Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic

EMS 105 (6 credit hours)

Provides the first level of training in the career structure of Emergency Medical Services. Integrates didactic course material and the lab component necessary for the delivery of entry level emergency medical care to individuals who are experiencing a disruption in normal body functions due to illness and/or injury and require intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality. Prepares the student to sit for the National Registry EMT examination that is required for Kentucky certification as an EMT. Focuses on basic anatomy and physiology, scene and patient assessment, airway and ventilation, cardiovascular and body systems support, motion limiting devices, wound and fracture management, administration of basic patient medications, extrication, transportation, and patient monitoring as well as medico-legal aspects and ambulance operations. Includes a minimum twenty-four (24) hour clinical observation in the emergency department and/or on a state licensed ambulance service. Lecture/Lab: 6.0 credits (150 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: Minimum ACT Reading Score of 15 or Consent of Instructor.

Attributes: Technical

Components: LEC: Lecture

Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic:  47-49 credit hours

Courses by Semester

Total EMS Credits: 37-38 credit hours

Total General Ed Credits: 9-11 credit hours

Technical Competencies

Upon completion of this program, the graduate can:

1. Provide safe and sufficient care within the legal and ethical scope of practice for the paramedic and assume accountability for their actions and the actions of subordinate caregivers.
2. Distinguish and use communication that is appropriate amongst health care practitioners, individuals, groups, and populations encountered in the emergency medical environment.
3. Interpret and analyze assessment findings to formulate clinical judgments regarding individuals requiring emergency intervention, their families, and defined populations across the life span.
4. Utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving skills to effectively prioritize management of individuals in an emergency setting to achieve the most positive outcome.
5. Manage the direct provision of emergency care through effective organizational skills, appropriate delegation and supervision within the scope of practice.
6. Reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a paramedic committed to excellence in the delivery of emergency care aimed at limiting morbidity and mortality.
7. Recognize changes in the patient’s response to care as well as special situations that occur in the emergency environment and be able to initiate appropriate changes in care or transportation.
8. Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making.
9. Value continuous learning within the paramedic profession.