Emergency Medical Technician Basic

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Students are taught the fundamental principles and skills required to provide emergency medical care for patients at the scene of an accident or the onset of sudden illness and during transport to a medical facility. EMT-1 Basic Course includes theory and laboratory practice of selected skills. A minimum of 10 hours of clinical observation with an advanced life support unit and/or in a hospital emergency room.  The course is taught in Room 2509 of the San Luis Obispo Campus during the fall semester and in Room 1008 of the North County Campus during the spring semester.

Testing and Evaluation

The student's final letter grade is based on the number of points earned by good class attendance, classroom quizzes, take-home tests, mid-term written exam and the final written exam. The mid-term and final manipulative skill tests are conducted on a pass/fail basis.

Clinical Experience

All students are required to conduct a minimum of five hours of supervised clinical experience with an ambulance or rescue unit and a minimum of five hours with a hospital emergency department.

"Hands On" Evaluations

During the class each student will be required to do "hands-on" evaluations of other students in the process of reviewing how to examine and treat sick and injured patients.

Class Attendance

Because of state and federal regulations that govern the amount of hours required for this course, no more than 10 hours of either excused or not excused absence will be permitted. Anymore than 10 hours of class absence will make the student ineligible to successfully complete the course and the student will be dropped from the class.

Class Uniform and Identification Card

A Cuesta College, EMT-1 class uniform, is required by all students. This class uniform consists of a clean and pressed royal blue uniform shirt with embroidered logo, clean and pressed black dress or uniform pants (no denim), black leather belt with a plain buckle, and polished black closed toe leather shoes or boots. Black socks are to be worn with any shoes or low top boots. A student's fire or law enforcement uniform (no tee-shirt style shirts) may be substituted for the class uniform with the approval of the student's department chief. Because of the manipulative and physical activities of this course, adequate supportive undergarments are to be worn during class and clinical observation to ensure student protection. Hats are to be removed prior to entering the classroom. 5 points will be deducted from the take-home point total for each instance the student does not have the required uniform.

At the beginning of the semester, each student will have their picture taken and an ID card issued. The ID card will be worn during the skills sessions, clinical sessions and ride-along sessions. This will be completed in class and at no charge to the student.

Estimated Expenses

Course Completion Record

To earn a course completion record (necessary for certification as an EMT-1), the student must:

1. Pass the course with a final grade percentage of 70% or better.
2. Successfully demonstrate all skill competencies.
3. Submit all additional assignments and complete required clinical/field observations.
4. Pass final written exam with an 80% or better.
5. Pass the final manipulative exam (Maxium 3 attempts.)

State Certification Upon Completion of Course

You must accomplish the following 9 items to be state certified:

1. Possess a valid EMT-1 (Basic) record of completion.
2. Possess a current CPR card - Level C Health Care Provider (AHA), Professional Rescuer (ARC), or approved State of California Agency Card.
3. Complete an EMSA questionnaire/application with the local EMSA. This questionnaire/application must be filled out completely and truthfully. Failure to not tell the truth on this document will disqualify the student from certification and could result in criminal prosecution.
4. Present an original and current CPR card and current Drivers License or picture I.D. to EMSA at the time of applying for certification.
5. Provide a photocopy of a current CPR card and current Drivers License or picture I.D. to EMSA at the time of applying for certification.
6. Submit a check made out to EMSA for the current processing fees (non-refundable)
7. Applicants will need to complete a Livescan Fingerprint process, which has a turn-around time of seven to ten days.  This initiates a State Department of Justice criminal background check.  The costs are $44.  The instructor will provide additional information.
8. Present a DMV printout record (dated  within 7 days of application date).
9. Be eighteen years of age at the time of applying for certification.

Textbook and Other Required Class Materials

Grant, Harvey D., et al. Emergency Care. (Current edition) Upper Saddle River, N.J.:Prentice Hall Publishing.

Melendy, David W. EMT-1 (Basic) Course Syllabus and Skills Packet, Current Edition.

Other Items: Skills kit, Class uniform, Wrist watch, TB test, Identification card, Three-ring binder

Course Content