Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training and Education

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training and Education

The EMS Education Program is dedicated to enhancing emergency health care services for the public. Our accredited comprehensive curriculum includes both initial certification courses and specialized certification programs designed to equip EMS professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their field. All courses meet the Standards and Guidelines from the North Carolina Office of EMS (NCOEMS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CoAEMSP) and the National EMS Education Standards.

The EMS Education program offers the following initial certification courses:

  1. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
    • This course provides foundational knowledge and skills for individuals to respond to emergency situations. Topics include patient assessment, CPR, basic airway management, and emergency care for trauma and medical emergencies.
  2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
    • This comprehensive course prepares students to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients. It covers anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, airway management, and medical and trauma care.
  3. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
    • Building on the EMT course, this program includes advanced airway management, intravenous therapy, and the administration of certain medications. It is designed for those looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in pre-hospital emergency care.
  4. Paramedic
    • This advanced course prepares students to provide advanced life support, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and pharmacology. It is designed for those seeking to become leaders in the EMS field.

The EMS Education program offers the following specialized certification courses through the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT):

  1. Basic Life Support (BLS) – AHA
    • The Basic Life Support (BLS) course by the American Heart Association (AHA) trains healthcare professionals to recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking. It emphasizes high-quality CPR and effective team dynamics.
  2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - AHA
    • This course emphasizes the importance of team dynamics and communication, systems of care, and immediate post-cardiac-arrest care. It covers airway management, pharmacology, and the management of acute coronary syndromes and stroke.
  3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - AHA
    • This course focuses on the critical care of pediatric patients, including the recognition and treatment of respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiac arrest. It emphasizes the importance of effective team dynamics and communication.
  4. Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) - NAEMT
    • This course provides advanced trauma care knowledge and skills, focusing on the principles of trauma care for the prehospital provider. It includes patient assessment, airway management, and the treatment of trauma-related injuries.
  5. Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) - NAEMT
    • This course offers comprehensive training in the assessment and management of medical patients. It covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.
  6. Geriatric Education for EMS (GEMS) - NAEMT
    • This course focuses on the unique medical needs of elderly patients, including the assessment and management of geriatric emergencies. It emphasizes the physiological changes associated with aging and the importance of compassionate care.
  7. EMS Vehicle Operator Safety (EVOS) - NAEMT
    • The EMS Vehicle Operator Safety (EVOS) course by NAEMT focuses on safe driving practices for EMS personnel. It covers essential topics such as legal aspects, vehicle maneuvering, inspection and maintenance, mental and physical preparedness, emergency response protocols, and crash prevention strategies.
  8. Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) – NAEMT
    • The Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) course by NAEMT trains EMS providers to care for patients in civilian tactical environments. It covers the three phases of tactical care: Hot Zone (under attack), Warm Zone (threat suppressed), and Cold Zone (evacuation).