lab setting.*
20. Demonstrate how to administer medication to patients in a skill lab setting using all procedures and routes included in the CoA Student Minimum Competency recommendations and the Delaware Paramedic Scope of Practice.*
21. Demonstrate how to utilize resources of safe administration of weight-based dosing in a skill lab setting.
22. Describe the names, effects, indications, contraindications, side effects, routes of administration, dosages, actions, complications, and interactions included in the Delaware Paramedic Standing Orders and National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines.*

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100	=	A
80-89	=	B
70-79	=	C
0-69	=	F

Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

FINAL COURSE GRADE

(Calculated using the following weighted average)

Evaluation Measure	Percentage of final grade
Module Exams (4 equally weighted) (Summative)	50%
Module Lab Portfolio Completion (Summative)	30%
Affective Assessment (Summative)	5%
Quizzes (equally weighted) (Formative)	10%
Assignments (Formative)	5%
TOTAL	100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

Perform all psychomotor Paramedic skills in the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards consistent with acceptable practice for an entry level paramedic.
Conduct complete, accurate and timely patient assessments to include history and physical exam, and communicate findings.
Interpret assessment findings in order to accurately identify a differential diagnosis and integrate pathophysiologic principles and legal responsibilities to formulate a treatment plan.
Effectively perform the role of Team Leader to include: timely decision making, effective resource utilization, implementing appropriate plan of action for a given situation, adapting the plan to changing conditions change and communicate.
Assess a scene or situation in order to identify threats to operating safely.
Apply communication and ethical decision making skills required for an entry-level paramedic.
Exhibit professional affective behavior.
Function effectively as an entry level paramedic in the pre-hospital working environment in the roles of Team Leader and Team Member.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

Apply clear and effective communication skills.
Use critical thinking to solve problems.
Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

EMT 101 Paramedic Care I

Credits

Prerequisite

Course Number and Title:

Campus Location

Effective Date

Prerequisites

Course Credits and Hours

Course Description

Additional Materials

Required Text(s)

Disclaimer

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

Final Course Grade

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

Minimum Technology Requirements

Academic Integrity

Attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

Tuition Adjustment Policy