VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGEfd.valenciacollege.edu/file/rholborn1/Paramedic I... · 2012-09-17 · 2....

VALENCIA COLLEGE

PARAMEDIC I

EMS 2603 (6 Credit Hours)

Fall Term, August – December 2012

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Name: Ray Taylor, Professor of Emergency Medical Services

Office: Valencia West Campus – Module 3-247C

Office Phone: (407) 582-1546

Cell Phone: (407) 761-9724

Phone Mail: Available 24 hours per day

Office Hours: Posted during the first week of class. Student conferences by

Appointment

Name: Rob Holborn Ed.D,

Cell Phone: (407) 408-6284

E- Mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Office Hours: No office. Student conferences by appointment.

CLASSROOM SESSIONS (TIME AND LOCATION)

Monday – Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m./Module 3-226

Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m./Module 3-226

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

EMS 2603 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, shock, and

decision-making regarding appropriate interventions for identified problems. The

program adheres to all current standards and regulations established by the U.S.

Department of Transportation, the State of Florida, and the Committee on

Accreditation of EMT-Paramedic Programs; and is based upon Modules 1, 2, 3

and 4 of the DOT National Standard Curriculum for Paramedic Program

Guidelines.

PROGRAM GOALS:

mailto:[email protected]

1. To provide students with the knowledge necessary to become competent

entry level paramedics.

2. To develop and foster the behaviors, attributes, and attitudes of a

professional in the field of emergency care.

COREQUISITES:

EMS 2603L, EMS 2666. All courses must be completed with a C (80%) or

greater. If a student is unsuccessful in any of the co-requisite courses, he/she will

be withdrawn from all advanced paramedic courses.

EDUCATIONAL MATERALS:

1. Paramedic Care: Principles and Practices, Volume 1, Third Edition, with

Paramedic Achieve, Bledsoe, Porter, and Shade.

2. Paramedic Care: Principles and Practices, Volume 2, Third Edition,

Bledsoe, Porter, and Shade.

3. Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations for EMS Providers, Taylor, VCC.

4. Textbook of International Trauma Life Support (Latest Edition)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND REGULATIONS:

1. Disabled Students: In compliance with the Federal Americans with

Disabilities Act, attempts will be made to accommodate students with

disabilities. Students with disabilities who qualify for academic

accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with

Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably

during the first two week of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities

determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of

disabilities.

2. Per Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades,

and Withdrawals), a student who withdraws from class before the established

deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not

permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A faculty member MAY

withdraw a student up to the beginning of the final exam period for violation

of the class attendance policy. A student who is withdrawn by faculty for

violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W.” Any

student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or

subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.” For a

complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please go to:

http://valenciacc.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.

3. Readmission to the Paramedic Program: Any student who withdraws from, or

fails, EMS 2603 and/or any co-requisite components will be required to complete

a new application packet, and formally apply for readmission to the Paramedic

Program. Students who withdraw from or fail paramedic courses are not granted

automatic readmission to the program in subsequent semesters.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Attendance to all lecture sessions is mandatory. Attendance is taken by the

instructor during all class sessions at the beginning of class, and, at the

instructor's discretion, may be taken at the end of class.

2. Students arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes after the beginning of a

class, or leaving more than fifteen (15) minutes before the end of class will

be marked as absent. Arrival at any time after the beginning of class is

considered tardiness. Three (3) episodes of tardiness will constitute one (1)

absence. No exceptions are made to this rule.

3. Students may not perform clinical rotations during scheduled class sessions.

Late arrival to class due to delay at a clinical site is not considered excused

tardiness.

4. If a student fails to attend three (3) class meetings, he/she will be placed on

academic probation, and will meet with the Program Director to discuss

continuation in the program. Any additional absences will result in academic

withdrawal from the Paramedic Program.

5. It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor if an absence or

tardiness is unavoidable.

6. The student is responsible for all materials, quizzes, or examinations missed.

7. In addition to scheduled exams and quizzes, unannounced quizzes may be

administered at the instructor's discretion.

8. All reading assignments should be completed prior to lecture.

GRADING SCALE:

94 – 100% = A 80 – 85% = C

86 – 93% = B 74 – 79% = D

1. Final grade is based upon the total points earned from module exams and

quizzes.

2. Points are converted to a letter grade at the end of the semester.

3. A minimum cumulative grade of 80% must be obtained by the end of the

semester to continue in the program.

4. Any student who receives less than an 80% on the dosage calculation

examination must retake and successfully complete a second examination.

Within one week following the first examination, the student must complete a

remedial dosage calculation learning packet as prescribed by the instructor.

Upon completion of this, and within the same one week period, the student is to

retake the dosage exam, completing it with a score of 80% or better. The first

module exam score will be recorded as the grade. Failure to comply or

successfully complete the learning packet and/or second dosage calculation

exam with an 80% or better will result in termination from the program.

5. Grades are not curved for any test or on final comprehensive averages in any

EMS course. There is no extra credit offered in EMS 2603.

VALENCIA STUDENT COMPETENCIES:

Valencia faculty have defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think,

Communicate, Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community. These

competencies are outlined in the Course Catalog. In this course, through classroom

lecture and discussions, group lab work, and other learning activities, you will

further develop mastery of these core competencies.

The following Valencia Student Competencies will be reinforced throughout the

entire course.

1. THINK - Think clearly, critically, and creatively.

Analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of

human inquiry

A. To think, what must you do?

• Analyze data, ideas, patterns, principles, and perspectives

• Employ the facts, formulas, and procedures of the

disciplines

• Integrate ideas and values from different disciplines

• Draw well-supported conclusions

• Revise conclusions consistently with new observations,

interpretations, or reasons

B. How and where must you think?

• With curiosity and consistency

• Individually and in groups

2. VALUE - Make reasoned value judgments and responsible

commitments

A. To value, what must you do?

• Recognize the values as expressed in attitudes, choices, and

commitments

• Distinguish among personal, ethical, aesthetic, cultural, and

scientific values

• Employ values and standards of judgment from different

disciplines

• Evaluate your own and others’ values from individual, cultural,

and global perspectives

• Articulate a considered and self-determined set of values

B. How and where must you value? • With empathy and fair-mindedness


3. COMMUNICATE

A. To communicate, what must you do?

• Identify your own strengths and need for improvement as

communicator

• Employ methods of communication appropriate to your

audience and purpose

• Evaluate the effectiveness of your own and others’

communication

B. How and where must you communicate?

• By speaking, listening, reading and writing

• Verbally, non-verbally, and visually

• With honesty and civility

4. ACT - Act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly

A. To act, what must you do?

• Apply disciplinary knowledge, skills, and values to

educational and career goals

• Implement effective problem-solving, decision-making, and

goal-setting strategies

• Act effectively and appropriately in various personal and

professional settings

• Assess the effectiveness of personal behavior and choices

• Respond appropriately to changing circumstances

B. How and where must you act?

• With courage and perseverance


• In your personal, professional, and community life

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Each student is expected to be in compliance with the college catalog and student

handbook. Any student who cheats on an exam or quiz will receive a zero and may be

subject to withdrawal from the class.

DISCLAIMER:

Changes in this syllabus may be made at any time during the semester by

announcement to this effect. A revised syllabus may be issued at the discretion of the

instructor.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS: The paramedic program is an intensive academic and clinical activity for a full year. Balancing

classes and clinical requirements with work, family, and other commitments is difficult, and requires

careful planning, excellent time management, and good study habits. Successful completion of the

program requires strong academic performance; mastery of knowledge objectives; proficiency in

technical skills; ability to integrate knowledge and skills into practice; and development of behaviors

and attitudes consistent with the roles, responsibilities and performance of prehospital healthcare

professionals.

In addition, the instructors will schedule regular study groups to review class material and

answer questions. These sessions are optional, but may be helpful. In addition, students are

encouraged to form their own study groups and meet on a regular basis for review and problem-

solving.

Some suggestions for successful preparation and performance include:

1. Use weekends wisely—read ahead through all chapters for the following week.

2. Read the corresponding chapters at least twice. Be sure to focus study efforts on the

objectives listed at the beginning of the chapter.

3. After each lecture, review the chapter(s), emphasizing mastery of the objectives.

4. Use the chapter objectives and class notes to study for quizzes and module examinations.

5. Have a good night's sleep and an adequate meal before quizzes and exams.

6. Use slow times during clinical rotations to ask questions, to study and review, to finish

class paperwork, or to practice with equipment and discuss techniques.

7. Practice skills and procedures routinely—don't wait until midterm or final skills testing.

8. Practice and review standard charting formats, procedures, and abbreviations. Use your

medical dictionary—correct spelling and usage is important.

9. Make an effort to learn appropriate medical terminology related to clinical practice.

Vocabulary lists and flash cards may be helpful.

10. Study medications commonly taken at home. Learn their indications and side effects.

Patient's medications provide the paramedic with substantial information regarding the

patient's medical histories. Again, lists and flash cards may be helpful.

VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PARAMEDIC I

COURSE AGENDA

DAY/DATE CLASS TOPIC READING ASSIGNMENT

M/T – 8/27-28

1 Course Orientation

Introduction and Roles and Responsibilities of

the Paramedic

Florida Chapters 401 and 64J-1

Paramedic Care Volume 1,

Chs. 1, 4

W/R – 8/29-30 2

Clinical Meeting/ORMC Orientation

Classroom

W/R – 9/5-6 3 Advanced Patient Assessment

Historical Evaluation (Patient History)

Paramedic Care Volume 2, Ch. 1

M/T – 9/10-11 4 Advanced Patient Assessment

Techniques of Physical Examination Paramedic Care Volume 2, Ch. 2

W/R – 9/12-13 5

Advanced Patient Assessment

Techniques of Physical Examination

Patient Assessment in the Field

Paramedic Care Volume 2,

Ch. 2, 3

M/T – 9/17-18 6 Clinical Decision Making

Communications and Documentation

Paramedic Care Volume 2

Chs. 4,5,6

W/R – 9/19-20

7 Exam 1 (Classes 1-6) Classroom

M/T – 9/24-25 8 General Principles of Pathophysiology

Cellular Physiology

Paramedic Care Volume 1, Ch 8

W/R – 9/26-27 9 General Principles of Pathophysiology

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Acid Base Balance



Shock


W/R – 10/3-4 11 General Principles of Pathophysiology

Immunology Paramedic Care Volume 1, Ch 8


Immunology/HIV-AIDS


M/T – 10/15-16 13 Exam 2 (Classes 8-12) Classroom

W/R – 10/17-18 14 General Principles of Pharmacology Paramedic Care Volume 1, Ch. 9

M/T – 10/22-23 15 Principles of Pharmacology

Drug Classifications


W/R – 10/24-25 16 Principles of Pharmacology



M/T – 10/29-30 17 Principles of Pharmacology

Drug Classifications Paramedic Care Volume 1, Ch. 9

W/R – 10/31-11/1 18 Principles of Pharmacology




W/R-11/7-8 20 Pharmacology

Drug and Dosage Calculations


M/T – 11/12-13 21 Pharmacology



W/R – 11/14-15 22 Pharmacology



M/T – 11/19-20 23 Pharmacology




W/R – 11/28-29 25 Trauma Care ITLS

M/T – 12/3-4 26 Trauma Care ITLS

W/R – 12/5-6 27 Trauma Care ITLS

M/T – 12/10-11 28 Exam 5 (Classes 25-27) ITLS Trauma Examination

VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PARAMEDIC I

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

EMS SYSTEMS/ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Define the following terms:

a. EMS Systems

b. Licensure

c. Certification

d. Registration

e. Profession

f. Professionalism

g. Health care professional

h. Ethics

i. Peer review

j. Medical direction

k. Protocols

2. Describe key historical events that influenced the development of national

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.

3. Identify national groups important to the development, education, and

implementation of EMS.

4. Differentiate among the four nationally recognized levels of EMS training/

education, leading to licensure/ certification/ registration.

5. Describe the attributes of a paramedic as a health care professional.

6. Describe the recognized levels of EMS training/ education, leading to licensure/

certification in his or her state.

7. Explain paramedic licensure/ certification, recertification, and reciprocity

requirements in his or her state.

8. Evaluate the importance of maintaining one’s paramedic license/ certification.

9. Describe the benefits of paramedic continuing education.

10. List current state requirements for paramedic education in his/ her state.

11. Discuss the role of national associations and of a national registry agency.

12. Discuss current issues in his/ her state impacting EMS.

13. Discuss the roles of various EMS standard setting agencies.

14. Identify the standards (components) of an EMS System as defined by the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

15. Describe how professionalism applies to the paramedic while on and off duty.

16. Describe examples of professional behaviors in the following areas: integrity,

empathy, self-motivation, appearance and personal hygiene, self-confidence,

communications, time management, teamwork and diplomacy, respect, patient

advocacy, and careful delivery of service.

17. Provide examples of activities that constitute appropriate professional behavior for

a paramedic.

18. Describe the importance of quality EMS research to the future of EMS.

19. Identify the benefits of paramedics teaching in their community.

20. Describe what is meant by "citizen involvement in the EMS system."

21. Analyze how the paramedic can benefit the health care system by supporting

primary care to patients in the out-of-hospital setting.

22. List the primary and additional responsibilities of paramedics.

23. Describe the role of the EMS physician in providing medical direction.

24. Describe the benefits of medical direction, both on-line and off-line.

25. Describe the process for the development of local policies and protocols.

26. Provide examples of local protocols.

27. Discuss prehospital and out-of-hospital care as an extension of the physician.

28. Describe the relationship between a physician on the scene, the paramedic on the

scene, and the EMS physician providing on-line medical direction.

29. Describe the components of continuous quality improvement.

30. Analyze the role of continuous quality improvement with respect to continuing

medical education and research.

31. Define the role of the paramedic relative to the safety of the crew, the patient, and

bystanders.

32. Identify local health care agencies and transportation resources for patients with

special needs.

33. Describe the role of the paramedic in health education activities related to illness

and injury prevention.

34. Describe the importance and benefits of research.

35. Explain the EMS provider’s role in data collection.

36. Explain the basic principles of research.

37. Describe a process of evaluating and interpreting research.

THE WELL-BEING OF THE PARAMEDIC

1. Discuss the concept of wellness and its benefits.

2. Define the components of wellness.

3. Describe the role of the paramedic in promoting wellness.

4. Discuss the components of wellness associated with proper nutrition.

5. List principles of weight control.

6. Discuss how cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility contribute

to physical fitness.

7. Describe the impact of shift work on circadian rhythms.

8. Discuss how periodic risk assessments and knowledge of warning signs contribute

to cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention.

9. Differentiate proper from improper body mechanics for lifting and moving

patients in emergency and non-emergency situations.

10. Describe the problems that a paramedic might encounter in a hostile situation and

the techniques used to manage the situation.

11. Given a scenario involving arrival at the scene of a motor vehicle collision, assess

the safety of the scene and propose ways to make the scene safer.

12. List factors that contribute to safe vehicle operations.

13. Describe the considerations that should be given to:

a. Using escorts

b. Adverse environmental conditions

c. Using lights and siren

d. Proceeding through intersections

e. Parking at an emergency scene

14. Discuss the concept of "due regard for the safety of all others" while operating an

emergency vehicle.

15. Describe the equipment available for self-protection when confronted with a

variety of adverse situations.

16. Describe the benefits and methods of smoking cessation.

17. Describe the three phases of the stress response.

18. List factors that trigger the stress response.

19. Differentiate between normal/ healthy and detrimental reactions to anxiety and

stress.

20. Describe the common physiological and psychological effects of stress.

21. Identify causes of stress in EMS.

22. Describe behavior that is a manifestation of stress in patients and those close to

them and how these relate to paramedic stress.

23. Identify and describe the defense mechanisms and management techniques

commonly used to deal with stress.

24. Describe the components of critical incident stress management (CISM).

25. Provide examples of situations in which CISM would likely be beneficial to

paramedics.

26. Given a scenario involving a stressful situation, formulate a strategy to help cope

with the stress.

27. Describe the stages of the grieving process (Kubler-Ross).

28. Describe the needs of the paramedic when dealing with death and dying.

29. Describe the unique challenges for paramedics in dealing with the needs of

children and other special populations related to their understanding or experience

of death and dying.

30. Discuss the importance of universal precautions and body substance isolation

practices.

31. Describe the steps to take for personal protection from airborne and bloodborne

pathogens.

32. Given a scenario in which equipment and supplies have been exposed to body

substances, plan for the proper cleaning, disinfection, and disposal of the items.

33. Explain what is meant by an exposure and describe principles for management.

ILLNESS AND INJURY PREVENTION

1. Describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of unintentional and alleged

unintentional events.

2. Identify the human, environmental, and socioeconomic impact of unintentional

and alleged unintentional events.

3. Identify health hazards and potential crime areas within the community.

4. Identify local municipal and community resources available for physical,

socioeconomic crises.

5. List the general and specific environmental parameters that should be inspected to

assess a patient's need for preventative information and direction.

6. Identify the role of EMS in local municipal and community prevention programs.

7. Identify the local prevention programs that promote safety for all age populations.

8. Identify patient situations where the paramedic can intervene in a preventative

manner.

9. Document primary and secondary injury prevention data.

MEDICAL/LEGAL ISSUES

1. Differentiate between legal and ethical responsibilities.

2. Describe the basic structure of the legal system in the United States.

3. Differentiate between civil and criminal law as it pertains to the paramedic.

4. Identify and explain the importance of laws pertinent to the paramedic.

5. Differentiate between licensure and certification as they apply to the paramedic.

6. List the specific problems or conditions encountered while providing care that a

paramedic is required to report, and identify in each instance to whom the report is

to be made.

7. Define the following terms:

a. Abandonment

b. Advance directives

c. Assault

d. Battery

e. Breach of duty

f. Confidentiality

g. Consent (expressed, implied, informed, involuntary)

h. Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders

I. Duty to act

j. Emancipated minor

k. False imprisonment

l. Immunity

m. Liability

n. Libel

o. Minor

p. Negligence

q. Proximate cause

r. Scope of practice

s. Slander

t. Standard of care

u. Tort

8. Differentiate between the scope of practice and the standard of care for paramedic

practice.

9. Discuss the concept of medical direction, including off-line medical direction and

on-line medical direction, and its relationship to the standard of care of a

paramedic.

10. Describe the four elements that must be present in order to prove negligence.

11. Given a scenario in which a patient is injured while a paramedic is providing care,

determine whether the four components of negligence are present.

12. Given a scenario, demonstrate patient care behaviors that would protect the

paramedic from claims of negligence.

13. Explain the concept of liability as it might apply to paramedic practice, including

physicians providing medical direction and paramedic supervision of other care

providers.

14. Discuss the legal concept of immunity, including Good Samaritan statutes and

governmental immunity, as it applies to the paramedic.

15. Explain the importance and necessity of patient confidentiality and the standards

for maintaining patient confidentiality that apply to the paramedic.

16. Differentiate among expressed, informed, implied, and involuntary consent.

17. Given a scenario in which a paramedic is presented with a conscious patient in

need of care, describe the process used to obtain consent.

18. Identify the steps to take if a patient refuses care.

19. Given a scenario, demonstrate appropriate patient management and care

techniques in a refusal of care situation.

20. Describe what constitutes abandonment.

21. Identify the legal issues involved in the decision not to transport a patient, or to

reduce the level of care being provided during transportation.

22. Describe how hospitals are selected to receive patients based on patient need and

hospital capability and the role of the paramedic in such selection.

23. Differentiate between assault and battery and describe how to avoid each.

24. Describe the conditions under which the use of force, including restraint, is

acceptable.

25. Explain the purpose of advance directives relative to patient care and how the

paramedic should care for a patient who is covered by an advance directive.

26. Discuss the responsibilities of the paramedic relative to resuscitation efforts for

patients who are potential organ donors.

27. Describe the actions that the paramedic should take to preserve evidence at a

crime or accident scene.

28. Describe the importance of providing accurate documentation (oral and written) in

substantiating an incident.

29. Describe the characteristics of a patient care report required to make it an effective

legal document.

30. Given a scenario, prepare a patient care report, including an appropriately detailed

narrative.

ETHICS

1. Define ethics.

2. Distinguish between ethical and moral decisions.

3. Identify the premise that should underlie the paramedic's ethical decisions in out-

of hospital care.

4. Analyze the relationship between the law and ethics in EMS.

5. Compare and contrast the criteria that may be used in allocating scarce EMS

resources.

6. Identify the issues surrounding the use of advance directives, in making a

prehospital resuscitation decision.

7. Describe the criteria necessary to honor an advance directive in your state.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

1. Discuss cellular adaptation.

2. Describe cellular injury and cellular death.

3. Describe the factors that precipitate disease in the human body.

4. Describe the cellular environment.

5. Discuss analyzing disease risk.

6. Describe environmental risk factors.

7. Discuss combined effects and interaction among risk factors.

8. Describe aging as a risk factor for disease.

9. Discuss familial diseases and associated risk factors.

10. Discuss hypoperfusion.

11. Define cardiogenic, hypovolemic, neurogenic, anaphylactic and septic shock.

12. Describe multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

13. Define the characteristics of the immune response.

14. Discuss induction of the immune system.

15. Discuss fetal and neonatal immune function.

16. Discuss aging and the immune function in the elderly.

17. Describe the inflammation response.

18. Discuss the role of mast cells as part of the inflammation response.

19. Describe the plasma protein system.

20. Discuss the cellular components of inflammation.

21. Describe the systemic manifestations of the inflammation response.

22. Describe the resolution and repair from inflammation.

23. Discuss the effect of aging on the mechanisms of self-defense.

24. Discuss hypersensitivity.

25. Describe deficiencies in immunity and inflammation.

26. Describe homeostasis as a dynamic steady state.

27. List types of tissue.

28. Describe the systemic manifestations that result from cellular injury.

29. Describe neuroendocrine regulation.

30. Discuss the inter-relationships between stress, coping, and illness.

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATIONS

1. Define communication.

2. Identify internal and external factors that affect a patient/ bystander interview

conducted by a paramedic.

3. Restate the strategies for developing patient rapport.

4. Provide examples of open-ended and closed or direct questions.

5. Discuss common errors made by paramedics when interviewing patients.

6. Identify the nonverbal skills that are used in patient interviewing.

7. Restate the strategies to obtain information from the patient.

8. Summarize the methods to assess mental status based on interview techniques.

9. Discuss the strategies for interviewing a patient who is unmotivated to talk.

10. Differentiate the strategies a paramedic uses when interviewing a patient who is

hostile compared to one who is cooperative.

11. Summarize developmental considerations of various age groups that influence

patient interviewing.

12. Restate unique interviewing techniques necessary to employ with patients who

have special needs.

13. Discuss interviewing considerations used by paramedics in cross-cultural

communications.

LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT

1. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an infant with those

of an early adult.

2. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a toddler with those

of an early adult.

3. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a pre-school child

with those of an early adult.

4. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a school-aged child


5. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an adolescent with

those of an early adult.

6. Summarize the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of an early adult.

7. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a middle aged adult


8. Compare the physiological and psychosocial characteristics of a person in late

adulthood with those of an early adult.

HISTORY TAKING

1. Describe the techniques of history taking.

2. Discuss the importance of using open ended questions.

3. Describe the use of facilitation, reflection, clarification, empathetic responses,

confrontation, and interpretation.

4. Differentiate between facilitation, reflection, clarification, sympathetic responses,

confrontation, and interpretation.

5. Describe the structure and purpose of a health history.

6. Describe how to obtain a comprehensive health history.

7. List the components of a comprehensive history of an adult patient.

TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

1. Define the terms inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation.

2. Describe the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

3. Describe the evaluation of mental status.

4. Evaluate the importance of a general survey.

5. Describe the examination of skin, hair and nails.

6. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the assessment of the skin.

7. Distinguish the importance of abnormal findings of the assessment of the skin.

8. Describe the examination of the head and neck.

9. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the scalp examination.

10. Describe the normal and abnormal assessment findings of the skull.

11. Describe the assessment of visual acuity.

12. Explain the rationale for the use of an ophthalmoscope.

13. Describe the examination of the eyes.

14. Distinguish between normal and abnormal assessment findings of the eyes.

15. Explain the rationale for the use of an otoscope.

16. Describe the examination of the ears.

17. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the ears.

18. Describe the examination of the nose.

19. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the nose.

20. Describe the examination of the mouth and pharynx.

21. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the mouth and pharynx.

22. Describe the examination of the neck.

23. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings the neck.

24. Describe the survey of the thorax and respiration.

25. Describe the examination of the posterior chest.

26. Describe percussion of the chest.

27. Differentiate the percussion notes and their characteristics.

28. Differentiate the characteristics of breath sounds.

29. Describe the examination of the anterior chest.

30. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the chest examination.

31. Describe special examination techniques related to the assessment of the chest.

32. Describe the examination of the arterial pulse including rate, rhythm, and

amplitude.

33. Distinguish normal and abnormal findings of arterial pulse.

34. Describe the assessment of jugular venous pressure and pulsations.

35. Distinguish normal and abnormal examination findings of jugular venous pressure

and pulsations.

36. Describe the examination of the heart and blood vessels.

37. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the heart and blood

vessels.

38. Describe the auscultation of the heart.

39. Differentiate the characteristics of normal and abnormal findings associated with

the auscultation of the heart.

40. Describe special examination techniques of the cardiovascular examination.

41. Describe the examination of the abdomen.

42. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the abdomen.

43. Describe auscultation of the abdomen.

44. Distinguish normal and abnormal findings of the auscultation of the abdomen.

45. Describe the examination of the female genitalia.

46. Differentiate normal and abnormal assessment findings of the female genitalia.

47. Describe the examination of the male genitalia.

48. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the male genitalia.

49. Describe the examination of the anus and rectum.

50. Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings of the anus and rectum.

51. Describe the examination of the peripheral vascular system.

52. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the peripheral vascular system.

53. Describe the examination of the musculoskeletal system.

54. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the musculoskeletal system.

55. Describe the examination of the nervous system.

56. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the nervous system.

57. Describe the assessment of the cranial nerves.

58. Differentiate normal and abnormal findings of the cranial nerves.

59. Describe the general guidelines of recording examination information.

60. Discuss the considerations of examination of an infant or child.

PATIENT ASSESSMENT

1. Recognize hazards/ potential hazards.

2. Describe common hazards found at the scene of a trauma and a medical patient.

3. Determine hazards found at the scene of a medical or trauma patient.

4. Differentiate safe from unsafe scenes.

5. Describe methods to making an unsafe scene safe.

6. Discuss common mechanisms of injury/ nature of illness.

7. Predict patterns of injury based on mechanism of injury.

8. Discuss the reason for identifying the total number of patients at the scene.

9. Organize the management of a scene following size-up.

10. Explain the reasons for identifying the need for additional help or assistance.

11. Summarize the reasons for forming a general impression of the patient.

12. Discuss methods of assessing mental status.

13. Categorize levels of consciousness in the adult, infant and child.

14. Differentiate between assessing the altered mental status in the adult, child and

infant patient.

15. Discuss methods of assessing the airway in the adult, child and infant patient.

16. State reasons for management of the cervical spine once the patient has been

determined to be a trauma patient.

17. Analyze a scene to determine if spinal precautions are required.

18. Describe methods used for assessing if a patient is breathing.

19. Differentiate between a patient with adequate and inadequate minute ventilation.

20. Distinguish between methods of assessing breathing in the adult, child and infant

patient.

21. Compare the methods of providing airway care to the adult, child and infant

patient.

22. Describe the methods used to locate and assess a pulse.

23. Differentiate between locating and assessing a pulse in an adult, child and infant

patient.

24. Discuss the need for assessing the patient for external bleeding.

25. Describe normal and abnormal findings when assessing skin color.

26. Describe normal and abnormal findings when assessing skin temperature.

27. Describe normal and abnormal findings when assessing skin condition.

28. Explain the reason for prioritizing a patient for care and transport.

29. Identify patients who require expeditious transport.

30. Describe the evaluation of patient’s perfusion status based on findings in the initial

assessment.

31. Describe orthostatic vital signs and evaluate their usefulness in assessing a patient

in shock.

32. Apply the techniques of physical examination to the medical patient.

33. Differentiate between the assessment that is performed for a patient who is

unresponsive or has an altered mental status and other medical patients requiring

assessment.

34. Discuss the reasons for reconsidering the mechanism of injury.

35. State the reasons for performing a rapid trauma assessment.

36. Recite examples and explain why patients should receive a rapid trauma

assessment.

37. Apply the techniques of physical examination to the trauma patient.

38. Describe the areas included in the rapid trauma assessment and discuss what

should be evaluated.

39. Differentiate cases when the rapid assessment may be altered in order to provide

patient care.

40. Discuss the reason for performing a focused history and physical exam.

41. Describe when and why a detailed physical examination is necessary.

42. Discuss the components of the detailed physical exam in relation to the techniques

of examination.

43. State the areas of the body that are evaluated during the detailed physical exam.

44. Explain what additional care should be provided while performing the detailed

physical exam.

45. Distinguish between the detailed physical exam that is performed on a trauma

patient and that of the medical patient.

46. Differentiate patients requiring a detailed physical exam from those who do not.

47. Discuss the reasons for repeating the initial assessment as part of the on-going

assessment.

48. Describe the components of the on-going assessment.

49. Describe trending of assessment components.

50. Discuss medical identification devices/ systems.

COMMUNICATIONS

1. Identify the importance of communications when providing EMS.

2. Identify the role of verbal, written, and electronic communications in the provision

of EMS.

3. Describe the phases of communications necessary to complete a typical EMS

event.

4. Identify the importance of proper terminology when communicating during an

EMS event.

5. Identify the importance of proper verbal communications during an EMS event.

6. List factors that impede effective verbal communications.

7. List factors which enhance verbal communications.

8. Identify the importance of proper written communications during an EMS event.

9. List factors which impede effective written communications.

10. List factors which enhance written communications.

11. Recognize the legal status of written communications related to an EMS event.

12. State the importance of data collection during an EMS event.

13. Identify technology used to collect and exchange patient and/or scene information

electronically.

14. Recognize the legal status of patient medical information exchanged

electronically.

15. Identify the components of the local EMS communications system and describe

their function and use.

16. Identify and differentiate among the following communications systems:

a. Simplex

b. Multiplex

c. Duplex

d. Trunked

e. Digital communications

f. Cellular telephone

g. Facsimile

h. Computer

17. Identify the components of the local dispatch communications system and describe

their function and use.

18. Describe the functions and responsibilities of the Federal Communications

Commission.

19. Describe how an EMS dispatcher functions as an integral part of the EMS team.

20. List appropriate information to be gathered by the Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

21. Identify the role of Emergency Medical Dispatch in a typical EMS event.

22. Identify the importance of pre-arrival instructions in a typical EMS event.

23. Describe the purpose of verbal communication of patient information to the

hospital.

24. Describe information that should be included in patient assessment information

verbally reported to medical direction.

25. Diagram a basic model of communications.

26. Organize a list of patient assessment information in the correct order for electronic

transmission to medical direction according to the format used locally.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Identify the general principles regarding the importance of EMS documentation

and ways in which documents are used.

2. Identify and use medical terminology correctly.

3. Recite appropriate and accurate medical abbreviations and acronyms.

4. Record all pertinent administrative information.

5. Explain the role of documentation in agency reimbursement.

6. Analyze the documentation for accuracy and completeness, including spelling.

7. Identify and eliminate extraneous or nonprofessional information.

8. Describe the differences between subjective and objective elements of

documentation.

9. Evaluate a finished document for errors and omissions.

10. Evaluate a finished document for proper use and spelling of abbreviations and

acronyms.

11. Evaluate the confidential nature of an EMS report.

12. Describe the potential consequences of illegible, incomplete, or inaccurate

documentation.

13. Describe the special considerations concerning patient refusal of transport.

14. Record pertinent information using a consistent narrative format.

15. Explain how to properly record direct patient or bystander comments.

16. Describe the special considerations concerning mass casualty incident

documentation.

17. Apply the principles of documentation to computer charting, as access to this

technology becomes available.

18. Identify and record the pertinent, reportable clinical data of each patient

interaction.

19. Note and record “pertinent negative” clinical findings.

20. Correct errors and omissions, using proper procedures as defined under local

protocol.

21. Revise documents, when necessary, using locally-approved procedures.

22. Assume responsibility for self-assessment of all documentation.

23. Demonstrate proper completion of an EMS event record used locally.

PHARMACOLOGY

1. Describe historical trends in pharmacology.

2. Differentiate among the chemical, generic (nonproprietary), and trade

(proprietary) names of a drug.

3. List the four main sources of drug products.

4. Describe how drugs are classified.

5. List the authoritative sources for drug information.

6. List legislative acts controlling drug use and abuse in the United States.

7. Differentiate among Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V substances.

8. List examples of substances in each schedule.

9. Discuss standardization of drugs.

10. Discuss investigational drugs, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

approval process and the FDA classifications for newly approved drugs.

11. Discuss special consideration in drug treatment with regard to pregnant, pediatric

and geriatric patients.

12. Discuss the paramedic's responsibilities and scope of management pertinent to the

administration of medications.

13. Review the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to pharmacology with

additional attention to autonomic pharmacology.

14. List and describe general properties of drugs.

15. List and describe liquid and solid drug forms.

16. List and differentiate routes of drug administration.

17. Differentiate between enteral and parenteral routes of drug administration.

18. Describe mechanisms of drug action.

19. List and differentiate the phases of drug activity, including the pharmaceutical,

pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic phases.

20. Describe the process called pharmacokinetics, pharmocodynamics, including

theories of drug action, drug-response relationship, factors altering drug responses,

predictable drug responses, iatrogenic drug responses, and unpredictable adverse

drug responses.

21. Differentiate among drug interactions.

22. Discuss considerations for storing and securing medications.

23. List the component of a drug profile by classification.

24. List and describe drugs that the paramedic may administer according to local

protocol.

25. Integrate pathophysiological principles of pharmacology with patient assessment.

26. Synthesize patient history information and assessment findings to form a field

impression.

27. Synthesize a field impression to implement a pharmacologic management plan.

28. Assess the pathophysiology of a patient's condition by identifying classifications

of drugs.

VENOUS ACCESS AND MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

1. Review the specific anatomy and physiology pertinent to medication

administration.

2. Review mathematical principles.

3. Review mathematical equivalents.

4. Differentiate temperature readings between the Centigrade and Fahrenheit scales.

5. Discuss formulas as a basis for performing drug calculations.

6. Discuss applying basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems

associated with medication dosages.

7. Describe how to perform mathematical conversions from the household system to

the metric system.

8. Describe the indications, equipment needed, technique used, precautions, and

general principles of peripheral venous or external jugular cannulation.

9. Describe the indications, equipment needed, technique used, precautions, and

general principles of intraosseous needle placement and infusion.

10. Discuss legal aspects affecting medication administration.

11. Discuss the "six rights" of drug administration and correlate these with the

principles of medication administration.

12. Discuss medical asepsis and the differences between clean and sterile techniques.

13. Describe use of antiseptics and disinfectants.

14. Describe the use of universal precautions and body substance isolation (BSI)

procedures when administering a medication.

15. Differentiate among the different dosage forms of oral medications.

16. Describe the equipment needed and general principles of administering oral

medications.

17. Describe the indications, equipment needed, techniques used, precautions, and

general principles of administering medications by the inhalation route.


general principles of administering medications by the gastric tube.


general principles of rectal medication administration.

20. Differentiate among the different parenteral routes of medication administration.

21. Describe the equipment needed, techniques used, complications, and general

principles for the preparation and administration of parenteral medications.

22. Differentiate among the different percutaneous routes of medication

administration.

23. Describe the purpose, equipment needed, techniques used, complications, and

general principles for obtaining a blood sample.

24. Describe disposal of contaminated items and sharps.

25. Synthesize a pharmacologic management plan including medication

administration.

26. Integrate pathophysiological principles of medication administration with patient

management.

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT AND VENTILATION

1. Explain the primary objective of airway maintenance.

2. Identify commonly neglected prehospital skills related to airway.

3. Identify the anatomy of the upper and lower airway.

4. Describe the functions of the upper and lower airway.

5. Explain the differences between adult and pediatric airway anatomy.

6. Define gag reflex.

7. Explain the relationship between pulmonary circulation and respiration.

8. List the concentration of gases that comprise atmospheric air.

9. Describe the measurement of oxygen in the blood.

10. Describe the measurement of carbon dioxide in the blood.

11. Describe peak expiratory flow.

12. List factors that cause decreased oxygen concentrations in the blood.

13. List the factors that increase and decrease carbon dioxide production in the body.

14. Define atelectasis.

15. Define FiO2.

16. Define and differentiate between hypoxia and hypoxemia.

17. Describe the voluntary and involuntary regulation of respiration.

18. Describe the modified forms of respiration.

19. Define normal respiratory rates and tidal volumes for the adult, child, and infant.

20. List the factors that affect respiratory rate and depth.

21. Explain the risk of infection to EMS providers associated with ventilation.

22. Define pulsus paradoxes.

23. Define and explain the implications of partial airway obstruction with good and

poor air exchange.

24. Define complete airway obstruction.

25. Describe causes of upper airway obstruction.

26. Describe causes of respiratory distress.

27. Describe manual airway maneuvers.

28. Describe the Sellick (cricoid pressure) maneuver.

29. Describe complete airway obstruction maneuvers.

30. Explain the purpose for suctioning the upper airway.

31. Identify types of suction equipment.

32. Describe the indications for suctioning the upper airway.

33. Identify types of suction catheters, including hard or rigid catheters and soft

catheters.

34. Identify techniques of suctioning the upper airway.

35. Identify special considerations of suctioning the upper airway.

36. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages,

complications, equipment and technique of tracheobronchial suctioning in the

intubated patient.

37. Describe the use of an oral and nasal airway.

38. Identify special considerations of tracheobronchial suctioning in the intubated

patient.

39. Define gastric distention.


complications, equipment and technique for inserting a nasogastric tube and

orogastric tube.

41. Identify special considerations of gastric decompression.


complications, and technique for inserting an oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal

airway


complications, and technique for ventilating a patient by:

a. Mouth-to-mouth

b. Mouth-to-nose

c. Mouth-to-mask

d. One person bag-valve-mask

e. Two person bag-valve-mask

f. Three person bag-valve-mask

44. Explain the advantage of the two person method when ventilating with the bag-

valve-mask.

45. Compare the ventilation techniques used for an adult patient to those used for

pediatric patients.

46. Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications,

and technique for ventilating a patient with an automatic transport ventilator

(ATV).

47. Explain safety considerations of oxygen storage and delivery.

48. Identify types of oxygen cylinders and pressure regulators (including a high-

pressure regulator and a therapy regulator).

49. List the steps for delivering oxygen from a cylinder and regulator.

50. Describe the use, advantages and disadvantages of an oxygen humidifier.


complications, liter flow range, and concentration of delivered oxygen for

supplemental oxygen delivery devices.

52. Define, identify and describe a tracheostomy, stoma, and tracheostomy tube.

53. Define, identify, and describe a laryngectomy.

54. Define how to ventilate with a patient with a stoma, including mouth-to-stoma and

bag-valve-mask-to-stoma ventilation.

55. Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for

patients with facial injuries.

56. Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for the

pediatric patient.

57. Differentiate endotracheal intubation from other methods of advanced airway

management.

58. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and

complications of endotracheal intubation.

59. Describe laryngoscopy for the removal of a foreign body airway obstruction.


complications, equipment, and technique for direct laryngoscopy.

61. Describe visual landmarks for direct laryngoscopy.

62. Describe use of cricoid pressure during intubation.

63. Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications,

equipment and technique for digital endotracheal intubation.


complications, equipment and technique for using a dual lumen airway.


complications and equipment for rapid sequence intubation with neuromuscular

blockade.

66. Identify neuromuscular blocking drugs and other agents used in rapid sequence

intubation.


complications and equipment for sedation during intubation.

68. Identify sedative agents used in airway management.


complications, equipment and technique for nasotracheal intubation.

70. Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and

complications for performing an open cricothyrotomy.

71. Describe the equipment and technique for performing an open cricothyrotomy.


complications, equipment and technique for translaryngeal catheter ventilation

(needle cricothyrotomy).

73. Describe methods of assessment for confirming correct placement of an

endotracheal tube.

74. Describe methods for securing an endotracheal tube.


complications, equipment and technique for extubation.

76. Describe methods of endotracheal intubation in the pediatric patient.

Date post:	20-Jun-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGEfd.valenciacollege.edu/file/rholborn1/Paramedic I... · 2012-09-17 · 2....

Documents