Introduction to Emergency Medical Services

Course Number:
EMS 100
Transcript Title:
Introduction to Emergency Medical Services
Created:
Aug 10, 2022
Updated:
Jul 11, 2023
Total Credits:
2
Lecture Hours:
10
Lecture / Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement

Course Description

Introduces and integrates knowledge of prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems. Explores the history of emergency medical services. Introduces rolls and responsibilities of the provider levels as well as communication systems and documentation. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the components, types, and oversight of EMS systems.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of EMS systems.
  3. Demonstrate knowledgeof legislation and regulationsrelated to EMS.
  4. Identify the different levels of prehospital providers and the systems involved in the delivery of EMS.
  5. Apply an introductory knowledge of prehospital communication and documentation.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the organizational structure and functions, as well as the role of the EMT, on an emergency scene.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The methods of assessment may include one or more of the following tools: examination, quizzes, papers/homework assignments, discussion forums, small group problem solving of questions arising from application of course concepts and concerns to actual experience, short individually written projects. 

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Demonstrate knowledge of the components, types, and oversight of EMS systems.

  • 15 required components of an EMS system
    • Integration of health services
    • EMS research
    • Legislation and regulation
    • System finance
    • Human resources
    • Medical direction
    • Education and training systems
    • Public access and education
    • Prevention
    • Transportation
    • Communication systems
    • Clinical care facilities
    • Patient information and education systems
    • Mutual aid agreements
    • Evaluation
  • 14 attributes from the EMS Agenda for the Future:
    • Integration of health services
    • EMS research
    • Legislation and regulation
    • System finance
    • Human resources
    • Medical direction
    • Education systems
    • Public education
    • Prevention
    • Public access
    • Communication systems
    • Clinical care
    • Information systems
    • Evaluation
  • Types of EMS system models
    • Fire-based EMS
    • Third-services EMS (municipalities)
    • Private EMS agency
    • Hospital-based EMS
    • Hybrid or other
  • Indirect vs direct medical oversight

Outcome #2: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of EMS systems.

  • Pre-industrial era
  • Industrial era
  • Modern era

Outcome #3: Demonstrate knowledge of the legislation and regulations related to EMS.

  • The federal role
  • The state role
  • COBRA

Outcome #4: Identify the different levels of prehospital providers and the systems involved in the delivery of EMS.

  • Identify prehospital providers involved in the delivery of EMS
    • The dispatcher
    • Emergency Medical Responder
    • EMT
  • The Roll of EMD and allied health professionals
  • Examples of specialized EMS providers
    • Advanced EMT
    • Paramedic
  • State the roll of CISM

Outcome #5: Apply an introductory knowledge of prehospital communication and documentation.

  • Types of communication in the prehospital setting
  • Communications technology
  • Telemedicine
  • Data collection tools and chart writing techniques
  • Data collection, validation, transfer and usage

Outcome #6: Demonstrate knowledge of the organizational structure and functions, as well as the role of the EMT, on an emergency scene.

  • Incident Command System

Suggested Texts and Materials

This text is suggested and can also be used for EMS 116.
  • Introduction to EMS Systems, Bruce Waltz, ISBN: D7668-1984-1

Department Notes

The course aligns with the current National EMS Education Standards.