Emergency Medical Services
Associate of Applied Science Degree: Emergency Medical Services
Certificates of Achievement:
- First Responder Prehospital
- EMT Basic
- EMT Intermediate
Certificate of Completion
- EMT Paramedic
Prehospital emergency medical care is a challenging and exciting profession. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals may work at any of four different levels: First responder, EMT - basic, EMT - intermediate, and paramedic. Upon successful completion of training, students are eligible for employment in many types of emergency medical systems nationwide in fire departments, municipal services, private ambulance services, federal services, industry, hospital emergency departments, and hospital-based ambulance systems. The demand for EMS professionals is increasing.
DACC offers all levels of EMS education, as well as an opportunity to earn an associate of applied science degree at the paramedic level. Successful completion of an EMS program will allow for certification/licensure testing at the state and national level.
At each EMS program level, students gain additional knowledge and skills to enable them to function in the clinical and field settings with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. In classes, students learn about anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of diseases, traumatic injuries, pharmacology, and cardiac care. Students acquire skills through laboratory practice, clinical experience in hospitals, and field experience with ambulance services throughout the state. Students may be scheduled at a variety of clinical and field sites which include areas outside Las Cruces.
Program Accreditation
The Emergency Medical Services Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession (CoAEMSP)
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX: 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
In addition, the program is approved by the New Mexico Office of Health Emergency Management.
Required Skills and Abilities
All EMS programs require that the student be able to:
- lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)
- carry out emergency and non-emergency patient care, including, light extrication (i.e., be able to assume a variety of postural positions and be capable of physical maneuvers ranging from crawling, kneeling, squatting, twisting, turning, and bending, to climbing stairs and ladders)
- withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture
Program Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
Specific entrance requirements and prerequisites vary depending on the qualifications of the applicant and the level of training/licensure sought:
Time Limit on Courses for Certification
Although the DACC EMS program does not place a time limit on whether course credits will count for a recognized certificate, some state and/or other regulatory/certification agencies do require that courses be completed within a certain time frame. Students should consult with the licensing agency and/or EMS faculty to determine whether courses need to be repeated. Repeating courses may have an impact on financial aid.
EMT– Basic
- Passed approved background check and drug screening. NOTE: Students with a disqualifying conviction or positive result on their drug screen will not be permitted to continue in the clinical course and/or program based on the results of the criminal background or drug panel screening and may not be readmitted to the program.
- Documentation of vaccinations (may differ based on clinical sites):
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
- Successful completion of EMSS 1153 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for the EMS Provider either as a Pre or Corequsite to be eligible to receive an EMT-Basic Certificate.
- EMSS 1153 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for the EMS Provider or approved Anatomy & Physiology Course
- Eligible for ENGL 1110G Composition I
- Eligible for CCDM 114 N Algebra Skills
- Student must be 18 years of age by the time the clinical course begins.
EMT– Intermediate
- Copy of current New Mexico State Emergency Technician–Basic license OR successful completion of EMT–Basic coursework and EMT–Basic license in hand by first day of class of EMT– Intermediate program
- Score of no less than 80 percent on departmental entrance exam
- Passed approved background check and drug screening. NOTE: Students with a disqualifying conviction or positive result on their drug screen will not be permitted to continue in the course and/or program based on the results of the criminal background or drug panel screening and may not be readmitted to the program.
- Documentation of vaccinations (may differ based on clinical sites):
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
EMT– Paramedic
Applicants will be judged according to the following criteria and submissions:
- Copy of current New Mexico EMT–Basic or EMT–Intermediate license
- Written and oral assessments at the EMT–Basic or EMT–Intermediate level, depending on current licensure
- Completion of the following courses:
Course List Prefix Title Credits EMSS 1153 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for the EMS Provider 3 EMSS 2245 Human Systems, Pathophysiology and Development 3 EMSS 2240 Introduction to Paramedic Practice 2 EMSS 2255 Emergency Pharmacology 2 EMSS 2255L Emergency Pharmacology Laboratory 1 - Copy of current healthcare provider CPR card
- High school and/or college transcript(s) and GPA
- Accuplacer/ACT scores in English and math
- Completed departmental application, including résumé, and letter of intent
- Letters of recommendation
- Passed approved background check and drug screening. NOTE: Students with a disqualifying conviction or positive result on their drug screen will not be permitted to continue in the course and/or program based on the results of the criminal background or drug panel screening and may not be readmitted to the program.
- Documentation of vaccinations (may differ based on clinical sites):
- MMR twice since 1980 or Rubella and Rubeola titers;
- TB screening with expiration past end of semester;
- Varicella immunity (titer or proof of vaccination accepted)
- TDAP within 10 years
- Hepatitis B series or titers or declination waiver
- Flu shot if in season (October-March)
- COVID vaccination
To graduate with a certificate or an associate degree, students must earn a C or better in all EMSS courses, and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0.
Emergency Medical Services - Associate of Applied Science
EMT - Basic - Certificate of Achievement
EMT - Intermediate - Certificate of Achievement
HLED 1110. American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR/AED
1 Credit (1)
A video-based, instructor-led course that teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage an emergency until emergency medical services arrives. Skills covered in this course include first aid; choking relief in adults, children, and infants; and what to do for sudden cardiac arrest in adults, children, and infants. Upon successful completion of the course, students will become eligible for AHA Heartsaver® First Aid & CPR/AED certification. May be repeated up to 1 credit.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to efficiently perform one (1) and two (2) rescuer CPR for adult, child, and infant victims of cardiac arrest at the Basic Life Support level.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to safely and effectively operate an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to intervene and care for an adult, child, or infant choking victim and be able to administer first-aid to this population.
EMSS 1110. Emergency Medical Responder Lab/Lecture
3 Credits (3)
An entry level course which prepares students to respond to and provide care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, specified basic life support, airway management, trauma, medical and environmental emergencies, medical/legal, emergency operations and other related topics. Requires a C or better to pass.
Corequisite: EMSS 1116.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass the National Registry EMR certification exam and obtain New Mexico First Responder licensure.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in the cognitive and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry level EMR in EMS operations.
EMSS 1110L. Emergency Medical Responder Laboratory
2 Credits (2P)
An entry level course which focuses on EMR and NM First Responder skills development through simulations and scenarios with an emphasis on assessment, hands-on skills and team work in the patient care environment. Requires a C or better to pass.
Prerequisite: EMSS 1116.
Corequisite: EMR Lecture.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass a NM JOE approved psychomotor exam.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in the psychomotor and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMR in EMS operations.
EMSS 1116. BLS Clinical Preparations
1 Credit (1)
Prepares students in health science programs for their clinical and field rotations. This course will provide training in CPR (AHA BLS Healthcare Provider), blood borne pathogens, HIPAA, and fire safety. May be repeated up to 99 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- CPR Techniques: You will learn principles and techniques of basic cardiac life support (BLS), including CPR.
- Airway and Breathing Management: Training includes the use of adjuncts for airway management and breathing support.
- Defibrillator Use: You will be trained to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED), essential for cardiac emergencies.
- Initial Trauma Response: The course prepares students to handle life-threatening situations at a basic level, equipping them with the skills needed for initial patient management.
- NIMS (National Incident Management System) classes 100,200,700,800 are included in this class, the student will understand Incident Management for emergency scenes and be able to effectively manage a scene as a first responder until higher trained personnel arrive: this will include recognizing hazards, mitigating some hazardous situations, managing other personnel, requesting additional and specialized resources and more.
- Fire Extinguisher Safety: Students will learn how to safely operate a fire extinguisher in the case of a fire.
- HIPPA Training (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Students will understand the importance of this act to include: patient privacy and confidentiality, penalties and other federal regulations that protect health information.
- Blood Borne Pathogens: Students will learn and demonstrate how to safely handle all situations involving blood and contaminated items.
- Initiate the chain of survival by demonstrating and verbalizing the American Heart Association’s chain of survival for Adult and Pediatric victims. 1
- Relieve a choking victim as exhibited by describing the technique for the relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for the adult, child, and infant. 1
- Perform prompt, high-quality chest compressions for adult, child, and infant. 1
- Initiate early use of an AED. 1
- Initiate the emergency response system and retrieve an AED if available, while working collaboratively to provide compressions and ventilations at a rate of 30:2 while switching roles every 2 minutes.
EMSS 1120. Emergency Medical Technician Lecture
6 Credits (6)
An entry level course which prepares students to respond to and provide care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, basic life support, airway management, trauma, medical and environmental emergencies, medical/legal, emergency operations and other related topics.
Corequisite: OEEM 101,EMSS 1120L,EMSS 1121.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: EMSS 1153. Restricted to: OEEM majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass the National Registry EMT certification exam and obtain New Mexico EMT licensure.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in the cognitive and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in EMS operations.
EMSS 1120L. Emergency Medical Technician Laboratory
2 Credits (6P)
An entry level course which focuses on EMT and NM EMT-Basic skills development through simulations and scenarios with an emphasis on assessment, hands-on skills and team work in the patient care environment.
Corequisite: OEEM 101, EMSS 1120, EMSS 1121.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: EMSS 1153. Restricted to: OEEM majors.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass a NM JOE approved EMT psychomotor exam.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in the psychomotor and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level EMT in EMS operations.
EMSS 1121. Emergency Medical Technician Clinical
1 Credit (3P)
A course for EMT students to complete patient contact and clinical care requirements. Students rotate through various healthcare settings, refining clinical competencies required as an entry-level EMT. May be repeated up to 1 credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: OEEM 101, EMSS 1120, EMSS 1120L, EMSS 1153.
Learning Outcomes
- Function as an entry-level EMT as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural sensitivity healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Function as an entry-level EMT, providing emergency care to the sick and injured.
- Perform an appropriate patient assessment.
EMSS 1153. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for the EMS Provider
3 Credits (3)
To properly assess and manage a patient, a prehospital provider must have a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology. This course provides a systematic approach to building this foundation. Grade of "C" or better is required to pass the course. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply anatomical and medical terms and abbreviations in written and oral communication.
- Uses simple knowledge of the anatomy and function of the upper airway, heart, vessels, blood, lungs, skin, muscles, and bones as the foundation of emergency care.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and function of all human systems to the practice of EMS.
- Integrates complex knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the airway, respiratory and circulatory systems to the practice of EMS.
- Integrates a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems.
EMSS 2120. Advanced EMT Lecture
5 Credits (5)
A course which prepares students to respond to and provide specified advanced emergency care for ill or injured patients. It includes an overview of the human body, advanced life support, airway management, trauma, medical and environmental emergencies, medical legal issues, emergency operations, intravenous therapy, vascular access, advanced pharmacology and other related topics. Restricted to: OEEM majors.
Prerequisite: Current EMT-basic license, pretest and consent of instructor.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass the National Registry AEMT certification exam and obtain New Mexico AEMT licensure.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in the cognitive and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in EMS operations.
EMSS 2120L. Advanced EMT Laboratory
2 Credits (6P)
An advanced laboratory course which focuses on AEMT and NM EMT-Intermediate skills development through simulations and scenarios with an emphasis on assessment, hands-on skills and team work in the patient care environment.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: EMSS 2120, EMSS 2121. Restricted to: OEEM majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully pass a National Registry AEMT psychomotor exam.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in the psychomotor and affective domains.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in airway management.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in cardiac emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in trauma emergencies.
- Demonstrate competence as an entry-level AEMT in EMS operations.
EMSS 2121. Advanced EMT Clinical
2 Credits (6P)
A course for AEMT students to complete patient contact and clinical care requirements. Students rotate through various healthcare settings, refining clinical competencies required as an entry-level AEMT.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: EMSS 2120, EMSS 2120L. Restricted to: OEEM majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Learning Outcomes
- Function as an entry-level AEMT as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate team leadership on an emergency call.
- Demonstrate professionalism and cultural sensitivity healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Function as an entry-level AEMT, providing emergency care to the sick and injured.
- Perform an appropriate patient assessment.
EMSS 2240. Introduction to Paramedic Practice
2 Credits (2)
A course which introduces students to the advanced practice of prehospital medicine, research, medical legal issues, the wellbeing of the provider. Reviews foundational EMS knowledge and the NM Paramedic Scope of Practice. Emphasizes paramedic operations within the healthcare system.
Prerequisite: EMSS 1120, EMSS 1120L, EMSS 1121.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand paramedic roles and responsibilities within an EMS system.
- Understand and interpret research and how to integrate findings into evidence based practice.
- Demonstrates understanding of health and safety principles to maintain provider, crew and situational awareness, safety, and wellbeing.
- Uses appropriate written or electronic tools to effectively document the essential elements of patient care and transport.
- Understands the components of the EMS communications systems and the importance of Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement.
- Understands the appropriate techniques of theraputic communication with patients, families and other healthcare team members.
- Understand relevant laws and ethical issues which impact decisions made in healthcare settings.
EMSS 2245. Human Systems, Pathophysiology and Development
3 Credits (3)
A course which provides a survey of human anatomy and physiology, pathological processes, and life span development. Emphasis is placed on interrelationships among organ systems and deviation from homeostasis.
Prerequisite: EMSS 1120, EMSS 1120L.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the general terminology, anatomy, and physiology of the human body.
- Apply principles of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body to the pathophysiologic processes of common health problems.
- Associate pathophysiology to patient assessment and treatment.
- Describe key physiologic and psychosocial changes that occur in different age groups.
EMSS 2250. Introduction to Advanced Patient Assessment and Clinical Decision Making
1 Credit (1)
A course which introduces the concepts of advanced patient assessment and clinical decision making, including history taking, physical exam techniques, and therapeutic communication with patients.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate scene and patient assessment findings with knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology to form a field impression.
- Develops a list of differential diagnoses through clinical reasoning to modify the assessment and formulate a treatment or referral plan.
EMSS 2255. Emergency Pharmacology
2 Credits (2)
A course which integrates comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology to formulate a treatment plan intended to mitigate emergencies and improve the overall health of the patient. Discusses physiologic actions, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effects, medication administration, dosages and interactions.
Prerequisite: EMSS 1120, EMSS 1120L, EMSS 1121.
Corequisite: EMSS 2255L.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates an understanding of relevant terms, processes and definitions relating to pharmacology.
- Demonstrates an understanding of safety, storage and security, legislation, naming, classification and scheduling of medications.
- Demonstrates appropriate decision making regarding medication administration to mitigate emergencies and improve overall health of the patient.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the dosages, routes, indications, contraindications, mechanism of actions, side effects of medications in the National and NM Paramedic Scope of Practice.
- Demonstrates an understanding of ethical, legal, communication and documentation aspects of emergency pharmacology.
EMSS 2255L. Emergency Pharmacology Laboratory
1 Credit (3P)
A course which integrates comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology to formulate a treatment plan intended to mitigate emergencies and improve the overall health of the patient. Students will practice medication administration, calculate medication dosages, vascular access, fluid administration and other related skills. May be repeated up to 1 credit.
Prerequisite: EMSS 1120, EMSS 1120L, EMSS 1121.
Corequisite: EMSS 2255.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates an ability to safely administer medications in the national and NM Paramedic Scope of Practice.
- Calculates the correct volume, flow rate and amount of medication to be administered in a given situation.
- Demonstrates an ability to administer medications as appropriate based on patient presentations.
EMSS 2310. Airway and Respiratory Emergencies
2 Credits (2)
A course which focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the respiratory system. Integrates the knowledge to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan, with the goal of assuring a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation and respiration for patients of all ages.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Corequisite: EMSS 2310L.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates an understanding of the mechanics, neurological control and diseases impacting respiration and ventilation.
- Demonstrates an understanding of various methods, tools and techniques to assure a patent airway, ventilation and respiration.
- Integrate assessment findings with emergency pharmacology and relevant tools to create and implement treatment plans for patients with medical or trauma related respiratory complaints.
EMSS 2310L. Airway and Respiratory Emergencies Laboratory
1 Credit (3P)
A course which focuses on diseases impacting the respiratory system. Students will demonstrate the knowledge to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan, with the goal of assuring a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation and respiration for patients of all ages. Students will utilize basic and advanced airway management and ventilation tools and techniques.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Corequisite: EMSS 2310L.
Learning Outcomes
- Appropriately utilizes various methods, tools and techniques to assure a patent airway, ventilation and respiration.
- Integrates assessment findings with emergency pharmacology and relevant tools to implement treatment plans for patients with medical or trauma related respiratory complaints.
- Act as an entry-level Paramedic team leader in an airway management, ventilation or respiratory simulation.
EMSS 2410. Cardiac Emergencies
4 Credits (4)
Focuses on advanced patient assessment, management, and development of a treatment plan, with extensive discussion of cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and pathology. Discusses EKG and 12 lead EKG acquisition and interpretation, and cardiac rhythms. There is an emphasis on advanced prehospital assessment and management of cardiac patients. Restricted to: OEEM, OEMS majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates knowledge of anatomy and physiology, assessment findings, principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and choose a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a cardiac complaint.
- Integrate comprehensive knowledge of causes, pathophysiology, and management of the following cardiovascular conditions: Acute coronary syndrome, Heart failure, Nontraumatic cardiac tamponade, Cardiogenic shock, Vascular disorders, Cardiac rhythm disturbances, Infectious diseases of the heart, Congenital abnormalities.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the acquisition, interpretation and integration of EKG findings into patient assessment, management and disposition.
EMSS 2410L. Cardiac Emergencies Laboratory
2 Credits (2P)
Focuses on the performance of advanced patient assessment, management, and development of a treatment plan, with extensive integration of an understanding of cardiac pathophysiology and pharmacology. Integrates EKG and 12 lead EKG acquisition and interpretation with patient management. There is an emphasis on the application of advanced assessment and management of cardiac patients.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Corequisite: EMSS 2410.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates knowledge of anatomy and physiology, assessment findings, principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and choose a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a cardiac complaint.
- Integrate comprehensive knowledge of causes, pathophysiology, and management of the following cardiovascular conditions: Acute coronary syndrome, Heart failure, Nontraumatic cardiac tamponade, Cardiogenic shock, Vascular disorders, Cardiac rhythm disturbances, Infectious diseases of the heart, Congenital abnormalities.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the acquisition, interpretation and integration of EKG findings into patient assessment, management and disposition.
EMSS 2510. Medical Emergencies
3 Credits (3)
A course which covers patient assessment, Anatomy & Physiology, pathology of non-cardiac, non-OB/Peds, special populations medical emergencies. Includes environmental, chemical, poisoning, infectious diseases, endocrine/digestive, renal system and psychiatric illnesses. Requires a C or better to pass. Restricted to: Community Colleges only.
Corequisite: EMSS 2510L.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a medical complaint.
- Understands epidemiology, disease pathologies and how they impact transport and destination decisions.
- Construct assessment and treatment plans for vulnerable patient populations including the cognitively impaired, pregnant, pediatrics, technology dependent, congenital diseases and geriatrics.
- Understands the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of the medical patient with multiple comorbidities.
- Understands how to safely and effectively communicate with, assess, and manage patients with psychiatric illnesses.
EMSS 2510L. Medical Emergencies Laboratory
3 Credits (3P)
Performs advanced assessments, formulates diagnoses, implements treatment plans and manages common medical and behavioral emergencies.
Corequisite: EMSS 2510.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates the integration of assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a medical complaint.
- Integrates knowledge of epidemiology and disease pathologies into transport and destination decisions.
- Implements assessment and treatment plans for vulnerable patient populations including the cognitively impaired, pregnant, pediatrics, technology dependent, congenital diseases and geriatrics.
- Appropriately assesses, manages and treats patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Demonstrates how to safely and effectively communicate with, assess, and manage patients with psychiatric illnesses.
EMSS 2610. Paramedic Trauma Care
2 Credits (2)
A course which covers the mechanism of injury, pathophysiology, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and care of the trauma and environmental emergency patient.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Corequisite: EMSS 2610L.
Learning Outcomes
- Understands epidemiology, trauma scoring and destination decisions.
- Formulates comprehensive and focused assessment strategies for minor, moderate and critically ill patients with bleeding; chest, abdominal, genitourinary, orthopedic, soft tissue, head, face, neck, spine, nervous system trauma.
- Construct assessment and treatment plans for vulnerable trauma patient populations including the cognitively impaired, pregnant, pediatrics and geriatrics.
- Understands the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of environmental emergencies.
- Understands the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of the multisystem trauma patient.
EMSS 2610L. Paramedic Trauma Care Laboratory
1 Credit (3P)
A practical course which covers the mechanism of injury, pathophysiology, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and care of the trauma and environmental patient. May be repeated up to 1 credit.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2245, EMSS 2240, EMSS 2255.
Corequisite: EMSS 2610.
Learning Outcomes
- Applies an understanding of epidemiology, trauma scoring and destination decisions.
- Implements comprehensive and focused assessment strategies for minor, moderate and critically ill patients with bleeding; chest, abdominal, genitourinary, orthopedic, soft tissue, head, face, neck, spine, nervous system trauma.
- Constructs and applies assessment and treatment plans for vulnerable trauma patient populations including the cognitively impaired, pregnant, pediatrics and geriatrics.
- Applies an understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of environmental emergencies.
- Applies an understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment, management and treatment of the multisystem trauma patient.
- Safely and effectively perform all psychomotor skills within the National EMS Scope of Practice Model and the New Mexico Scope of Practice at the Paramedic level.
- Demonstrate professional behavior including, but not limited to, integrity, empathy, self-motivation, appearance/personal hygiene, self-confidence, communication, time management, teamwork/diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy and careful delivery of service.
EMSS 2650. Advanced EMS Operations
2 Credits (9P)
Theory course covering the operational aspects of paramedic practice including discussions on the Incident Command System, hazardous materials, rescue, crime scene awareness, mass casualty incidents, bioterrorism/WMD, aeromedical transport, ambulance operations and extrication. Restricted to: OEEM majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2895, EMSS 2998.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify risks and responsibilities associated with: ambulance and air medical transportation, multiple-casualty incidents, gaining access to and extricating patients, hazardous materials incidents, responding to situations involving weapons of mass destruction.
- Knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure patient, public, and personnel safety.
- Establish and work within the incident management system.
EMSS 2710. Advanced Care of Special Populations
2 Credits (2)
Comprehend assessment findings with principles of pathophysiology and knowledge of psychosocial needs to formulate a field impression and identify a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for patients with special challenges and neonates, pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics. Requires a "C" or better to pass. Restricted to: OEEM, OEMS majors.
Prerequisite: EMSS 2410.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of the following patient types: a) neonatal b) obstetric c) pediatric d) patients identified as having special challenges e) geriatric.
- Recognizes the unique psychosocial needs of these patients and demonstrates knowledge of relevant community resources.
EMSS 2710L. Advanced Care of Special Populations Laboratory
1 Credit (1P)
Integrates assessment findings with principles of pathophysiology and knowledge of psychosocial needs to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for patients with special challenges and neonates, pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics.
Corequisite: EMSS 2410.
Learning Outcomes
- Understands and implements comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of the following patient types: a) neonatal, b) obstetric, c) pediatric, d) patients identified as having special challenges, e) geriatric.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the unique psychosocial needs of these patients and an ability to connect them to relevant community resources.
EMSS 2890. Paramedic Clinical I
3 Credits (9P)
A course which provides students with clinical opportunities which may include hospitals, clinics, field rotations and other healthcare settings to administer medications, perform approved skills, and assess and manage patients of all age groups with various medical or traumatic conditions. Provides students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real patient care situations, under direct supervision. Students may be required to travel to complete this course. Restricted to majors. Requires a C or better to pass. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Perform a comprehensive assessment, formulate and implement a treatment plan for all patient types across all age groups.
- Safely and appropriately administer allowed medications.
- Safely and appropriately perform allowed skills.
- Work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate appropriate affect.
EMSS 2895. Paramedic Clinical II
3 Credits (9P)
A continuation of Paramedic Clinical I which provides students with clinical opportunities which may include hospitals, clinics, field rotations and other healthcare settings to administer medications, perform approved skills, and assess and manage patients of all age groups with various medical or traumatic conditions. Provides students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real patient care situations, under direct supervision. Students may be required to travel to complete this course. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: EMSS 2890.
Learning Outcomes
- Perform a comprehensive assessment, formulate and implement a treatment plan for all patient types across all age groups.
- Safely and appropriately administer allowed medications.
- Safely and appropriately perform allowed skills.
- Work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
- Demonstrate appropriate affect.
Name: Stephanie Hyatt, Program Director
Office Location: DASR 220A
Phone: (575) 528-7039
Website: https://dacc.nmsu.edu/ems/