STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 1. Explain the role of the Emergency Medical Technician in the EMS system.

 2. Explain the ethical responsibilities and legal guidelines pertinent to the EMT.

 3. Recognize hazards to personal safety and take appropriate measures to mitigate dangers.

 4. Describe methods of maintaining well-being including how to deal with stress effectively.

 5. Demonstrate proper communication techniques within the EMS system.

 6. Demonstrate the ability to perform a proper patient assessment using evidence based decision making.

 7. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately manage a patient’s airway, breathing, and oxygenation based on clinical findings.

 8. Identify basic anatomical structures and functions of the human body.

 9. Describe the consequences of illness and injury.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 

 I. EMS Systems

      A. History of EMS

      B. Roles and responsibilities of EMS personnel

      C. Professionalism

      D. Quality improvement

      E. Patient safety

 II. Research

      A. Impact of research on emergency medical care

      B. Data collection

      C. Evidence-based decision making

 III. Workforce Safety and Wellness

      A. Standard safety precautions

      B. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

      C. Stress management

      D. Dealing with death and dying

      E. Prevention of response-related injuries

      F. Prevention of work-related injuries

      G. Lifting and moving patients

      H. Disease transmission

       I. Wellness principles

 IV. Communication

      A. Recording patient findings

      B. Principles of medical documentation and report writing

      C. Calling for resources

      D. Transferring care of the patient

      E. Interacting within the team structure

      F. Communication with other health care professionals

      G. Team communication and dynamics (CRM)

 V. Therapeutic Communication

      A. Principles of communicating with patients in a manner that achieves a positive relationship

      B. Interviewing techniques

      C. Adjusting communication strategies for age, stage of development, patients with special needs, and differing cultures

      D. Verbal defusing strategies

      E. Family presence issues

 VI. Medical/Legal and Ethics

      A. Consent/refusal of care

      B. Confidentiality

      C. Advance directives

      D. Tort and criminal actions

      E. Evidence preservation

       F. Mandatory reporting

      G. Ethical principles/moral obligations

      H. End of life issues

 VII. Anatomy and Physiology

      A. Anatomy and functions for all body systems

      B. Life span development

 VIII. Medical Terminology

      A. Medical terms

      B. Standard medical abbreviations and acronyms

 IX. Pathophysiology

      A. Alteration of cell metabolism

      B. Respiratory compromise

      C. Perfusion and shock

 X. Public Health

      A. Role of EMS in Public Health

      B. Principles of illness and injury prevention

 XI. Airway Management and Ventilation

      A. Airway anatomy

      B. Airway assessment

      C. Techniques of assuring a patent airway

      D. Physiology and pathophysiology of respiration

      E. Assessment and management of adequate and inadequate respiration

      F. Supplemental oxygen therapy

      G. Artificial ventilation

 XII. Patient Assessment

      A. Scene safety

      B. Scene management

      C. Primary assessment

      D. Integration of lifesaving interventions

      E. Investigation of chief complaint

      F. History taking

      G. Secondary assessment