Revised Fall 2008-2009
SYLLABUS
EMP 199
3 Semester Credit Hours
Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
4 Contact Hours
Course Description
This course introduces the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular electrophysiology, and
electrocardiographic monitoring. Content areas include: cardiovascular anatomy and
physiology, cardiovascular electrophysiology, electrocardiographic monitoring, rhythm
analysis, and prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring and interpretation. Upon
course completion, students will have demonstrated competency in those respective
components of the National Standard Curriculum for the EMT-Paramedic and
requirements set forth by the Alabama Department of Public Health. CORE
Prerequisite: Admission to the EMT-Paramedic Program
Corequisite:
Approved anatomy and physiology course(s)
Course Textbook, Manuals, or Other Required Materials
Walraven, Gail. Basic Arrhythmias. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2006.
Bledsoe, Bryan E., Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry. Essentials of Paramedic
Care. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2007.
Bledsoe, Bryan E., Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry. Essentials of Paramedic
Care. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2007. Workbook.
Optional (recommended) Textbook- Medical Dictionary
Course Learning Outcome
A. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the electrical conduction system of the
heart.
B. The student will demonstrate knowledge of various electrical rhythm patterns of the
heart.
C. The student will demonstrate the correct use of a cardiac monitor, defibrillator, and
external pacemaker.
Outline of Course Topics
A.
Electrophysiology
1.
Electrical vs. Mechanical Function
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Sodium Pump
Polarization, Depolarization
Conduction System
Inherent Rates
Irritability, Escape
Nervous System Influence
B.
Waves and Measurements
1.
Introduction
2.
Electrodes
3.
Rule of Electrical Flow
4.
Monitoring Leads
5.
Graph Paper
6.
Voltage Measurements
7.
Time Measurements
8.
Cardiac Cycle
9.
Waves, Intervals, Segments
10.
P Wave and PRI
11.
QRS Complex
12.
ST Segment and T Wave
13.
Measurements
14.
Practice
15.
Artifact, Interference
16.
Refractory Periods
C.
Analyzing EKG Rhythm Strips
1.
Analysis Format
2.
Regularity
3.
Rate
4.
P Wave
5.
PR Intervals and QRS Complexes
6.
Role of the AV Node
7.
Ventricular vs. Supraventricular
D.
Sinus Rhythms
1.
Introduction
2.
Normal Sinus Rhythm
3.
Sinus Bradycardia
4.
Sinus Tachycardia
5.
Sinus Arrhythmia
6.
Review
E.
Atrial Rhythms
1.
Atrial Rhythms
2.
Wandering Pacemaker
3.
Ectopics
4.
5.
6.
7.
Premature Atrial Contraction
Atrial Tachycardia
Atrial Flutter
Atrial Fibrillation
F.
Junctional Rhythms
1.
Junctional Pacemaker
2.
Junctional P Wave
3.
Premature Junctional Contraction
4.
Junctional Escape Rhythm
5.
Junctional Tachycardia
6.
Accelerated Junctional Rhythm
7.
Supraventricular Tachycardia
G.
Heart Blocks
1.
Conduction Through the AV Node
2.
Heart Blocks
3.
First Degree Heart Block
4.
Second Degree Heart Blocks
5.
Type II Second Degree Heart Block
6.
Wenckebach (Type I Second Degree Heart Block)
7.
Third Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block)
F
Ventricular Rhythms
1.
Ventricular Rhythms
2.
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
3.
Unifocal vs. Multifocal
4.
R on T Phenomenon
5.
Runs and Couplets
6.
Grouped Beating
7.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
8.
Ventricular Fibrillation
9.
Idioventricular Rhythm
10.
Asystole
G.
12-lead ECG Monitoring and Interpretation
Methods of Instruction
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Lectures
Demonstration
Supervised Practice
Role Play
Audio/Visual Presentations
Evaluation and Assessment
A.
B.
C.
Course Grade Assessment
Students who successfully complete this course must accumulate a minimum of
750 of 1000 possible points during the semester. Additionally, the student must
pass the following on a Pass/Fail basis: Practical skills and behavioral
competencies
Departmental Assessment of Learning Outcomes
1.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the electrical conduction
system of the heart by scoring a minimum of 75% on a selected written
exam.
2.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of various electrical rhythm
patterns of the heart by scoring a minimum of 75% on a selected written
exam.
3.
In a designated lab exercise, the student will demonstrate correct use of a
cardiac monitor, defibrillator, and external pacemaker according to a skills
checklist.
Use of Assessment Findings
During the Fall In-service of the year following a scheduled review of this course,
a committee will review all course assessment materials submitted by the
instructors and division chair. The committee will send a report of any
recommended curriculum changes to the division chair, who will then submit
them to the Student Learning Outcomes Committee. Upon approval by the
Student Learning Outcomes Committee, a copy will be filed with the Office of
Institutional Planning and Assessment
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable
to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from that
class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to achieve the objectives
required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.
Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both
employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an
individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a
violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes
harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines
Instructors will adhere to the Americans With Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act (1973) and will publish the following statement on course outlines given to
students at the beginning if each semester: “Any individual who qualifies for reasonable
accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act (1973) should notify the instructor immediately.”