Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

This course prepares students for employment as emergency medical technicians to function at the basic pre-hospital emergency medical technician level and treat various medical/trauma conditions using appropriate equipment and materials. The course prepares students for certification as EMT's in accordance with Chapter 64J of the Florida Administrative Code. This is the initial level for a career in emergency medical services and the primary prerequisite for paramedic training and certification. This course must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher.

This course is designed to develop the skills necessary for the candidate to attain State of Florida or national registry certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT). It emphasizes the field expertise and skills of hospital emergency and ambulance care procedures at the EMT level. This course must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher.

This is the first course in the sequence necessary for completion of the Paramedic Certificate curriculum. The 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 EMS Systems, illness and injury prevention, medical-legal issues, patient assessment, airway management and ventilation, pathophysiology, pharmacology, cardiology, medical emergencies, shock, and decision making regarding appropriate interventions for identified problems. This course adheres to the NHTSA National EMS Educational Standards for Paramedic Education.

This is the second course in the sequence necessary for completion of the Paramedic Certificate curriculum. Emphasis is placed on patient assessment and recognition of significant findings, pre-hospital diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment strategies, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, trauma and the management of respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, endocrine and metabolic emergencies, neurological emergencies, gastrointestinal/genitourinary emergencies, toxicological emergencies, environmental conditions, pre-hospital differential diagnosis and treatment strategies, gynecologic emergencies, obstetrical emergencies, neonatal emergencies, pediatric emergencies, patients with special challenges, and assessment based management. This course adheres to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Educational Standards for Paramedic Education.

The purpose of this portion of didactic classes is to ensure the student is ready to transition to the working world as a paramedic. They will be taught local protocols in order to enhance their internship with the fire departments they ride with. Advanced surgical skills such as surgical cricothyrotomy, needle cricothyrotomy, and femerol venipuncture will be learned. A portion of the class will be dedicated to infusion ports, dialysis shunts and central line access. The student will also receive their certification in International Trauma Life Support (or equivalent).

This is the last course necessary to complete the Paramedic Certificate Program. Under the auspices of the medical director, this course is designed to provide the student with intensive clinical experience which fosters the development of leadership skills, expands and further develops clinical skills, and allows for the transition from observer to team leader in the professional paramedic role. Documented student participation as the team leader during a "code" must be completed during this course if these skills have not been completed during the previous out-of-hospital clinical practicum. This course includes Module 8 of the DOT National Standard Curriculum for Paramedic Program. This course must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher.

Practicum providing the opportunity for each student to develop competency in clinical skills within the hospital/field setting. Stresses the integration of basic computer skills, application of EMT and paramedic skills and techniques. Directed clinical experiences include emergency departments, medical examiner's office (autopsy), Emergency Dispatch Center, and field experience with local Fire/Rescue agencies.

This course provides the opportunity in hospital and out-of-hospital settings for each student to develop competency in clinical skills necessary to serve as a member of an advanced life support team. Stresses the integration of EMT and paramedic responsibilities so the student gains knowledge and confidence in clinical problem solving. Directed clinical experiences include pre-hospital, emergency departments and critical care units. This course includes Modules 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the DOT National Standard Curriculum for Paramedic Programs. (Professional liability insurance required.)