Advanced Care Paramedic

The diverse needs and human relations posed by the healthcare environment demand a strong set of interpersonal skills and awareness of legal issues that arise in the emergency medical field. This course will provide you with an understanding of professionalism and its integration into practice, professional communication, policy, principles, legislation, conduct and standards.

Patient assessment is one of the most essential skills that students learn as prehospital practitioners. It is the basis from which all other decisions are made. Students will conduct comprehensive physical examinations, obtain patient histories and communicate the findings. Students will also learn principles of infection control and related essential skills.

Pathophysiology is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental changes that occur in the human body during disease and injury. Students will differentiate abnormal from normal function at cellular, tissue, and organ system levels. They will examine how disruptions in homeostasis lead to pathological conditions and explore the underlying etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of a wide range of diseases. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will develop knowledge and critical thinking as a foundation for assessment and managing real-world scenarios.

An essential foundation for clinical decision making by healthcare professionals is an understanding of anatomical structures and physiologic processes of the human body. In this comprehensive course, students will delve into the structure and organization of cells, chemistry, tissues, and body systems. Emphasis is placed on the relationships between these systems and integration of their functions to maintain homeostasis. Through a combination of lectures, labs, and interactive discussions, students will possess the analytical skills necessary to understand complex physiologic processes, providing a solid foundation for further studies in paramedic practice.

Students will be introduced to research methodologies, evidence-based practices, information collection, and critical appraisal of research literature in healthcare. This course will provide healthcare students with the underlying theory and practical skills required to participate in research activities.

It is essential that paramedics develop the cognitive skills to critically apply judgement and resourcefulness in the management of patients suffering a traumatic injury or environmental emergency. Students will develop advanced skills in treatment, decision making, and leadership in the management of trauma patients.

Paramedics must have a solid understanding of pharmacology when administering medications to treat patient symptoms or while treating a patient who has been exposed to a potentially toxic chemical, drug, or medication. In this unit, students will become familiar with the general concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Drugs used to manage a variety of conditions affecting all body systems will be studied. Special emphasis will be placed on medications commonly found in prehospital care. Students will also develop skills in drug calculation and drug administration.

Paramedics work with a diverse population inclusive of unique patient care challenges as well as cultural and socio-economic differences. In this course, students integrate and apply knowledge from previous courses to assess and implement treatment plans for diverse and unique patient populations. This course also explores the role of the Emergency Medical System in community-based environments.

Obstetrical and gynecological emergencies represent an important component of prehospital care. In this course, students will study Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology for the prehospital management of neonatal, obstetrical and gynecological emergencies. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) theory and practice are also covered in this course.

Electrocardiogram acquisition and infarct recognition provides essential information that is necessary to deliver effective treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Students will build on knowledge of normal and pathophysiological cardiovascular anatomy and will focus on advanced 12 and 15 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation.

In this work integrated learning course students will apply theory and skills learned in the first year of the program to the hospital and ambulance environments. Students will complete an obstetrical and neonatal intensive care hospital rotation as well ambulance practicum, and will be under supervision of a Registered Nurse in the hospital and a registered Advanced Care Paramedic in an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service.

Physical, mental, and emotional health is essential for paramedics. In this course, the student will promote personal health and well-being through a variety of activities and educational seminars. To enhance occupational health, the student will develop strategies for stress management and personal fitness. All students will undergo a personal fitness assessment at the beginning of the course as a means of determining areas for improvement. Safe lifting and moving techniques will be practiced and evaluated. Students will also learn and practice de-escalation techniques and strategies to deal with physical danger.

Many patients treated by EMS will require advanced cardiac care. This course integrates knowledge of normal and pathophysiological states of the cardiovascular system with knowledge of the Electrocardiogram (ECG), physical assessment and history taking. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to manage patients with emergent cardiovascular problems. The concepts of the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course will be applied throughout this course.

Paramedics with critical care knowledge can provide high-level care to critically ill patients. Students will learn the theory and skills required to work as a member of a critical care team. They will develop and practice skills that include monitoring central arterial lines, arterial blood gases, x-ray interpretation, administration of blood products, and Foley catheter insertion. Specialized aspects of paramedicine in a community and air ambulance environment will also be studied.

Paramedics provide care for patients with a wide variety of acute and chronic medical disorders. This course focuses on the management of common medical emergencies, where students will learn how to critically analyze patient history and assessment findings for the development and application of a treatment plan. Students will analyze regimens that encompass all aspects of care in the ambulance environment, with particular emphasis on critical interventions.

Ill or injured children have unique needs that can become amplified when illness and injuries are serious or life-threatening. Students in this course will learn the theory and practical skills pertaining to common medical and trauma emergencies encountered with pediatric patients, including concepts of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Paramedics provide care for patients with a wide variety of disorders for which other healthcare professionals provide care and expertise within the hospital setting. Paramedics must be familiar with the hospital setting as they may work in these areas or interface with various hospital teams as they transition care of the patient. In this work integrated learning course students will practice skills in a variety of hospital clinical settings under the supervision of Nurses, Physicians and Respiratory Therapists. Emphasis will be placed on development of teamwork, clinical skills and competency within the scope of Paramedic practice that can be applied in hospital and prehospital settings.

In this final work integrated learning course students will pull together all their past classroom, lab and work integrated learning experience on an ambulance practicum. Under the supervision of an Advanced Care Paramedic the student will develop skills, manage calls, apply protocols and achieve competency as per the requirements outlined in the National Occupational Competency Profile for Paramedics.

Students will learn with, from, and about one another to improve patient care as a part of an interprofessional team. Role clarity, communication, and person-centered care will be analyzed, along with conflict, team functioning, and patient safety, from an interprofessional perspective. Students will use these skills to practice effectively within a diverse interprofessional team.