EMT-Basic



Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc.

EMS Education Student Handbook

OVERVIEW OF EMS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Spearfish Ambulance Service offers the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Educational Program in accordance with National Registry of EMT guidelines. These guidelines follow the appropriate DOT EMS Blueprint for EMT training and are supported by the SD Department of Public Safety/EMS Office. The EMT program is approximately 16 -18 weeks in duration, consisting of a didactic (classroom & lab) phase and a field observation period.

GOALS AND PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Spearfish Ambulance Service holds that learning is a lifelong process through which an individual modifies his/her behavior in order to accommodate changing healthcare needs. We also believe that learning is facilitated when student participation is actively encouraged, instructional and educational goals are well defined and communicated, and student goals and objectives are clear and supported by the faculty. However, it is understood that, ultimately, the full responsibility for learning rests with the student and his/her commitment to the learning process.

Spearfish Ambulance EMS Education Programs are designed to meet the following list of goals:

➢ Graduates will be a competent entry level EMT

➢ Students will be prepared to successfully complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician EMT exam

➢ Faculty will be motivated and committed to the EMS instructional programs

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMT

EMTs have fulfilled prescribed requirements by a credentialing agency to practice the art and science of out-of-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. Through performance of assessments and providing medical care, their goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury for emergency patients in the out-of-hospital setting.

EMTs possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the profession. EMTs recognize that they are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as a link for emergency patients to acute care resources.

The primary roles and responsibilities of EMTs are to maintain high quality, out-of-hospital emergency care. Ancillary roles of the EMT may include public education and health promotion programs as deemed appropriate by the community.

EMTs are responsible and accountable to medical direction, the public, and their peers. EMTs recognize the importance of research. EMTs seek to take part in life-long professional development, peer evaluation, and assume an active role in professional and community organizations.

Characteristics of an EMT: The EMT must be capable of providing basic life support emergency medical services to patients including CPR, AED, airway management, artificial ventilation, basic trauma life support, emergency childbirth, rescue and extrication, and other noninvasive skills.

The EMT 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 judgment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The EMT 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 threatening emergency situations.

The EMT 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 crucial, 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.

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 EMT’s, and other workers’ well being must not be jeopardized.

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

However, in general, in the analyst’s opinion, the EMT 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 EMT in the EMS system uses training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The EMT must be able to make accurate, independent judgments 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 a dispatcher and other concerned staff one’s impression of patient’s condition is critical as the EMT works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The EMT 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 EMT must enter data on computer from a laptop in the ambulance, hospital, or base facility. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively

STAFF

Paul Swisher, MD Medical Director

Brian Hambek Program Director

seas@ Office 642-8810

Cell 641-1876

Andrew Binder Education Coordinator

seastraining@ Office 642-8810

Cell 645-4013

Darce Mitchell Administrative Support Staff Office 642-4104

SEAS office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Excluding holidays

The faculty is comprised of a wide variety of EMS and healthcare specialists. The diverse backgrounds of our instructors are a testimony to the comprehensive education that our EMT students receive.

Faculty recruitment will be non-discriminatory with regard to disability, race, color, creed, gender, sexual preference, veteran status, and national origin.

TUTORING

Students may request to meet with the Program Director and/or Education Coordinator to discuss academic progress, learning challenges, grades etc. Students may request to be assigned an academic mentor. The academic mentor is a faculty member who agrees to be available to the student for academic guidance and learning support. Academic advising and the assignment of an academic mentor may be required by the Program Director for those students not making satisfactory academic progress.

Office Hours: The Program Director and Education Coordinator will be available to meet with students by appointment. An Office Hours sign-up board may be posted for students to reserve meeting times with a program administrator. Students may also email or phone a program administrator to arrange a meeting time. The available times and days will change weekly.

ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The EMS Education Program is a rigorous, condensed program of study where any absences are detrimental to a student’s chances of passing all required phases. The academic calendar for the program does not make it possible to grant students a leave of absence. Students who leave the program will be required to reapply and attend the entire course as scheduled.

The SEAS staff recognizes that emergencies can arise. Absences, tardiness and/or early exits and operational policies are as follows for each of the three phases of the program:

Absences: A student will be allowed up to three (3) absences. Absences above these limits will result in expulsion from the program with no reimbursement for tuition.

Tardiness and Early Exits: A student may be allowed to be tardy/early exit three (3) times throughout the course. A tardy is defined as arriving at class more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. An early exit is defined as leaving class more than 30 minutes prior to the end of class. Tardiness or early exits above these limits will lead to expulsion from the program with no reimbursement for tuition.

PROGRAM HOURS

1. Week day (Monday-Friday) classes are scheduled from 7-10 pm.

2. Office hours are from 8am-5pm, Mon.-Fri. These hours may vary depending on

ambulance calls. Please contact the coordinator for an appointment or tutoring.

3. Limited tutoring is available and may be restricted to office hours.

4. Saturday classes scheduled from 9am - 5pm. Saturday classes are mandatory

attendance.

TUITION POLICY

Tuition for the EMT course is $___________. This includes books, instructor fees, and all equipment needed for completion of the course.

Extra costs for the course will include $70.00 payable to NREMT, Inc. for the National Registry Exam.

The tuition must be paid in full before the student will be allowed to sit for the National exam, and the coordinator will hold all course completion paperwork until final payment is made. Tuition is non-refundable for books and/or anyone who drops the course after Jan. 31st, 20___. A partial refund of $____.00 will be made if the student drops the course prior to Jan 31st, 20___.

Payments may be made throughout the course for tuition; Please contact the Program Director for further instructions.

CRITERIA FOR STUDENT COMPLETION

To graduate from the EMT Program the student must successfully complete the following requirements:

1. All chapter quizzes and Street Scenes.

2. All written exams (outlined separately in the grading procedure)

3. 10 hours Clinical time at Spearfish Regional Hospital ED, Rapid City

Regional Hospital ED or Spearfish Ambulance Service (requires 3 patient contacts)

4. Completion of ALL skills stations

5. ALL course completion paperwork must be turned in by 30 April 20__ to the

course coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS

1. Attend all lectures. When the student must be absent, they must make arrangements with the Program Director or Education Coordinator. Excessive tardiness or being absent more than 3 nights will result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.

2. Unprofessional conduct in the classroom or clinical areas may result in dismissal from the program. This includes any form of harassment or discrimination.

3. Clinical observation time may begin after February 19th. Clinical shifts must not be scheduled during EMT Class time. Students must report for clinicals on time. Tardiness may result in refusal of clinical experience. Never attempt to perform skills that are outside your EMS training.

4. Students must report for all clinicals properly attired. Attire for clinicals is dark blue or black slacks, white shirt and appropriate shoes. No shorts, sleeveless shirts, tennis shoes, western style boots, open toe shoes or baseball caps will be accepted. Improper attire may result in refusal of clinical experience.

GRADING SYSTEM

1. The passing grade for written examinations is 75%.

2. No more than 3 exams may be retested. Only one retest per exam is permitted. Retests must be done in a timely manner and must be scheduled with the Education Coordinator for office hours.

3. Failure of more than three tests or one retake may lead to dismissal from the

program.

4. Complete ALL homework when it is due. Homework is worth 1/3 of your final grade. Failure to complete these assignments may result in dismissal from the program.

FACILITIES

All classes will be held at 715 E Colorado Blvd. in Spearfish (unless otherwise specified). You are responsible for keeping these facilities clean.

Study Tips

1. Plan 2 hours study time for every hour you spend in class

2. Study difficult (boring) subjects first

3. Avoid scheduling marathon study sessions

4. Be aware of your best time of day (when your energy is highest)

5. Using waiting time (such as between classes, waiting for appointments, etc.)

6. Use a regular study area (If it’s your bedroom, read # 7)

7. Don’t get too comfortable

8. Occasionally use a library for studying; you may need research materials to help

9. Pay attention to your attention! Catch your attention wandering and bring it back

10. Agree with living mates about study time

11. Avoid noise distractions

12. Notice how others misuse your time. Ask for their cooperation

13. Get off the phone

14. Learn to say “No, not now; perhaps later”.

15. Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door

16. Ask: What is one task I can accomplish toward my goal?

17. Ask: Am I beating myself up?

18. Ask: Is this a piano? (Is perfection necessary?) Know when to lighten up on

yourself a bit, and when you really cannot afford to do that. Do not always

approach everything the same way

19. Ask: How did I just waste time? If that was not really in my best interest, how

can I keep from doing that next time?

20. Ask: Would I pay myself for what I’m doing right now?

Self Hypnotism

o The intention to remember is more powerful than any memory technique, so tell yourself that you will remember what you are studying. This message is most effective if you do it in a state similar to hypnotic.

o Right before or right after you learn something, tell yourself that you will remember it.

o Close your eyes or focus on a point several feet away. Take 3 slow, deep breaths, paying attention to each breath. Then take 3 more breaths while consciously relaxing your whole body.

o Once your body is relaxed and your mind is still, say to yourself, “At any time I choose, I will be able to recall …” Repeat this exercise at least 3 times.

STAYING FOCUSED

1. Make a mark on a piece of paper every time you notice your attention flagging. At first, you’ll probably have a lot, but this is okay, because it actually means that you are aware of when your attention is wandering. This will help you pay attention to your attention.

2. If a personal problem or something else is interfering with your concentration, write down the problem along with a commitment to a future course of action. Once you have this down, you can free your mind to pay attention to the present.

3. Schedule breaks. Set reasonable goals for studying, then reward yourself with something enjoyable for 5-10 minutes every hour. Set shorter goals for more difficult reading.

4. Read out loud, if possible.

5. Underline and make margin notes. Do not underline as you read. Instead, wait until you have completed a section to determine what is important. Then underline. Use a highlighter instead of a pen.

6. Talk to yourself. When you finish reading and assignment, make a speech about it. Do it in front of a mirror. Get with a friend or group of friends and practice teaching each other what you have learned.

7. Review again each week. This can be short … just enough to cement in your memory the main points and those that are the most difficult for you. Use 3 x 5 cards for this, so that you have the main points with you and can review them whenever you find 5 minutes waiting for someone, etc…

8. If you’re feeling sleepy:

a. Straighten your spine. Put both feet on the floor, uncross your arms and legs, sit up straight, and hold your head up straight.

b. Tense all muscles. Take a deep breath and while you’re holding it, tense the muscles in your body. Start with muscles in your feet, then the legs, thighs, stomach, chest, shoulders, neck, jaw, forehead, arms, and hands. Hold these tense muscles for the count of five and then relax.

c. Breathe deeply three times. Inhale slowly and deeply, breathing into your belly as well as your chest. Pause momentarily at the top of the breath and then exhale completely. When you have exhaled as much as you can, force out more air by contracting the muscles of your stomach. Do this three times.

d. Repeat step #2. Do the exercise twice. You can even use this in class or during testing.

MEMORY

Be Organized:

1. Learn from the general to the specific: Get a broad overview of the subject before you try to learn the details. Skim the entire textbook at the beginning of the term; look over the reading assignment before you begin.

2. Make it meaningful: Relate what you learn to your goals, to what you want to get from your education, and therefore, from this class. Know what your rewards are and connect them to your studies. Also, relate new material to what you have already learned.

3. Create associations: Fit new material in with what you already know. For example, if you are introduced to someone, think of another person you know with that name; visualize the two people together. Create a common association between all the details you are trying to learn; for example, create a story around them.

Be Physical:

1. Learn it once, actively: To recall something from memory, you must first put it into memory. This requires action, even though the environmental setting might be passive. Create an atmosphere of activity where you study. Sit up; try sitting on the edge of your chair, or standing up; make gestures when you recite material; pace; draw pictures of concepts; use your hands.

2. Visualize relationships: Create pictures about things you want to learn; draw diagrams or cartoons. Making up a picture to go with a concept cements the material in two separate parts of your brain, and this doubles your chances of being able to recall it.

3. Recite and repeat: When you want to remember something, repeat it out loud. Try to put concepts you want to remember into your own words.

Be Clear:

1. Reduce interference: Turn off the stereo; find a quiet place; give yourself time to learn it … the most efficient learning begins 15 to 20 minutes after you begin studying. Take a break; for most, the brain needs to rest after 40-50 minutes.

2. Over-learn: Learn more than is required; explore other readings on the subject; search for additional information.

3. Be aware of attitudes: Your attitude about a subject will affect your ability to learn it. If you decide a particular subject is boring or difficult, you will have more trouble remembering what you try to study. We also tend to forget information that contradicts our opinions, so be aware of what you believe. Take responsibility for your attitudes; notice them, so that you can minimize their negative effect on your ability to remember.

Be Smart:

1. Distribute learning: Marathon study sessions aren’t effective. You can get more done in three 2-hour sessions than in one 6-hour session. 2-hour sessions work better if they are divided into sessions of 40-50 minutes. Take regular breaks, unless you’re really on a roll … then stay with it.

2. Remember something else: When you are stuck and can’t remember something you know you know, remember something else that is related.

3. Combine Memory techniques: For example, do repetition and reflection at the same time; repeat the math formula to yourself, than think about how you will apply it or how it relates to other specific problems; visualize your reward for learning the material.

Reading Better

PREVIEW-READ-RECALL at first glance seems to be an intricate, time-consuming process. However, it gets easier and faster with practice, ensures through learning, and also saves later “re-learning” when you review for exams. Give it a try!

PREVIEW

WHY? If you give your mind a general framework of main ideas and structure, you will be better able to comprehend and retain the details you will read later.

HOW? Look quickly (10 minutes) over the following key parts of your textbook to see what it’s all about and how it’s organized.

Title and Front / Back cover information

Author’s biographical data

Publication date

Table of Contents

Introduction or Preface

Index

Glossary

Any diagrams, charts, etc.

Before you read each chapter, look over:

Title

Introduction

Sub-heading

First sentences of each paragraph (these will usually give the main idea of the paragraph)

Conclusions or summaries

After previewing your textbook or chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:

What is this mainly about?

How is it organized?

How difficult is it?

About how long will it take to read?

READ “ACTIVELY”

WHY? Being an active reader will involve you in understanding the material, combat boredom, and will increase retention.

HOW?

1. Set realistic time goals and number or pages to be read.

2. Divide your chapter into small (one half page? One column?) sections, rather than try to read the whole chapter non-stop.

3. Ask yourself a question before each paragraph or section, than seek its answer. This will give you a definite purpose for your reading. Try inverting the sub-heading or first sentence into question form, using “who”, “what”, “when”, or “how” if necessary.

4. Take breaks when you feel unable to stay with the material due to daydreaming, drowsiness, boredom, hunger, etc. It is important to try to devote full concentration to your reading, so don’t combine reading with other activities. After a short break, you can return to your reading with more energy and alertness.

RECALL

WHY? Research shows that 40-50% of the material we read is forgotten very shortly (about 15 minutes) after we read it. Immediate recall is an essential first step toward continued retention of the material.

HOW? After reading each small section of material, choose one (or more) of the following methods:

1. Recall mentally or recite orally the highlights of what you have read.

2. Ask yourself questions (maybe the same ones you used before you read the section) and answer them in your own words. This method is excellent for reviewing for exams.

3. Underline and marginal notes of the key words or phrases in the section. Underlining after you read is the best way to decide what’s the most important information to remember. This method is one of the most popular ones used.

4. Make separate notes or outlines of what you have read. This technique often works for more technical material, which you need to put into your own words.

5. Recall with a friend. What you don’t know, he/she may.

Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc.

715 E Colorado Blvd. Spearfish SD 57783

Confidentiality Agreement

Clinical Studies Program

I acknowledge that confidential care and treatment is the right of all patients with Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. (SEAS), Spearfish Regional Hospital (Hospital), and all other ambulance services and any other hospital affiliates. The diagnosis, treatment and all other information concerning a patient is confidential. I understand even the presence of a patient in the hospital or their ability to pay their bill can be considered to be confidential information.

I understand that other information I may obtain as part of my ambulance or hospital duties is also confidential. I understand confidential information includes information; 1) concerning a patient; 2) concerning the sensitive business plans or finances of the ambulance service or hospital or any of its affiliates; 3) concerning an employee or job applicant; 4) concerning a physician or other practitioner; 5) concerning peer review or quality of care; 6) concerning my or anyone else’s computer password; or 7) concerning any other persons who make use of ambulance owned or operated facilities and services.

I acknowledge my ongoing obligation to maintain the confidentiality of information I obtain during my affiliation with Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service and Spearfish Regional Hospital and understand that this obligation continues beyond the termination of my affiliation with SEAS and/or the Hospital. I agree not to use Hospital’s (including any affiliates which exist now or in the future) proprietary business, technical, financial or patient care information in any way that could be construed as being contrary to the best interests of SEAS or Hospital.

I agree that, except as clearly directed by approved SEAS and/or Hospital policy or procedure or by SEAS or Hospital’s legal counsel, I will not at any time during or after my affiliation with SEAS and/or Hospital, disclose or discuss any part of my experience which is of a confidential nature to anyone who does not need the information to perform their duties and is not also bound by a Confidentiality Agreement. I also agree not to seek or obtain information regarding confidential matters that is not necessary to perform my assigned duties or observations.

I recognize my disclosure of confidential information may cause irreparable injury to an individual and/or to the ambulance service or Hospital, and may result in civil lawsuit against me by harmed individuals and/or entities which could result in an award of compensatory and punitive damages.

I further understand that my violation of this Agreement or my disclosure of any confidential information in an unauthorized manner can result in my immediate termination from a clinical program whether as a student, observer, instructor, contractor, or volunteer.

By my signature below I certify that: I have read this Confidentiality Agreement; I have had the chance to ask any questions I might have; I understand the Agreement; and I agree to be bound by its terms.

________________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Student, Observer, Instructor, Contractor, or Volunteer (Signature)

Please Print Name: ________________________________________________

Witness: ________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc.

715 E Colorado Blvd Spearfish, SD 57783

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

Training Program

Student Agreement

I have entered into this training program with Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. voluntarily. Accordingly, either I or the Program Director can terminate the relationship at will, with or without cause, at any time. I understand that I must pay $____.00 to Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. prior to receiving a Course Completion Certificate for the program. I also understand that if I am terminated from the course before September 30th, 20___, I owe Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. $____.00 for books and materials. I also understand that if I am terminated from the program after September 30th, 2009, I owe Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. $_____.00 for books, materials, and instructor fees.

Since the information and policies of the course are subject to change, I acknowledge that revisions to the course may occur. All changes will be communicated to the students, and I understand that revised information may modify or eliminate existing material presented to the class, if particular circumstances require it. Only the Program Director or Medical Director may adopt revisions to the course guidelines.

I have received, read, and understand the guidelines for the Emergency Medical Technician Training Program. I further understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the policies contained in the material for this program and any revisions made to it, and I agree to be bound by it’s terms.

_____________________________________

Print Name

_____________________________________ ____________________

Signature Date

_____________________________________ ____________________

Course Coordinator Date

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