General Catalog 2005-2006

Programs and Courses

Emergency Medical Technology

• General Information
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) - Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
• Basic Emergency Medical Technology Certificate
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) Certificate
• Course Descriptions

General Information

For Information: Chris Coughlin
Phone: 623.845.3205

The Basic Emergency Medical Technology program and the Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) program are separate and distinct programs.

Prior to entry into the Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) program, a student must have been actively practicing as a State Certified Basic Emergency Medical Technician for one calendar year and be selected by a written examination and oral interview.

Students planning to enter the Advanced EMT program must be advised and counseled by Chris Coughlin or Paula Davis of the Emergency Medical Technology Department prior to considering entering the program. Paramedic classes are held twice annually.

Note: Students should consult with a department advisor in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.

Paramedic Continuing Education Classes: Paramedic and Intermediate continuing education classes are available for credit and non-credit. Continuing education classes are available and meet or exceed the National Registry/State of Arizona refresher training requirements for Paramedic's and IEMT's. For information on classes for 2005-2006, contact the EMT Department.

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Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) / 60.5-64.5 credits

Program Description: The program includes advanced techniques of emergency care, stabilization, and immobilization of victims of illness and injury. Recognition and documentation of signs and symptoms of illness and injury, intervention, and evaluation of the interventions are other areas of the program. Techniques for assessment include basic electrocardiographic rhythm identification, administration of oxygen, medications approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, advanced airway techniques, use of specific immobilization devices, peripheral intraosseous and central intravenous techniques, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, preparation and care during transportation.

Program Prerequisites: 15 (credits)

A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses in the Program Prerequisites area. (+) indicates course prerequisites

Certificate of Completion in Basic EMT (5143)    BIO156 Human Biology for Allied Health (4) or    BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I (4) + CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading I (3) or + CRE111 Critical Reading for Business and Industry (3) or    Minimum ninth grade level reading proficiency      on the Nelson-Denny Examination or    ASSET reading test with a minimum score of 41 or    COMPASS reading test with a minimum score of 81

8 credits 4 3

Required Courses: 38.5 (credits)

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course within the Required Courses area and students must earn a GPA of 2.5 for all courses in the Required Courses area. (+) indicates course prerequisites

+ EMT235 Emergency Cardiac Care + EMT236 Pharmacology in an Emergency Setting + EMT272AA Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (12.5) and + EMT272AB Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (12.5) + EMT272LL Advanced Emergency Medical Technology Practicum

3 credits 3 25 7.5

Restricted Electives: (4-8 credits)

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in each Restricted Elective course with an EMT prefix, with a GPA of 2.5 for all Restricted Electives with EMT prefixes. (+) indicates course prerequisites.

+ BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I + BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II + EMT/FSC104 Basic Emergency Medical Technology + EMT/FSC238 Vehicular Extrication and Patient Stabilization + EMT240 Advanced Cardiac Life Support + EMT245 Trauma Management I + EMT246 Trauma Management II    EMT258 Victimology and Crisis Management + EMT265 Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers + EMT273 Advanced Life Support Refresher Course + PSY266 Abnormal Psychology

4 credits 4 8 2 2 2 4 3 1 3.5 3

General Education Requirements: (18 credits)

Core: (12 credits) First-Year Composition: + ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) and + ENG102 First-Year Composition (3) Oral Communication: COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) or COM110 Interpersonal Communication (3) or + COM230 Small Group Communication (3) Critical Reading: Met by program prerequisite, CRE101 or CRE111 in Program Prerequisites area. Mathematics: Any approved course, see here. Distribution: (6 credits) Humanities and Fine Arts: Any approved course see here. Social and Behavioral Sciences: PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOC140 Racial and Ethnic Minorities (3) Natural Sciences: Met by BIO156 or BIO181 in Program Prerequisites area.

6 credits 3 3 3 3

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Basic Emergency Medical Technology Certificate / 8 credits

Program Description: The program includes techniques of emergency care, stabilization, and immobilization of victims of illness and injury. Recognition and documentation of signs and symptoms of illness and injury, intervention, and evaluation of the intervention are integrated into the program. Techniques for assessment, administration of oxygen, use of specific immobilization devices, and preparation for transportation are other areas of the program.

Admission Criteria:

• Student must 18 years or older at time of admission to the program.
• Proof of TB testing or chest x-ray with a negative result within 6 months prior to admission.
• Proof of immunity to Rubella (German Measles) and Rubeola.
• Physical examination (exam within past twelve months).

Program Prerequisites: 0.5 (credits)

Minimum ninth grade level reading proficiency on the Nelson-Denny Examination or
ASSET reading test with a minimum score of 41 or
COMPASS reading test with a minimum score of 81
EMT/HLR101 CPR: Basic Cardiac Life Support or
Current Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association, CPR for Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross or other equivalent organization at Healthcare Provider Level, meeting the new Guidelines 2002 0.5

Required Courses: (8 credits)

Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in the Required Course area. (+) indicates course prerequisites.

+ EMT/FSC104 Basic Emergency Medical Technology

8 credits

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Advanced Emergency Medical Technology
(Paramedic) Certificate / 39.5-46.5 credits

Program Description: The program includes advanced techniques of emergency care, stabilization, and immobilization of victims of illness and injury. Recognition and documentation of signs and symptoms of illness and injury, intervention, and evaluation of the interventions are other areas of the program. Techniques for assessment include basic electrocardiographic rhythm identification, administration of oxygen, medications approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, advanced airway techniques, use of specific immobilization devices, peripheral intraosseous and central intravenous techniques, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, preparation and care during transportation.

Program Prerequisites: 15 credits

A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses in the Program Prerequisites area.

Certificate of Completion in Basic EMT (5143)    BIO156 Human Biology for Allied Health (4) or    BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I (4)    Minimum ninth grade level reading proficiency       on the Nelson-Denny Examination or    ASSET reading test with a minimum score of 41 or    COMPASS reading test with a minimum score of 81    PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) or    SOC140 Racial and Ethnic Minorities (3)

8 credits 4 3

Required Courses: 38.5 credits

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in each Required Course with a GPA of 2.5. (+) indicates course prerequisites.

+ EMT235 Emergency Cardiac Care + EMT236 Pharmacology in an Emergency Setting + EMT272AA Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (12.5) and + EMT272AB Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (12.5) + EMT272LL Advanced Emergency Medical Technology Practicum

3 credits 3 25 7.5

Restricted Electives: (1-8 credits)

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in each Restricted Elective course with an EMT prefix, with a GPA of 2.5 for all Restricted Electives with EMT prefixes. (+) indicates course prerequisites.

+ BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I + BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II + EMT/FSC104 Basic Emergency Medical Technology + EMT/FSC238 Vehicular Extrication and Patient Stabilization + EMT240 Advanced Cardiac Life Support + EMT245 Trauma Management I + EMT246 Trauma Management II    EMT258 Victimology & Crisis Management + EMT265 Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers + PSY266 Abnormal Psychology

4 credits 4 8 2 2 2 4 3 1 3

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Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally, (+) indicates course prerequisities

Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)

EMT101
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Cardiac Life Support / .5 credit .5 period
Designed to train students in the skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to include mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, and cardiac compression, stabilization of adult, infant, and child victims with airway obstruction, respiratory, and cardiac arrest. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su1)

EMT102AB
First Responder / 3 credits 3 periods
A comprehensive course to train a lay person to provide care for patients suffering sudden illness or injury. For members of law enforcement agencies, industry, and the private sector. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

EMT104
Basic Emergency Medical Technology / 8 credits 9.45 periods
Techniques of emergency medical care in accordance with national and state curriculum. Study of the human body, patient assessment, treatment of medically or traumatically compromised patients, special hazards, and medical operations. IV monitoring, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), patient-assisted medication administration, automated external defibrillators, and blood-glucose monitoring. Includes participation in two eight-hour clinical rotations through a local emergency department scheduled during the semester outside normal class hours. Requires personal pocket mask, stethoscope, pen light, and trauma scissors. Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years of age prior to applying to the BLS (Basic Life Support) Training Program per Arizona Revised Statutes, and must have a current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other equivalent organization at the Healthcare Provider Level, meeting the new Guidelines 2002. Minimum ninth grade level reading proficiency on the Nelson-Denney Examination or equivalent. Proof of: TB testing or chest x-ray with a negative result within 6 months prior to application; Immunity to rubella (German measles) and rubella. (F,S,D,E,Su1).

EMT165
Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers: Basic / 2 credits 2.87 periods
An interactive, scenario-based course designed for Basic EMTs who are not yet practicing in the field. Enables these EMTs to perform a rapid assessment of sick and injured children in a variety of different circumstances. Includes use of pediatric assessment triangle, developmental differences, injury prevention, basic airway management techniques, recognition of medical emergencies such as pediatric trauma, mechanism of injury, submersion events, children with special health care needs, abuse and neglect, child and family interactions, use of specialized equipment, and special issues in pediatric transportation. Treatment to children is in accordance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Prerequisites: EMT104, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D)

EMT200
Refresher Course for Certified Emergency Medical Technicians
2 credits 2.7 periods
Designed to meet National and Arizona Department of Health Services (A-DHS) recertification for EMTs. Enhances the knowledge base of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and reinforces basic skills competencies. Prerequisites: Current basic EMT certification or permission of department. (F,S,E,Su1,Su2,D)

EMT200AA
EMT-Basic Certification Renewal Challenge / .6 credit .6 period
Designed to contribute to Arizona Department of Health Services (A-DHS) Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (B-EMS) recertification requirements for Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMTB) according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) EMT-Basic National Curriculum and the Arizona EMT Basic Refresher Curriculum Guidelines. Prerequisites: Current Basic Life Support, American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR or equivalent, and current EMT Basic certification in the state of Arizona.

EMT201
Interactive Basic EMT Refresher / 1 credit 2.2 periods
Designed to contribute to Arizona Department of Health Services recertification requirements for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) according to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) EMT-Basic National Curriculum and the Arizona Basic EMT Refresher Curriculum Guidelines. Enhances the knowledge base of the EMT. Updates a wide variety of subjects including respiratory and cardiac emergencies, and interaction with advanced life support providers. Prerequisites: Current Basic Life Support EMT certification in the state of Arizona and successful completion of 16 hours of interactive media with documented pre-test and post-test validation. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

EMT230
Advanced Concepts for EMTs / 1.5 credits 1.5 periods
Designed to meet Arizona Department of Health Services recertification requirements for EMTs. Enhances the knowledge base of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and incorporates new information into daily practice. Updates a wide variety of subjects including medical and trauma emergencies, cardiac life support, interaction with advanced life support providers, and emergency scene management. Prerequisites: Current Basic EMT certification in the state of Arizona. (F,S,E)

EMT235
Emergency Cardiac Care / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed to acquaint all levels of emergency care providers with basic electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm analysis and interpretation and related care in a clinical and prehospital setting. Required content for the identification and treatment of cardiac emergencies. Prerequisites: EMT/FSC104 or permission of instructor. (F,S,E)

EMT236
Pharmacology in an Emergency Setting / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for the Emergency Medical Technician dealing with the administration of emergency medications in the field as outlined in current paramedic legislation. In-depth coverage of medications enumerated in the algorithms of patient care as defined by the American Heart Association (AHA), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Coverage of medications that interact or interfere with the AHA ACLS algorithms. Indications, therapeutic effect, contraindications, toxicology, and side effects to medications. Prerequisites: EMT/FSC104 or permission of instructor. MAT082 or equivalency preferred but not required. (F,S,E)

EMT238
Vehicular Extrication and Patient Stabilization / 2 credits 2 periods
Participative course designed for the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Incorporates new knowledge and skills necessary to access, extricate, and care for victims of crash incidents. Provides exposure to scene management, including size-up, disentanglement, victim stabilization for single and multi-victim situations, hazardous materials incidents, integration of local emergency medical services (EMS) for patient assessment and management, and standard operating procedures to selected victim scenarios. Prerequisites: Basic EMT certification, current enrollment in an EMT-Basic program, nurse with emergency department experience, or law enforcement personnel, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D)

EMT240
Advanced Cardiac Life Support / 2 credits 2 periods
Didactic and psychomotor skills training and validation in techniques of Advanced Cardiac Life Support according to the 1994 Standards and Guidelines of the American Heart Association. Includes endotracheal intubation, ECG arrhythmia recognition, synchronized, unsynchronized and automated defibrillation, cardiovascular pharmacology, and electronic pacemaker. For all health-care related professionals, clinical and prehospital. Prerequisites: Current American Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider validation, or National Safety Council Green Cross Professional Rescuer, EMT235, EMT236, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,Su1,E)

EMT241
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Refresher / .5 credit .5 period
Designed for all levels of emergency medical technicians, nurses, physicians, and physicians' assistants to assure maintenance of didactic and psychomotor skill training in techniques of Advanced Cardiac Life Support according to the 1994 Standards and Guidelines of the American Heart Association. Includes endotracheal intubation, ECG arrhythmia recognition, synchronized, unsynchronized and automated defibrillation, cardiovascular pharmacology, and electronic pacemaker. Prerequisites: Current American Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider validation, current validation in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, EMT240, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E,Su)

EMT245
Trauma Management I / 2 credits 3.5 periods
Designed to instruct prehospital care personnel in the critical skills necessary to manage the trauma victim and the emergency scene through the Incident Command System (ICS). Enhances basic emergency medical technology (EMT) skills by focusing on emergency care interventions. Provides exposure to victim assessment, initial treatment, resuscitative techniques, victim stabilization, transportation of the victim to an emergency care facility, and documentation. Prerequisites: Basic EMT certification or nurse with emergency room experience, or permission of department. (F,S,D,E,Su1)

EMT246
Trauma Management II / 4 credits 4 periods
Designed to instruct advanced prehospital care personnel the critical skills necessary to manage the trauma victim and the emergency scene through the Incident Command System (ICS). Enhances advanced emergency medical technology (EMT) skills by focusing on emergency care interventions. Provides advanced exposure to victim assessment, initial treatment, resuscitative skills, invasive techniques, electrical and pharmacologic interventions, stabilization, transportation of the victim to an emergency care facility, and documentation. Prerequisites: Certified as a Basic EMT, Intermediate EMT, Paramedic, or Arizona registered prehospital nurse, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D)

EMT249
12 Lead ECG Rhythm Analysis / .5 credit .5 period
Designed to acquaint all levels of emergency care providers with electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm analysis and interpretation using the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Required content for identification and treatment of myocardial infarction and its complications. Prerequisites: NCE248, or EMT235, or permission of instructor. (F,S,E,D,Su1,2)

EMT255AA
Instructional Strategies for EMT Occupations / 1 credit 1 period
Participative course to prepare all levels of EMT and/or nurses as instructors in EMT programs. Includes writing objectives, preparing class and course schedules, reviewing Arizona Department of Transportation Rules and Regulations, preparing for lecture, developing and using AV (audio visual) aides, processing assignments and exams, classroom discipline, counseling, and student/instructor evaluation methods. Prerequisites: Arizona Department of Health Services certification as a Basic EMT, or Intermediate EMT, or Advanced EMT (Paramedic), or Arizona registered nurse with two-years experience in emergency nursing. (O)

EMT255AB
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructional Strategies / 1 credit 1 period
A participative course to prepare advanced EMTs (Paramedics), physicians, and/or nurses as instructors in Advanced Cardiac Life Support courses. Includes American Heart Association Standards and guidelines, teaching and testing skills, writing objectives, preparing class and course schedules, preparing for lectures, developing and using audio visual (AV) aides; processing assignments and exams, classroom discipline, counseling, and student/instructor evaluation methods. Successful completion qualifies individual to teach Advanced Cardiac Life Support Classes. Prerequisites: Current certification as Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider and (State of Arizona EMT [Paramedic] certification or Arizona Registered Nurse or licensed physician). (O)

EMT255AD
Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructional Strategies / .5 credit .5 period
A participative course to prepare instructors in Basic Life Support (CPR) courses. Includes American Heart Association Standards and guidelines, teaching and testing skills, classroom discipline, counseling, and student/instructor evaluation methods. Successful completion qualifies individual to teach Basic Life Support (CPR) classes according to American Heart Association Standards. Prerequisites: Current certification as a Basic Life Support Health Care Provider level, EMT101 or HLR101, or equivalent. (F,S,D)

EMT258
Victimology and Crisis Management / 3 credits 3 periods
Focuses on victimology and techniques of crises intervention; and the importance of multicultural perspective. Includes coverage of sexual assault, family violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, coping skills, stress management, and community resources. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)

EMT265
Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers: Advanced / 1 credit 1.43 periods
An interactive, scenario based course designed for Advanced EMTs who practice in the field. Enables providers to perform a rapid assessment of sick and injured children in variety of circumstances. Includes scene management, use of pediatric assessment triangle, developmental differences, injury prevention, airway management techniques, intravenous and intraosseous access and monitoring, ECG arrhythmia recognition, synchronized and unsynchronized cardioversion, pediatric trauma and mechanism of injury, submersion events, children with special health care needs, child abuse and neglect, child and family interactions, use of specialized equipment, documentation of signs, symptoms, care and transportation, special issues in pediatric transportation. Treatment to children is in accordance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Prerequisites: Advanced cardiac life support course or emergency cardiac care course, and EMT-Paramedic certification, and current employment as an EMT Paramedic, or permission of instructor. (O)

EMT272AA
Advanced Emergency Medical Technology / 12.5 credits 17.37 periods
Designed to provide the emergency medical technician with advanced knowledge about the acute critical differences in physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical symptoms, as they pertain to pre-hospital emergency care. Emphasis on developing diagnostic and advanced emergency treatment skills necessary to care for the acutely ill and seriously injured. Prerequisites: MAT102 or equivalent, or a satisfactory score on an applicable district placement exam, ENG101, BIO201 and BIO202 and EMT235, EMT236. Comprehensive written, oral and practical evaluation on all prerequisite courses required prior to selection for this course. Student must have a valid Arizona Certification and be employed as an EMT for one full calendar year prior to registration in this course. Corequisites: EMT272AB and EMT272LL.

EMT272AB
Advanced Emergency Medical Technology / 12.5 credits 17.38 periods
Designed to provide the emergency medical technician with advanced knowledge about the acute critical differences in physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical symptoms, as they pertain to prehospital emergency care. Emphasis on developing diagnostic and advanced emergency treatment skills necessary to care for the acutely ill and seriously injured. Prerequisites: MAT102 or equivalent, or a satisfactory score on an applicable district placement exam, ENG101, EMT235, and EMT236. Comprehensive written, oral and practical evaluation on all prerequisite courses required prior to selection for this course. Student must have a valid Arizona Certification and be employed as an EMT for one full calendar year prior to registration in this course. Corequisites: EMT272AA and EMT272LL.

EMT272LL
Advanced Emergency Medical Technology Practicum / 7.5 credits 37.5 periods
Clinical and vehicular practicum in support of EMT272AA and EMT272AB. Prerequisites or Corequisites: EMT272AA and EMT272AB.

EMT273
Advanced Life Support Refresher Course / 3.5 credits 4 periods
Designed to meet requirements for EMT-Intermediate and EMT- Paramedic under guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) as recognized by the Arizona Department of Health Services (A- DHS) Bureau of Emergency Services (B-EMS). Provides updated knowledge and skills related to hypoperfusion states, respiratory arrest or insufficiency, seizure states, cardiovascular emergencies, unconscious of undetermined etiology, head injury with altered levels of consciousness, and chest trauma. Validates requisite knowledge, validates skills, reviews and informs students of new standards and technologies. Trains and educates out of state applicants in knowledge, procedures, medications, and skills specific to Arizona's system. Remediates students who have been unsuccessful three times on the certification examinations, and refreshes information for those who have expired certifications and desire re-entry into the EMS system. Prerequisites: EMT - Advanced Paramedic certification or EMT - Intermediate certification. (D,F,S)

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