EMT-Paramedic Program

STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO DO

STRENGTH. Perform physical activities requiring ability to push/pull objects more than 50 pounds and to transfer objects of more than 100 pounds.

MANUAL DEXTERITY. Perform motor skills such as standing, walking, writing; manipulative skills requiring eye-hand coordination and arm-hand steadiness, taking blood pressure, and using various types of large and small equipment.

COORDINATION. Perform body coordination such as walking, running, climbing stairs, retrieving equipment and moving patients from the floor/bed/chair to a cot.

MOBILITY. Physical abilities to maneuver in small spaces (ambulance) and treatment areas. Ability to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, and to be in prolonged uncomfortable positions.

VISUAL ABILITY. See objects far away, and see objects close up. Visual ability must be sufficient for assessment necessary in patient care. Students will perform such skills as detecting a patient’s skin color, checking pupils, and reading medication labels.

HEARING. Be able to hear normal sounds with background noise and distinguish sounds sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Necessary activities include hearing monitor alarms, emergency signals, listening to breath sounds, and hearing radio transmissions.

CONCENTRATION. Concentrate on details with moderate amount of interruptions.

ATTENTION SPAN. Attend to task/functions for periods up to 60 minutes in length and to attend to task/functions for periods exceeding 60 minutes in length.

CONCEPTUALIZATION. Understand and relate to specific ideas, concepts, and theories generated and simultaneously discussed.

MEMORY. Remember task/assignments over both short and long periods of time and recall theory and skills information in clinical and simulation situations throughout the program.

CRITICAL THINKING. Apply the theory taught in lecture courses in simulations and clinicals. Ability must be sufficient for clinical judgment in patient care.

INTERPERSONAL. Interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Must be able to establish rapport with patients, colleagues, faculty, and professional staff.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE. No evidence of current alcohol or drug abuse.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

As an EMS student you will be exposed to a variety of substances within the work environment, hospital sites, and ambulance agencies. You can expect exposure to weather changes, blood, body tissues, and fluids. There is the potential of exposure to electrical hazards, hazardous waste materials, radiation, poisonous substances, chemicals, and loud or unpleasant noises. Clinical rotations result in frequent exposure to high stress emergency situations.