Paramedic
Pre-requisite
- EMT certification
The Paramedic training program is an extensive and intensive course that increases the EMT’s knowledge and skills from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advance Life Support (ALS). The program includes classroom, Internet, clinical, and field experiences. Course topics include:
- EMS systems.
- Documentation.
- Medical/legal ethics.
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology and medication administration.
- Airway management, respiration, and oxygenation.
- Patient assessment.
- Medical emergencies including: infectious diseases, cardiology, shock, and resuscitation.
- Trauma.
- EMS operations.
- The complete scope of practice can be found at the Pennsylvania Department Bulletins.
Paramedics provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care on the scene; during ambulance transport; and in other pre-hospital settings. A paramedic may function at the ALS level within the EMS system only as authorized by the Medical Director of their ALS ambulance service(s).
Requirements for medical command eligibility include:
- Current CPR and eighteen (18) hours of annual continuing education (minimum of nine (9) hours must be in medical/trauma).
- Complete listing of con-ed requirements can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
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