Paramedic Program Details

Paramedic AAS Program

• Paramedic, Clinical Concentration, AAS
• Paramedic, Fire Science Concentration, AAS
• Paramedic, Public Administration Concentration, AAS

The Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic AAS degree prepares individuals to use critical thinking skills to provide medical treatment for patients with illness or injury-related disease. The Paramedic provides medical care for patients, performing skills in a variety of settings including pre-hospital, emergency departments, critical care units and cardiac catheter labs. Course content includes anatomy and physiology, pathology and the identification and initial diagnosis of disease and injury in a variety of populations. Paramedics use advanced medical and surgical skills that may include initiation of advanced airway management techniques, interpretation of electrocardiograms and advanced cardiac and trauma life support protocols. Instruction in rescue operations, crisis scene management and patient triage is included.

This program will prepare students to become a Paramedic. It provides students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, which leads to certification as a Paramedic in the State of Iowa. National certification will require a passing score on a nationally-recognized certification exam of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (NREMT-P).

In addition, the AAS program provides an avenue of specialized study in one of three categories: public administration, fire science, or advanced clinical knowledge. These three tracks offer the Paramedic the ability to obtain a higher level of understanding in his or her respective area. Each track requires the foundation courses to obtain an AAS degree and delves more deeply into the particular area of interest.

For those seeking management, the public administration track offers a broader understanding of management concepts and principles. While it does not provide the student a comprehensive education in management, it provides a flavor of what management is all about.

The clinical track enhances the paramedic with an emphasis on the sciences. Anatomy and physiology, chemistry and physics afford students with the basic requirements toward a variety of degrees. These students will have the basics to opt into a degree in nursing or other medical professions.

The fire science track prepares the paramedic for application to the fire service. While it will not make the paramedic a firefighter, it offers background knowledge in building construction, fire suppression and sprinkler systems. The student may opt to pursue a fire science degree at a later point or obtain his or her Firefighter I and Firefighter II training from the Fire Service Training Bureau. This unique program holds the paramedic as the foundation of the program, but provides the students with an opportunity to broaden their horizons and begin to experience the various facets of job opportunities awaiting them.

Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in Paramedic education experiences. Students unable to participate in Paramedic education will be unable to complete the Paramedic program.

Paramedic Certificate Program

• Paramedic, Certificate

The Paramedic certificate is a short-term credit program intended to provide individuals with the latest information and skills needed to function more effectively in their job or to update their skills for employment possibilities. It will provide individuals and employers with evidence of continued education in a specific occupational area. The education gained will increase their ability to function in a given area and broaden their skills.

This program prepares individuals to use critical thinking skills to provide treatment for medical, trauma and cardiac emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. The Paramedic transports patients to and between hospitals using ground and air ambulances and performs skills in a variety of settings, including emergency departments, critical care units and cardiac catheter labs. Course content includes anatomy and physiology, pathology and the identification and initial diagnosis of disease and injury in a variety of populations. Paramedics initiate IVs, perform endotracheal intubation, read electrocardiograms and provide cardiac defibrillation. Instruction in rescue operations, crisis scene management and medical triage is included.

This program will prepare students to become a Paramedic. This program provides students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, which leads to certification as a Paramedic in the State of Iowa. National certification will require a passing score on a nationally recognized certification exam of Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P). At the successful completion of the program, a Paramedic certificate will be awarded.

The student may further his or her education by obtaining an AAS degree. The Paramedic certificate is the foundation of the degree. Within the degree, students may choose to specialize in one of three tracks: management, clinical or fire science. Most paramedics are interested in one of these areas of expertise.

Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in paramedic education experiences. Students unable to participate in paramedic education will be unable to complete the Paramedic program.

Program Entry Requirements

1. Complete an DMACC application for admission.
2. Attend an information session or meet with the instructor.
3. Submit a copy of a current State of Iowa EMT-Basic, Iowa EMT-Intermediate/85 or Iowa EMT Paramedic certification (I/99). All students must have an Iowa EMT-B or EMT-I certification
4. Submit evidence of a grade "C" or better in one year of high school biology OR a grade of "C" or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I OR a grade of "C" or better in BIO 156 or equivalent.
5. Obtain a minimum score of 46 in Algebra on the ALEKS test OR a minimum ACT math score of 19 OR obtain a grade "C" or better in MAT 099 Combined Algebra.
6. Obtain a minimum score of 82 in English on the ACCUPLACER ® Classic test or a minimum ACT English score of 19 OR a grade of "C" or better in ENG 061 or equivalent.
7. Submit evidence of a grade of "C" or better of one year of high school chemistry OR a grade of "C" or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I and II OR a grade of "C" or better in CHM 122 or equivalent.
8. Obtain a minimum score of 73 in reading on the ACCUPLACER Classic test.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Paramedic AAS degree, a student must complete all course work as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

All Paramedic AAS Degree students take courses listed in Terms 1-4. Prior to Term 5, students must choose the Clinical Emphasis, Fire Science Emphasis or the Public Administration Emphasis and take those courses listed for Terms 5 and 6.

Recommended High School Courses:

Composition, Speech, Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, Psychology, Sociology, Accounting, Keyboarding

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Respond to incidents such as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, gunshot wounds and any other emergencies that require immediate care.
• Assess the nature of a patient's condition and follow emergency medical protocols and guidelines for treatment.
• Prepare and administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations and use monitors and other complex equipment.
• Transport patients to various kinds of medical facilities (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) at times, using special equipment like backboards to immobilize patients.
• Report observations and actions to emergency department staff.
• Perform emergency medical care under the direction of a physician.
• After each run in an ambulance, replace used supplies and check equipment.
• Work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, private ambulance services, fire departments, educational institutions and medical supply companies.

Skills & Abilities Needed

• Must be adaptable to work both indoors and out, in all types of weather.
• Must be in good physical condition to perform considerable lifting, kneeling and bending.
• Must be adaptable to irregular periods of sleep that accompany irregular working hours, because emergency services function 24 hours a day.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with patients and their significant others in diverse cultures and age groups and document in writing relevant information in writing.
• Must have the ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations while taking on the role of "leader".
• Perform mathematical calculations/ratios and apply them in an expedient, accurate and practical manner.
• Must be independent, confident and able to work without much structure.
• Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical and moral obligations inherent with out of scope practice.
• Must have good stable reasoning ability to draw valid conclusions expediently relevant to a patient's condition.

What You Should Consider About This Program or Career Choice

• General education and PS classes are scheduled on the college campus. Correlated clinical experience take place in selected hospitals and ambulance transport services throughout the area. Courses are taught by individuals experienced in the field and are offered at a variety of times.
• You will be required to communicate easily and clearly with patients and coworkers.
• You must accept responsibility for your actions.
• You will stand and walk most of the day.
• Working under pressure requires good physical health and emotional stability.
• You will be working with patients who may be contagious or have communicable diseases.
• You will have access to private health information and will need to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
• By the year 2017 (estimated) certification for the State of Iowa will require a Paramedic education. Credentialing in the State of Iowa may be obtained by passing the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic exam.
• There are two parts for the NREMT-P. First, the paramedic student must pass the practical exam and then must pass the written exam. The Paramedic is required to obtain continuing education hours for recertification within two years of initial certification.

Paramedic Characteristics

The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The Paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. Must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.

Even though the Paramedic is generally part of a two-person team generally working with a lower skill and knowledge level Basic EMT, it is the Paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs including narcotics. Therefore, the Paramedic must not only be knowledge about medications but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anti-convulsants, central nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which include antidepressants, and other anti-psychotics, anticholerginics, cholergenics, muscle relaxants, anti-dysrythmics, anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics, bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastro-intestinal drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, antiinflammatories, serums, vaccines, anti-parasitics, and others.

The Paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques, observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping one’s own pharmacological knowledge base current as to changes and trends in administration and use, keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional make-up, and using drug reference literature.

The responsibility of the Paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage and dosage. The Paramedic must take into consideration that many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type medication to be given. For example, some patients may be taking several medications prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of what they have or have not taken. Some may be using nonprescription/over the counter drugs. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, is imperative. The Paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind that drugs may cross the placenta.

The Paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight, special concerns related to newborns, geriatric patients and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little to no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction, therefore, the Paramedic must be thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given. The ability to measure and re-measure drip rates for controlled substances/medications is essential. Once medication is stopped or not used, the Paramedic must send back unused portions to proper inventory arena.

The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies ( i.e. proper size of intravenous needles ) based on patient’s age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal pre-cautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.

The Paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients to overcome trauma through antidotes, and have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The Paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient’s system and be cognizant that route of administration is critical in relation to patient’s needs and the effect that occurs.

The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site designated physician.

The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judg​​ment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life[1]threatening emergency situations.

The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.

Physical Demands

Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient’s, the Paramedic’s, and other workers’ well-being must not be jeopardized.

Comments

The Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments or hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon nature of call. For example, a Paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances than the Paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in districts known to have high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the Paramedic can vary, depending on place and type of employment.

However, in general, in the analyst’s opinion, the Paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judg​ments while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression of patient's condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The Paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.

Source: USDOT 1998 National Standard Paramedic Curriculum