2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
**ALS objectives include those at the BLS level. These objectives will incorporate ALS as appropriate.
Management of the Cardiac Arrest Patient
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will understand the circumstances precipitating cardiac arrest, comprehend
the issues surrounding continuation/cessation of efforts, and be able to properly manage a cardiac arrest patient in accordance with MCAEMS
protocols.
BLS
ALS
I.
Describe
the
structure
and
function
of
the
Cognitive
I. Identify the clinical indications for
cardiovascular system.
transcutaneous pacing.
II.
List the indication and contraindications
II. Describe cardiac drugs in terms of
for automated external defibrillation.
their therapeutic effects and role
III.
Define the role of the EMS provider in the
in cardiac arrest management.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Affective
I.
II.
Psychomotor
II.
III.
emergency cardiac care system.
Explain the importance of prehospital
ACLS intervention if it is available.
List the steps in the operation of the AED.
Explain the common causes of cardiac
arrest.
Identify basic cardiac dysrhythmias to
include:
a. Asystole
b. PEA
c. Ventricular fibrillation
d. Ventricular tachycardia
Defend the rationale behind the decision
to initiate or withhold resuscitation
efforts.
Appreciate the role of the ResQPod in
cardiac arrest care and its influence on
survival rates.
Demonstrate the assessment and
emergency medical care of a patient in
cardiac arrest.
Perform safe and appropriate delivery of
AED shocks on a mock patient.
I.
Perform the steps necessary for the
management of a cardiac arrest
patient in a simulated
environment utilizing appropriate
ACLS skills.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Non-Traumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders and Splinting Lab
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to describe basic nontraumatic musculoskeletal injuries based
on clinical presentation. Further, the participant will be able to splint both non-traumatic and traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system in
a manner to facilitate transport utilizing equipment carried on the participant’s ambulance.
This course is designed to prepare students for the upcoming “Education Standards” for EMS providers. This course will heavily rely on reviewing
splinting techniques for various joints and bones.
BLS
ALS
I. Describe the structure and function of the
Cognitive
I. Identify where ALS pharmacology can
musculoskeletal system.
benefit certain patients with
II. Identify non-traumatic reasons for
musculoskeletal complaints.
fractures to include:
II. Discuss the importance of medically
a. Osteoporosis
clean technique during the
b. Bone cancer
insertion of the IO to decrease
III. Discuss disorders of the spine to include:
chances of adverse complications
a. Chronic lower back pain
(osteomyelitis).
b. Disc disorders
Affective
Psychomotor
IV. Discuss disorders of the extremities, to
include:
a. Arthritis
b. Bursitis
c. Overuse syndrome
V. Specify the methods in assessing
musculoskeletal complaints.
I. Appreciate the unique nontraumatic
musculoskeletal injuries seen in
pediatric and elderly populations.
I.
Using equipment found on the
ambulance, demonstrate the proper
use of fixation, soft, and traction
splints for a patient with a suspected
fracture.
2
I.
Advocate for the role of pain control
and muscle relaxation in certain
musculoskeletal complaints.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Management of the Altered Patient
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to properly manage and investigate the causes of a patient
presenting with altered mentation in accordance with MCAEMS protocols.
BLS
ALS
I. Identify BLS medications that can be used
Cognitive
I. Identify ALS medications that can be
to reverse states of altered mental
utilized to reverse states of
status and the indications for their
altered mental status and the
use.
indications for their use.
II.
Affective
Psychomotor
Describe and identify common medical
causes of altered mental status to
include:
a. Epilepsy
b. Pneumonia/sepsis /fever
c. Electrolyte imbalance
d. Medication overdose
e. Hypoglycemia
f. Cardiac origin
g. CVA
III. List the possible causes of seizure.
IV. Describe the parts of a seizure.
I. Appreciate the need for the EMS provider
to protect an altered patient’s airway.
II. Value the need to differentiate acute
altered mental states from chronic
states.
I. Demonstrate the steps in the care of a
patient who has an altered mental
status.
II. Demonstrate the assessment of a patient
who has an altered mental status.
I.
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each of the three
approved benzodiazepines in the
MCAEMS system.
I.
Demonstrate the steps in the care of a
patient who has an altered mental
status utilizing ALS care.
Review of SMOs, Pharmacology, and Medication Administration
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to recall MCAEMS protocols as demonstrated by achieving a
passing score (80% or higher) on a level-appropriate written exam. Further, the participant will be able to properly administer medication by
level appropriate routes through hands-on demonstration utilizing accepted practice standards.
3
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
BLS
Cognitive
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
I.
Affective
II.
Psychomotor
I.
II.
III.
Describe and identify the appropriate
protocols to be used for patient care
in the EMS System Standing Medical
Orders.
Define the meaning of a single asterisk
and double asterisk as it applies to
written protocols.
Describe the proper action steps to take
in the event medical control cannot
be contacted by radio.
Identify BLS medications and describe the
indications for each
Define the various routes of medication
administration available to the BLS
provider: IN, SL, oral/buccal.
Appreciate the need for identify patients
that may benefit from ALS intercepts.
Value and defend the role of aeromedical
resources and identify the patients
and situations that may benefit from
its utilization.
Demonstrate proper drawing techniques
from medication sources utilizing
clean technique.
Complete a mock patient radio report
with medical control.
Demonstrate proper administration
techniques for each of the approved
medication routes.
ALS
Review appropriate ALS protocol
revisions and changes.
II. Define the various routes of
medication administration
available to the ALS provider.
I.
I.
Value the importance of a thorough
patient hand-off report from BLS
providers during intercepts.
I.
Calculate, mix, and administer the
following drips to a mock patient:
a. Lidocaine
b. Dopamine
c. Procainamide
d. Epinephrine
Environmental Emergencies
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to identify and treat a victim of an environmental emergency in
accordance with MCAEMS protocols.
BLS
ALS
I.
Describe
the
various
ways
the
body
loses
Cognitive
I. Describe the role of narcotics in cold
4
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Affective
I.
II.
Psychomotor
I.
II.
heat.
Explain the mechanisms the body uses to
maintain constant core temperature.
List the signs and symptoms of exposure
to cold.
List the signs and symptoms of exposure
to heat.
Describe the complications of near
drowning.
Identify activities that place the patient at
risk for developing environmental
injuries/exposure.
Appreciate the added morbidity in
patients who suffer injuries and
concurrently exposed to
environmental elements for
significant periods.
Value the necessity for scene safety in
incidents that involve environmental
emergencies.
Demonstrate the assessment and
emergency medical care of a patient
with exposure to cold.
Demonstrate the assessment and care of
a patient with exposure to heat.
5
weather injuries.
II. Describe the role of fluid resuscitation
in heat exhaustion/heat stroke
patients.
I.
Discuss the impact of severe
hypothermia on standard ACLS
algorithms.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Burn and Explosive Injuries
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to properly care for a victim of burns, explosions, and related
injuries in accordance with MCAEMS protocols.
BLS
ALS
I. State the major functions of the skin.
Cognitive
I. Describe the role of early intubation in
II. List the layers of the skin and the contents
patients with suspected or
of each.
confirmed airway burns.
III. List the classification of thermal burns and
II. State the role of ALS drugs in the
identify them based on clinical
treatment of burn injuries.
presentation.
III.
Describe
considerations in the
IV. Identify critical burn patients based on
treatment
of an electrical burn
BSA, location involved, and clinical
injury patient in regards to cardiac
presentation.
care.
V. Describe the appropriate treatment for
VI.
VII.
Affective
I.
II.
III.
Psychomotor
I.
II.
III.
chemical burns.
Describe the four blast injury phases and
the injuries sustained by each.
Describe the physics of an explosion and
the scene factors that can increase
the incidence/severity of injury.
Appreciate the intermediate- and longterm effects of full-thickness burns.
Value the importance of scene safety for
incidents involving burns and
explosions.
Value the necessity to keep burn injuries
as sterile as possible.
Demonstrate the proper bandaging and
dressing of the various burn
classifications.
Calculate total BSA if given a description
of burns.
Demonstrate proper triage of multiple
patients following an explosion.
Patient Assessment Techniques
6
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to perform field appropriate assessment techniques and
integrate them into the overall care and differential diagnoses of patients in accordance with MCAEMS protocols.
BLS
ALS
I. Describe the areas of the rapid trauma
Cognitive
I. Compare and contrast the signs and
assessment.
symptoms of CHF and pneumonia.
II. Discuss when a focused trauma exam
II. Compare and contrast the signs and
should be utilized.
symptoms of AMI and pulmonary
III. Describe the components of the ongoing
embolism.
assessment.
III.
Describe
the integration of
IV. Describe the techniques of inspection,
assessment
findings with ALS care.
palpation, percussion, and
Affective
Psychomotor
auscultation.
V. Differentiate the characteristics of normal
and abnormal breath sounds.
VI. Describe the significance of pupil
examination.
I. Appreciate the need to constantly
reassess overall patient condition and
transport priority.
II. Explain the importance of forming a
general impression of the patient.
III. Value the patient’s need for privacy and
modesty during assessments.
I. Identify basic lung sounds through
stethoscopy.
II. Perform multiple complete and accurate
vital sign acquisitions on live models.
III. Demonstrate the techniques for assessing
mental status.
IV. Demonstrate a rapid trauma exam.
7
I.
Value the need for an accurate
physical exam in order to
implement appropriate ALS
treatments.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Proper Lifting and Movement Techniques and Well-Being of the Provider
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to safely perform EMS care using accepted standards and in
accordance with MCAEMS protocols.
BLS
Cognitive
I. Describe the various ways by which
Cognitive
**ALS objectives mirror BLS for this session.
Affective
Psychomotor
communicable diseases can be
transmitted from one person to
another
II. Define the term “universal precautions”
and describe when it is appropriate to
use such measures.
III. Identify appropriate task-specific personal
protective equipment.
IV. Discuss the importance of obtaining a
patient’s history and assessment
findings to identify possible
communicable diseases.
V. Define the stages of stress response.
VI. Define body mechanics.
VII. Discuss the guidelines and safety
precautions that need to be followed
when lifting a patient.
VIII. Describe correct and safe carrying
procedures on stairs.
IX. State three situations that may require
the use of an emergency move.
I. Value and identify agency-specific
resources available to the provider
for issues with stress.
II. Appreciate the impact that improper
lifting techniques can have on career
length and financial well-being.
I. Demonstrate proper lifting techniques of
a loaded stretcher, stair chair, and
8
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
EMS equipment.
MVA’s and Related Injuries
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to appropriately investigate mechanism of injury and treat
injury patterns of MVAs and related situations in accordance with established protocols.
BLS
ALS
I. List and describe the components of a
Cognitive
I. Describe the unique difficulties in
comprehensive trauma system.
advanced airway management of
II. Define multisystem trauma.
the MVA patient.
Affective
Psychomotor
III. Describe the collisions a body inside a car
are exposed to during an MVA
IV. Describe the collisions pedestrian
experiences during an MVA.
V. Describe the unique injury patterns a
motorcyclist experiences during an
MCA.
VI. Describe the injury patterns seen with
recreational vehicles (snow mobiles,
watercraft, etc.).
VII. Name local hospital and aeromedical
resources for trauma victims.
I. Appreciate the benefit of a through scene
size up in the care of a MVA patient.
II. Value the role of safety devices (airbags,
seat belts, helmets) in decreasing
overall patient morbidity and
mortality.
III. Value the inherent hazards to a provider
on MVA scenes.
I. Demonstrate the proper use and
indications of tourniquet application.
II. Demonstrate the proper use and
indications for Quik-Clot application.
III. Perform an adequate rapid trauma
assessment on a mock MVA victim in
less than 90 seconds.
9
I.
Discuss appropriate fluid resuscitation
techniques for trauma patients.
II. Appreciate the role of “two large bore
IV’s: at least one blood tubing”
protocol on optimal trauma care.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Recognition and Treatment of STEMIs (AMIs) and CVAs
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to better recognize and treat STEMIs/CVAs to improve the
overall continuum of care of patients.
BLS
ALS
I. Describe the clinical presentation of a
Cognitive
I. List other possible causes of chest
patient experiencing an AMI.
pain besides AMI.
II. Describe the emergency medical care of a
II. Identify indications, contraindications,
patient experiencing chest
side effects, and dosages of ALS
pain/discomfort.
medications used in the treatment
III. Identify indications, contraindications,
of AMI patients.
side effects and dosages of BLS
III.
Describe
the ECG changes observed in
medications used in the treatment of
the setting of AMI. List the
AMI patients.
characteristics of a patient eligible
IV. List the risk factors for AMI.
for fibrinolytic therapy.
V. Describe the clinical presentation of a
Affective
Psychomotor
patient experiencing a CVA.
VI. Describe the sequence of events that
happen during a stroke.
VII. Describe the significance of a TIA.
I. Appreciate the need and benefit of
continuous cardiac monitoring in
suspected AMI and CVA patients.
II. Value the role of supplemental oxygen in
AMI/CVA patients regardless of their
SpO2 level.
III. Appreciate the improvement in care with
early activation of ALS intercepts and
hospital notification with AMI/CVA
patients.
I. Using appropriate technique, apply limb
and precordial leads to a live model.
II. Demonstrate a FAST exam on a mock
patient.
10
I.
Appreciate the danger of a patient
concurrently experiencing more
than one block.
II. Appreciate the phenomenon of AMI in
the absence of acute ECG settings.
III. Value the benefit of serial ECGs and
FAST exams in a patient suffering
an acute AMI/CVA
I. Identify 3-lead ECG rhythms.
II. Interpret 12-lead ECGs without the aid
of a computer-generated
diagnosis.
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues in EMS
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to work through aberrant situations often encountered in the
EMS setting by applying a logical thought process in accordance with protocol.
BLS
ALS
I.
Explain
the
role
of
consent
of
minors
in
I.
Describe
how
to
document a patient that
Cognitive
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
Affective
I.
II.
Psychomotor
I.
II.
providing care.
Explain the role of consent as it applies to
“power of attorney.”
Describe the term emancipated minors.
Explain the proper procedures during school
bus accidents.
Define the role of the BLS provider as it applies
to refusals.
Describe the documentation requirements in
reference to patient refusals.
Differentiate between expressed and implied
consent.
Define mental competency.
State the cases in which suspected
abuse/neglect must be reported.
Define the legal requirements of EMS in
domestic abuse situations.
Explain the established process of notifying the
coroner.
Describe an acceptable transfer of care to
avoid accusations of abandonment.
Explain the requirements for patient
confidentiality.
Value the right of a mentally competent
patient to refuse medical care.
Appreciate the need to maintain the integrity
of potential crime scenes.
Given a set of patients, determine which are
eligible to refuse/make health care
decisions for themselves or others.
Given a unique ethical prehospital dilemma,
create a plan of action to manage the
situation.
11
accepts transport/BLS care, but refuses
warranted ALS care.
I.
Appreciate the legal requirements of standard
of care and knowledge requirements for
ALS care (pharmacology, airway
management).
2010 MCAEMS Continuing Education Objectives
Pediatric Assessment and Treatment Considerations
Course objective: Upon the conclusion of this session, the participant will be prepared to effectively manage pediatric patients within established
guidelines.
BLS
ALS
I. Identify the signs and symptoms of shock in
I. Explain the rationale behind weight-based
Cognitive
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Affective
I.
II.
III.
Psychomotor
I.
II.
III.
the infant and child patient.
Differentiate the response of the ill or injured
infant and child from that of an adult.
List the common causes of seizure in the infant
and child patient.
Describe techniques to acquire accurate vital
sign acquisition in the upset child or
infant.
Identify “normal” age group vital signs.
Describe techniques for successful interaction
with families of acutely ill or injured
infants and children.
Define the appropriate CPR parameters (ratios,
rates, depth) for pediatric patients.
Appreciate the unique response of pediatric
patients to hypoperfusion.
Understand the role EMS providers play in
caring for the parents of pediatric
patients.
Appreciate the role of proper oxygenation of a
pediatric patient.
Demonstrate appropriate use of a length
based resuscitation tape.
Perform assisted ventilation and airway
management using appropriate rates and
techniques.
Demonstrate appropriate application of CPR in
the management of a pediatric patient.
12
medication administration to pediatric
patients.
II. List the difficulties encountered in managing a
pediatric airway.
III. List the problems often encountered in
achieving pediatric intravenous access.
I.
I.
Value the guidance parents can give the
provider in caring for pediatric patients
with special healthcare needs.
Demonstrate proper preparation of D25W and
D12.5W.
II. Perform endotracheal intubation in a pediatric
and infant mannequin utilizing safe
technique.
III. Demonstrate management of a peri-arrest and
cardiac arrest pediatric patient through
mock drills utilizing ALS skills.