Paramedic I

Course Code: PARM-101

Department: Paramedicine

Credit Hours: 9.00

Textbook Information: Bookstore website

This course includes a comprehensive review of the knowledge base and skills for the prehospital provider. Through a variety of didactic (online and in-class) and simulation laboratory experiences, students will grow in their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic within the larger context of the emergency medical services profession. This course also seeks to establish best practice models in concepts such as EMS systems, safety, personal well-being, public health, legal and regulatory issues, professionalism, medical terminology, therapeutic communication, documentation, critical thinking, research, and quality care standards. The paramedic student will be provided with relevant anatomy and physiology and lifespan development as it applies to the various medical situations for which EMS is summoned. The student will learn basic patient assessment skills to begin pre-hospital assessment and treatment for each type of medical situation(s) discussed in the course. Emphasis is placed on emergency pharmacology, medication administration and intravenous access, patient monitoring technology, pathophysiology and patient assessment, and airway management. The lecture component expands previous knowledge of foundational principles of EMS to the level of the advanced clinician. A laboratory experience is included in this course to provide a more robust learning experience in topics of the course. The course closely integrates theory with laboratory practice, thus providing the foundational base from which the learner may develop psychomotor skills, knowledge, and judgment of the paramedic by studying the different medical situations to gain a high level of understanding through discussion, learning activities, case studies, skills, and simulation in the class and lab environment. Prerequisites: State of Illinois EMT license and approval from Paramedicine Program Coordinator. Placement at ENGL 100 or higher, or completion of ENGL 099 or ENGL 100 A with a C or better. Refer to placement chart in college catalog for detailed information.