Faculty Syllabus

Emergency Medical Services Professions

EMSP 1501 Emergency Medical Technician

Course Syllabus First Day Handout

Eastview & Cypress Campus

Course Coordinator

• Steven Villavicencio: svillavi@austincc.edu

• Office: EVC 9103/9119

Lead Instructors

• David Claxton, Karen Horan, Terri King, Blake Hardy, Steven Villavicencio

Skills Instructors

• Various (See Course Schedule for instructor initials)

Instructor Contact Information

•     David Claxton: dclaxton@austincc.edu.

•     Karen Horan: khoran@austincc.edu.

•     See Contact Information on Blackboard™ for other instructors

Instructor Office Hours and Location

• All times by appointment

Course Meeting Days and Times  

•     Tuesday/Thursday 5:30PM - 10:00PM

•     Saturdays as stated in Course Schedule

Course Location

•     EVC 9109 (Bldg. 9000) / CYP 1041 (Bldg. 1000)

Course Description

The Emergency Medical Technician course prepares the EMT student to provide prehospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to Emergency Medical Services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMTs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, special considerations for working in the prehospital setting, and providing patient transportation.

Course Rationale And Instructor Objectives

      This course is 144 contact hours in duration. It serves as the prerequisite for admission to the EMSP Paramedic Program. The course will prepare students to test for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician level certification. This course trains students to be entry-level first responders.

Learning & Instructional Methodology

      Teaching and learning methods in this course may include, but are not limited to, assigned readings, presentations, discussion, critical thinking exercises, labs, and class activities. Evaluation procedures include quizzes, written examinations, skills examinations, and assignments.

Supplemental information to assist in your learning will be posted on Blackboard™. Please check Blackboard™ frequently.

Course Learning Objectives/Outcomes

At the completion of this course you should be able to:

• Describe the roles of EMS in the health care system.
• Demonstrate the professional attributes expected of EMTs.
• Perform the roles and responsibilities of an EMT with regard to personal safety and wellness, as well as the safety of others.
• Perform the duties of an EMT with regard for medical-legal and ethical issues, including functioning under medical direction and within the scope of practice.
• Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life-span development, and therapeutic communications to the assessment and management of patients.
• Identify the need for, and perform, immediately life-saving interventions to manage a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
• Assess and manage patients of all ages with a variety of complaints, medical conditions, and traumatic injuries.
• Apply principles of emergency medical services operations, including considerations in ambulance and air medical transportation, multiple-casualty incidents, gaining access to and extricating patients, hazardous materials incidents, and responding to situations involving weapons of mass destruction.

SCANS Competencies

These can be located in the folder labeled Course Information, on Blackboard™.

Course Texts

•     Mistovitch, J. and Karren, K. (2010). Prehospital Emergency Care, 10th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.  REQUIRED

• Prehospital Emergency Care, 10th Ed. Workbook REQUIRED:  **CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUS WORK WRITTEN IN IT**

•     EMSP Master Handbook (available for free download online): http://www.austincc.edu/health/emsp/resources.php

• 1160 Clinical packet (provided)

Required Equipment

•     Stethoscope

•     Sphygmomanometer

•     Penlight

•     Safety Glasses

•     Watch

•     Small Note Pad & Pen

•     Trauma Shears (Optional)

Course Completion Certificate Requirements

Successful completion and certification eligibility for this course require adherence to all course policies. This includes obtaining a minimum course average of 75% in the didactic portion of the course including a minimum score of 75% on each module examination, a minimum score of 80% on the course final examination, and successfully demonstrating all required skills and competencies. Any failure to meet the requirements for competencies and skill testing will result in a failure in the course and non-eligibility to certify. 

The course grade for EMSP 1501 is independent of the course grade for EMSP 1160 – however they are linked for purposes of certification eligibility. A minimum course average of 75% in EMSP 1160 is also required for certification eligibility. A course grade less than 75% in either course is considered not “passing” and results in ineligibility for certification. If this happens, the student must re-take both EMSP 1501 and EMSP 1160 (linked courses), and meet all requirements to be eligible for certification.

Course grades for EMSP 1501 are determined using the following combination of module exams, quizzes, homework, final exam, competencies, and completions:

GRADE ITEMIZATION

•     Preparatory Module Exam (13%)

•     Trauma Module Exam (13%)

•     Medical Module Exam (13%)

•     Special Patients/Operations Module Exam (13%)

•     Combined Quiz, SOAPE Documentation, and Workbook Average (13%)

•     Scenario Based Trauma Patient Assessment (5%)

•     Scenario Based Medical Patient Assessment (5%)

•     FISDAP Exam (5%)

•     Final Exam (20%)

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

•     CPR Competency: 25 Question Multiple Choice Exam (Pass/Fail)

•     Completion of Skills Folder (Pass/Fail)

•     Summative Skills Competency Testing (Pass/Fail)

•     Documentation Writing Competency (must earn 2 – 90%’s out of a total of 6 tries max)

•     Completion of FISDAP Computer-Based Testing Exam

•     Completion of All EMSP 1160 Requirements

Testing Dates

Please refer to course schedule for unit exams and arrange your personal schedule so that you will be able to take exams during the posted times. 

Exam & Exam Retest Policies

Students must pass each module exam before advancing to the next. All module exams must be passed to complete the course. Students with a module grade below 75% will be required to retest the exam. The maximum retest grade is scored as a 75% even if the raw retest score is higher. Only two (2) retests are allowed per student, per semester. Exams will be administered at the testing center, unless otherwise noted on the course schedule. They can be taken at either EVC or CYP testing centers. No other ACC testing center will have EMSP exams.

The minimum passing score on the final exam is 80%. Students scoring below 80% will be allowed only one retest if they have not previously used both of their available retests. Retests of the final exam will be allowed only after assigned review, and carry a maximum score of 80% even if the raw retest score is higher. Failure to make the minimum score on the final exam within the number of available retests will constitute a failure in the course.

An exam can only be taken at the testing center once per day. Dates for all course exams are available on the course schedule. More than one attempt at an exam on the same day is not permitted, and will be counted as a zero. A student can attempt to retest an exam on any day following their failed attempt, as long the attempt is completed by the retest exam deadline.  A second retest (only one allowed per course) of any exam must be scheduled with Steven Villavicencio, the Course Coordinator. A missed deadline for an exam (initial or retest) will constitute a grade of zero for the exam. A student may not retest an exam if they have scored a passing grade on the initial exam.

For evening classes, if an exam closes on a non-class day, you have until the closing time posted by the testing center to complete the exam. If an exam closes on a class day, you will have until 5:00 PM the day of the class to COMPLETE the exam, and any exam turned in after 5:00 PM will receive a score of zero, even if the testing center allows the student to continue testing.

For morning classes, you have until the closing time posted by the testing center to complete the exam on the day the exam closes regardless of whether this is a class day or non-class day.

If a student waits until the final closing day to take the exam, they are cautioned against waiting too late in the day to complete the exam. There are only a limited number of copies of the exam in the testing center. If a waiting list is created and a student misses the deadline because of lack of access to the exam on the very last day, the student’s grade may suffer. It is the student’s responsibility to plan ahead in order to avoid this situation and to meet these deadlines.

Exam Review Policy

Due to time constraints, module exams will not be reviewed during class time. These exams are available for review, with the student’s score sheet, up until the start of the next module exam. After the test review period is over, tests will no longer be available for student review. A student may schedule an appointment with a Lead Instructor, the Course Coordinator, or through Open Lab, to review the exam. Exam review will be done in one of the labs with only the presence of student notes and textbook. A student may not have a cell phone or any other digital or electronic recordable device in the lab at the time of exam review. The student is not allowed to write down anything. All writing devices are strictly prohibited in the lab during this exam review. At no time will students have access to the exam keys. Students are encouraged to look up missed answers with permitted materials. Instructors will also be available to help with difficult questions.

Only students who have passed the exam are eligible for review of the exam. If a student does not pass the exam, they will be directed to prepare for the retest by studying the Exam Review posted on Blackboard for that module. Prior to passing an exam, instructors will not discuss student performance or provide any feedback specific to the exam, including topic areas missed. Students may make an appointment with their lead instructors to discuss general test taking strategies.

The final exam is not available for review, per department policy, regardless if the exam was passed or not.

Quiz and Homework / Workbook Policies

Quizzes are generally given via Blackboard™ and are designed to reinforce learning. Deadlines for these quizzes will be posted with each quiz. Pop quizzes may be administered during class time. There are no make-up quizzes due to absences unless you have pre-arranged an absence with your instructor and you get an instructor’s approval to take a quiz upon your return. This will be on a case-by-case basis, and up to the instructor’s discretion. As a general rule, if you miss a quiz, the grade will be recorded as a zero. No quiz grades are dropped in this course. 

Documentation / SOAPE Narrative

Late documentation and homework assignments will not be accepted after the start of class (5:30 PM sharp for evening classes, and 8:00 AM sharp for morning classes). There are no make-up documentations due to absences unless you have pre-arranged an absence with your instructor and you get an instructor’s approval to turn one in upon your return. This will be on a case-by-case basis, and up to the instructor’s discretion. As a general rule, if you forget to turn in a documentation assignment at the start of class, the grade will be recorded as a zero.

Students may not use class time to complete any late assignments. No documentation grades are dropped in this course.

A series of six assignments will be given throughout the semester. No more than six assignments will be given. Each and all grades up until two (2) 90% will be counted, including any zero’s for not turning one in. Once two (2) 90% or better are obtained, any subsequent documentation grade will be averaged in with previous scores as a means for students to improve a low score. Once a student obtains two (2) 90% or better, the student is not required to continue to turn in documentation homework. A student must obtain two (2) scores of 90% or better in order to pass this portion of the course. Failure to obtain two (2) 90% or better will result in a failing grade for EMSP 1501.

Student Workbook

Students will be required to complete certain sections of the student workbook to turn in for a completion grade. The workbook will be collected the next class meeting after the closing date for the original module exam. In other words, if the exam deadline is on a Friday, the workbook would be due the following Monday/Tuesday (depending on class). For the last module exam (5A), the workbook is due in-class on the day you take the exam. Once graded, it will be returned to the student.

All students are required to purchase the workbook. The workbook must be new, or if used, unwritten at time of start of class. Failure to complete a workbook assignment, and turn it in on time, will earn the student a zero for that particular homework assignment.

Course Grading Scale

• 91-100             A
• 83-90               B
• 75-82               C
• 67-74               D
• Below 67         F

CPR Competency Exam

Each student is required to successfully complete a written CPR Competency Exam with a grade of 85% or better by the deadline specified below. Although 85% is the cut score, the grade will simply be recorded as a PASS in the grade book. This grade will not be averaged in with others. A student will be given three attempts to pass. No more than one attempt can be made on a given day.

The deadline for completion is February 9, 2016. We ask that a student make the first attempt no later than February 2, 2016. A student who does not meet the required score by the February 9 deadline will be asked to withdraw from the program.

Skills Competency Demonstration

Each student will be required to successfully demonstrate mastery of all skills throughout the semester. Students will be provided with a Skills Folder, which will serve as the student’s record of demonstrated skills competencies. Once mastery of a skill is demonstrated to an instructor (on a day other than when a skill is taught or tested), the instructor may sign off the skill in the student Skills Folder. If a skill is not performed to the standards, the instructor will not sign but will give feedback on the improvements needed. The skills in the lab section are pass/fail. Some skills require sign-offs in the Skills Folder, and some are considered as formal summative skills that will be formally tested. 

Signatures for demonstration of skill competencies may be obtained in designated Labs, or during Open Lab hours where an instructor is available. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain and complete the Skills Folder. This Skills Folder must be completed and turned in no later than start of class on the day that Exam 5 is taken. Failure to complete this Skills Folder by this date/time will result in failure of the class.

For formal summative skills, the student will receive skill sheets with necessary steps for mastery. Each student will have two (2) attempts per skill to pass – an initial attempt and a retest attempt. A student may use one additional third attempt (double retest) on one single skill only, for the course. Should this final attempt be unsuccessful, the student must withdraw from the course or receive a failing course grade.

Students who need remediation in order to pass a skill test may be required to practice that skill outside of class. It is up to the student to make arrangements to attend any required remediation within the stated time frame. A student may not practice a skill in lab or Open Lab on the same day that the student is to verify competency of the skill.  

All students are encouraged to practice their skills throughout the semester during scheduled lab times or by appointment in Open Lab. The student will be provided with more information about Open Lab on the first day of class.

A student may be allowed to take the course final exam prior to completion of all formal skills, but the exam will not be graded until all skills have been successfully verified and passed.

Summative skills to be formally tested:         

• Oxygen Setup / NRB / NPA
• BVM Ventilations / OPA / Suctioning
• Cardiac Arrest Management / AED
• Spinal Motion Restriction – Supine
• Vital Signs

•     Random Medication Administration (Epi-Pen®, SVN, MDI, Nitro, ASA, Oral Glucose)

•     Random:        

• Spinal Motion Restriction - Seated
• Bleeding/Shock Management
• Splinting - Long Bone
• Splinting - Joint

Skills taught but not formally tested:  

•     Traction Splint (HARE and Kendrick)

•     PASG

•     Scoop Stretcher

•     Stair Chair

•     Stretcher Ops

•     Patient movement techniques

•     Bandaging / Splinting tools and techniques

Scenario Based Medical/Trauma Assessment Tests

At the end of the semester, students will demonstrate overall mastery of patient assessment and treatments in scenario format (one medical scenario and one trauma scenario). These Assessment Tests will be hands-on and may include any of the skills, treatments, and procedures learned during the semester. Trauma Assessment Test will count 5% of overall grade, and Medical Assessment Test will count 5% of overall grade. A minimum grade of 80% must be made on each Assessment to pass. The student will be given 2 possible retests on each Assessment, and one hour of documented remediation is required after each unsuccessful test/retest. Any retest of Assessment will carry a maximum score of 80% even if the raw retest score is higher. Failure to make the minimum score on either of the Assessments within 3 attempts will constitute a failure in the course.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in the class is an expectation and requirement. Student attendance is required at all scheduled classes, including lab sessions. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in on the attendance roster. If a student forgets to sign in, they will be marked as absent for the day.

The maximum amount of time a student can miss is 10% of the total minutes allotted to the class. This equates to 14.4 hours of total absence time. An Absence Report from a Lead Instructor may be issued as this limit is approached, and if the limit is exceeded the student will be removed from the course.

There are no excused or unexcused absences.  The Medical Director for this course considers you either present, late, or absent, regardless of reason.

If a student misses any class, they are responsible for any missed quizzes, examinations, and material covered in that class session.

Tardiness Policy

Prompt arrival is expected at all class activities. Arrival to class after instruction has begun is very disruptive to the instructor and to fellow peers. Habitual tardiness is unprofessional, and not a behavior that EMSP students should cultivate.

Students must sign in at the beginning of class on the sheet provided, and must sign out if they leave prior to the end of class or lab. 

After three late arrivals the student may receive a Tardiness Report from a Lead instructor of the course. This will be signed and placed in the student’s file. Upon the seventh instance of tardiness the student will be removed from the course.

If the student arrives late, the arrival time must be recorded on the attendance sheet. This time is what is on the digital clock located in the classroom. Should this be inaccurate, the time provided by the instructor will be used. Students who leave class early must sign out on the attendance sheet and indicate at what time class was left. Arriving late, leaving early, being late from break, leaving class (for personal business, retrieving required equipment or materials needed for class, etc.) are all counted against the attendance record. Please come to class with your equipment and supplies in hand and take care of personal issues and business at the breaks provided. There are no excused tardies, including late to class from taking an exam or arriving late from clinical.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course. Students may withdraw from one or more courses prior to the withdrawal deadline by submitting a request form to Admissions and Records. This may conveniently be done online, as well. Withdrawal deadline is published in the academic calendar and is also reflected in your course schedule. Withdrawal courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of W. Until a student is officially withdrawn, the student remains on the class roll and will receive a grade of F for the course.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact withdrawing from a course may have on their financial aid, veteran’s benefits, international student status, and academic standing. Students are urged to consult with their instructor or an advisor before making schedule changes. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2002 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses and contact an advisor or counselor for assistance. 

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the roster should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should they feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken after Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog. Specific questions about withdrawal policies can be handled at the Admissions and Records office at each campus.

Situations that will require a student to withdraw from EMSP course(s) include but are not limited to:

•     Exceeding allowable absences and/or tardies

•     Failure to meet Student Evaluation/Testing requirements

•     Violation of probation

If you must withdraw from this course before completion, or if you fail the course, you should meet with a Lead Instructor with regards to requirements for re-entry, and for reminder of withdrawal deadlines.

Incomplete Policy

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester. Please refer to the EMSP Master Handbook for details and specifics on receiving an Incomplete Grade.

All students are expected to complete all requirements of the course during the regular semester. For occasional, extreme circumstances, an incomplete may be considered if the following requirements are met:

•     The student must request the incomplete in writing from the Lead Instructor of the course.

•     The student must have no pending disciplinary actions or probations in effect.

•     For lecture/lab courses, the student must have at least a 75% course grade average.

•     The cause of the incomplete is beyond the control of the student.

•     All Incompletes MUST be completed prior to the final date, indicated in the college calendar, for withdrawals in the subsequent semester.

•     The student will be required to sign a written “Completion Contract” specifying the requirements for completion.

The Completion Contract requirements will include:

•     All coursework that must be completed and the deadline for that completion.

•     How and to whom the coursework is to be turned in.

•     The consequences of non-compliance with terms of the Student Incomplete Grade Contract.

All incomplete work MUST be completed prior to the date set by the Lead Instructor of the course.

Comportment / Discipline Objectives & Outcomes

Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the professional expectations for EMTs at all times. Students are reminded that they are representatives of Austin Community College whenever and wherever they are involved with course-related activities. Professional conduct is essential to a successful course experience and EMS career.

This course will follow the standard progressive disciplinary policy as outlined in the EMSP Master Handbook. 

Professional Behavior

Faculty of Austin Community College and the Health Sciences Programs has an academic, legal and ethical responsibility to protect members of the public and of the health care community from unsafe or unprofessional practices. Health Science students, while representing Austin Community College at any clinical agency, must conduct themselves in an ethical, professional, and safe manner.

Students are expected to assume responsibility for their actions and will be held accountable for them. Students will abide by ACC and clinical agency policies during each clinical experience.

Failure to adhere to program-specific policies related to professional behavior or safe clinical practice may result in the use of the Progressive Discipline Policy outlined in the EMSP Student Handbook.

General Behavior

Professionalism in the classroom is an attitude of mutual respect for the course, other students, and instructors. Modeling professional behavior in the academic atmosphere is required of all EMSP students. Disruptive behavior results in lost curriculum time and creates a classroom/lab environment that is not conducive to learning. "Disruption”, as applied to classroom and lab settings, means behavior that a faculty member would view as interfering with normal academic functions. Examples include, but are not limited to: persistently speaking without being recognized or interrupting other speakers; behavior that distracts the class from the subject matter or discussion; or in extreme cases, physical threats, harassing behavior or personal insults, disrespectful language or refusal to comply with faculty direction.

Professional Ethics and Confidentiality

Students must remember that the information concerning patients is confidential. Students are required to adhere to legal and ethical standards as established by regulatory agencies and the EMS profession. Failure to comply with the above is cause for immediate dismissal from the program. The students, faculty, and staff of this course will be compliant to HIPAA standards at all time.

Please note: you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Safe / Unsafe Clinical / Practicum Practices

The Health Sciences programs identify safety as a basic human need. A safety need can be identified as physical, biological, and/or emotional in nature. Safe practices are a requirement of each program. Unsafe clinical/practicum practice shall be deemed to be behavior demonstrated by the student that threatens or violates the physical, biological, or emotional safety of the patients, caregivers, students, staff, or self. Unsafe or unprofessional clinical/practicum practice may result in implementation of the Progressive Discipline Policy outlined in the (Program) Student Handbook.

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health, and safety procedures, and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency.

Children in the Classroom and Lab

It is understood that occasionally childcare falls through or students have difficulty arranging for childcare. However, due to safety concerns, children are never allowed in labs, even in the company of adults. In addition, the college does not allow children in classrooms. Please arrange for children to be away from these areas if you must bring them to campus.

Appearance / Dress Code

Students must display an appropriate level of judgment with regard to personal hygiene, grooming, and dress. It is the responsibility of the student to be neat, clean, and dressed in a manner respectful to professors and classmates. EMS uniforms other than the approved ACC uniform are not acceptable for wear in the classroom and lab. Shoes should be comfortable and must have a closed toe (lab only).

Clothing and hygiene must be appropriate for the working atmosphere of the classroom and lab. Clothing that is too low or too short, and pants below the waistline must not be worn. Attire that restricts required movements in the lab and/or causes a distraction must be avoided. Attire that disrupts the classroom or is offensive in nature will not be tolerated. Violations of this Dress Code will cause the student to be removed from the classroom or lab. Please refer to the EMSP Master Handbook for details of specifics on Dress and Appearance.

Uniforms are defined as: Any distinctive clothing that is worn by members of an organization or body that displays a logo, patches, titles, or images of that organization.

In all labs shoes must cover the entire foot, be closed-toed, soft-soled, non-marking, resistant to liquid permeation and penetration. Leather-type tennis or similar shoes are strongly recommended. Shoes with “finger toes”, canvas or porous mesh material, clogs, CROCSTM or other types of shoes with no back or with holes in the top are not allowed.

Computer Use

Computer literacy for students is a requirement mandated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Associate Degree programs. To that end, course correspondence will be through the use of email and Blackboard. Students may be required to complete other classroom activities using the computer. The expectation is that all students will check for class email and course announcements on a regular basis and at least once on any class day. Austin Community College Blackboard online access can be located at acconline.austincc.edu or on the Austin Community College home page at www.austincc.edu.

Graduates of associate degree programs must be able to demonstrate competency in the basic use of computers by using computer technology in solving problems, communicating, and acquiring information. EMS Professions will conduct course correspondence through the use of email and Blackboard TM and ensure computer competency through the use of common applications in assignments, testing, student research, and other course assignments. EMS graduates will possess the skills needed to use personal computer systems for employment, individual, and educational applications.

Blackboard™

All EMSP courses will have a Blackboard™ component online through which course communication will occur. Students will be required to access online correspondence on a regular basis as defined by the course instructor. Austin Community College Blackboard™ online access is located at https://acconline.austincc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

Use of ACC E-mail

All official ACC e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive e-mail communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

Student and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services.

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/tutoring-and-academic-help.

For help setting up your ACC eID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

Portable Electronic Devices (PED)

Portable electronic devices are to be kept in silent mode during lab, classroom time, and while on clinicals. The educational experience will not be interrupted by these devices.

PED is defined as: Any non-stationary electronic apparatus with singular or multiple capabilities of recording, storing, processing, and/or transmitting data, video/photo images, and/or voice emanations. This definition generally includes, but is not limited to laptops, PDAs, pocket PCs, palmtops, Media Players (MP3s), memory sticks (thumb drives), cellular telephones, PEDs with cellular phone capability, and pagers. (US Department of Homeland Security)

Non-compliance violates an instructor’s intellectual property rights as well as the individual privacy of the instructor and all students attending the class. Students in violation of this agreement may be subject to the Progressive Disciplinary Policy located in the ACC Health Sciences section of this handbook. Improper/Illegal use of PED’s while in the program will be subject to the Progressive Discipline, HIPAA, Social Media and other polices located in this EMSP Handbook located at: http://www.austincc.edu/health/emsp/resources.php.

Cell phones or pagers should be kept in silent mode during lab and lecture classroom time. The lecture and lab experience should not be interrupted to check and/or respond to texts and calls.

Personal phone conversations or texting are NOT allowed at any time while in the classroom or lab. If the student needs to respond to an emergency or call during class, the student is asked sign out on the attendance sheet and to leave the classroom.

Use of computers or other digital devices during class will be restricted to note-taking and classroom activities. Use otherwise is distracting for other students.

Audio Recording

Students must request permission from a Lead Instructor to be allowed to audio record lectures.

Recordings are intended to permit lecture content review so as to enhance understanding of the topics presented. Audio recordings are not substitutes for attending class, nor do they negate the need to listen and participate during class sessions. Recordings are not to be distributed without the permission of the instructor or fellow students via the internet, peer-to-peer file sharing, or other distribution channels. Recordings are not to be shared with other classmates unless they are to be used in collaborative assignments, or if the instructor permits for other reasons.

Video Recording

Video recording is not allowed unless specifically allowed by a Lead Instructor to record specific skill demonstrations.

Photography

Photography is only allowed during skills portions of lab under certain circumstances. These photos cannot be published on any social media sites, as doing so would be a violation of FERPA.

Open Lab

Please refer to Open Lab Policies and Procedures.

Testing Center Policy

Students should review the ACC Testing Center Use Policy before using the testing center. Testing center information including hours and location can be found at www.austincc.edu/testctr. Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. New testing center hours for EVC/CYP are also posted on the website. 

To request an exam, one must have:

•     ACC Photo ID or some other approved photo ID

•     Course Abbreviation (e.g., EMSP)

•     Course Number (e.g., 1501)

Testing Security & Scholastic Dishonesty

Sharing of information regarding quizzes, homework assignments, written tests, or tests used in skills verification is considered academic dishonesty (cheating) and will be dealt with according to the rules established by Austin Community College for this situation. Any concerns about a test or testing process breach of security can be addressed to the skill examiner, the course Lead Instructor, the Course Coordinator, and ultimately to the Department Chair. Refer to the EMSP Master Handbook for more specifics about Academic Dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program and other administrative action by the college. Examples include, but are not limited to:

•     Cheating in any form

•     Falsification or forgery of academic documents, applications, clinical evaluations, lab evaluations, etc. including homework assignments

•     Plagiarism (including copying and pasting of electronic text into assigned work)

•     Discussing exam questions with students who have not taken the exam, or in a classroom or lab setting where other students may eavesdrop on discussion of exam questions, or while the exam is still officially active and retests are ongoing.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow. For additional information regarding plagiarism and how it is defined, please visit the following link: http://library.austincc.edu/help/InfogameDevelopment/documentation/3_what-is-plagiarism.php.

Statement About Course Content And Standard Of Care

The ACC EMSP Program presents information based on national standard of care. Local protocols may vary. For purposes of this class, please use the material as presented in class as the standard. You may address questions about any differences to the Lead Instructor providing the lecture information.

Criminal Background

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required for admission and continuation in all Health Sciences Programs. Background checks will be honored for the duration of the student’s enrollment in the clinical program if the participating student has not had a break in the enrollment at the college/school. A break in enrollment is defined as nonattendance of one full semester or more. The admission of a student to a course with regards to passing a Criminal Background Screening does not guarantee passing a Criminal Background Screening for any future employer.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Students should be aware that the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Division uses the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) on-line electronic examination process for initial EMS certification in Texas. Students should contact NREMT directly to inquire about accommodations for disabilities during the certification exam. After successfully completing the course, students must pass the certification exam as a part of obtaining their EMS certification or license. National Registry information is available at: http://www.nremt.org/about/nremt.news.asp.

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for a course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  Please provide these notifications within the first two week of class to ensure accommodations are provided for as early as possible.

Additional information about the Office for Student Accessibility Services is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/disability-services-and-assistive-technology.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Request For Letters Of Recommendation / Job References

A student may request for a letter of recommendation from any instructor, given they have completed a FERPA release form. This form will be made available to the student towards the end of the semester. No statement or recommendation can be made of a student without expressed written consent. This includes but is not limited to letters of recommendation or job/school references.

Questions?

In this adult education atmosphere, we highly encourage questions. All questions related to this course regarding exams and grading should be directed to a Lead Instructor. Often multiple EMS instructors provide lectures within this class. Please direct specific questions related to that lecture to that individual.

Course Textbook and Workbook:

Mistovitch, J. and Karren, K. (2014). Prehospital Emergency Care, 10th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

EMSP Master Handbook (available for free download online).  http://www.austincc.edu/health/emsp/resources.php

Common Course Objectives/Outcomes.  Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. apply fundamental knowledge of the EMS system, safety/well-being of the EMT, medical legal and ethical issues to the provision of emergency care.
2. apply fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and function of all human systems
3. apply fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of respiration and perfusion to patient assessment and management in order to assure a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation and respiration for all patients.
4. apply fundamental knowledge of lifespan development to patient assessment and management.
5. apply principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life-span development and therapeutic communications to the assessment and management of patients.
6. apply scene information and patient assessment findings in order to guide emergency management of the patient.
7. apply fundamental knowledge of the causes, pathophysiology, and management of shock, respiratory failure or arrest, cardiac failure or arrest, and post-resuscitation management.
8. apply fundamental knowledge of the medications that the EMT may assist/administer to a patient during an emergency.
9. apply fundamental knowledge to provide basic emergency care and transportation based on assessment findings for acutely ill patients.
10. apply fundamental knowledge of growth, development, aging and assessment findings to provide basic emergency care and transportation for a patient with special needs
11. apply knowledge of operational roles and responsibiities to ensure patient, public, and personnel safety.