EMT

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Emergency Medical Technology

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a Powerpoint presentation about the program

The EMT program provides classroom and laboratory instruction for entry level Emergency Medical Technicians following the current National DOT curriculum. The EMT-Basic program provides instruction in basic life support care of sick and injured persons. This includes airway assessment, communications, documentation, general pharmacology, hemorrhage control, ambulance operations, and splinting of adult, pediatric, and infant patients; and special care of patients exposed to heat, cold, radiation, or contagious disease.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians Basic Testing.

The EMT program is a one semester program taught in the Allied Health Building on the Moorhead campus. Classes meet on Monday nights from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The EMT program is taught each fall and spring semester. Clinical experiences are provided at area health care agencies.

For further information contact:
Maegan Applewhite
mapplewhite@msdelta.edu
662-246-6503

What is an EMT?

Emergency Medical Technicians are first responders to pre-hospital emergency care. They respond quickly and efficiently to ill or injured persons using specially equipped vehicles. After arriving at the scene, they assess the situation, extent of illness or injury, and provide care, then transport the individual to the hospital. The EMT provides basic life support care, which includes airway management, control of bleeding, oxygen therapy, burn care, splinting and bandaging techniques, and special care of persons exposed to heat, cold, radiation, or contagious disease.

EMT's must have the ability to apply interpersonal and patient care skill to all age groups from pediatric to geriatric.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Legal Limitations for Employment as an EMT
According to Mississippi State Law, an individual may not be eligible for employment in a health care agency if the person has ever been convicted of a felony , or plead guilty to , or plead nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (f), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust or aggravated assault, of felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult.

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• meet general admission requirements for technical students.
• be a high school graduate or have a satisfactory GED score.
• must have a minimum ACT score of 16 on the enhanced ACT (12 if taken before October 28, 1989).
• submit a signed Background Information Signature form.
• submit a signed, notarized Healthcare Criminal History Background Affidavit.

PROCEDURE

Applicants must have the following documents on file in the Health Sciences office by June 1 to be considered for admission to the fall class and by November 1 for the spring class:

• MDCC application for admission or readmission
• MDCC application to the EMT Program (Health Sciences Application packet).
• An official high school transcript from an approved high school or GED equivalency score
• An official college transcript, if college work has been completed
• Signed, notarized Healthcare Criminal History Background Affidavit.

Students are encouraged to submit all parts of the application well in advance of the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for admission.

SELECTION

No applicant will be considered unless the minimum admission requirements are met. Requirements are based on ACT score and transcript. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The number of applicants accepted is limited due to the nature of the program.

All applicants are considered on a competitive basis. Admission is tentative based on:

• satisfactory background check (see Policy on Admission to Health Science Program); completed Background Affidavit
• acceptable pre-admission drug screen
• health evaluation form completed by a physician or nurse practitioner

Applicants will be notified by letter of their acceptance or non-acceptance to the program.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students who are accepted into the program must:

• attend an EMT orientation
• be aware that, in addition to regular college fees, Emergency Medical Technician students will incur expenses for such items as books, physical examination, Hepatitis B vaccination series, background check, and national licensing examination fees
• be responsible for their own transportation to the college campus and clinical agencies

PROGRESSION

Students must maintain a “C” average (grade of 75) or better in each component of the course of study in order to complete the program.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION

The following performance standards provide descriptions of basic cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor requirements for successful Emergency Medical Technician completion. Applicants and students who cannot meet one or more of the standards will be considered on an individual basis in terms of whether reasonable modification/ accommodation can be made. Reasonable accommodations will be examined in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the Performance Standards for Admission and Progression.

In order to successfully complete the health science program, an applicant/student must be able to do the following:

Demonstrate critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Examples	•	identify cause-effect relationships in the clinical setting
	•	recognize changes in client’s condition

Display interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings in the community.
Examples	•	respect differences among clients and exhibit an attitude accepting of clients as individuals
	•	establish rapport in order to communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and health team members
	•	work effectively in small groups as a team member and a team leader

Demonstrate appropriate verbal and written communication skills.
Examples	•	speak English coherently to clients, families, and other staff members
	•	clearly explain treatment procedures and initiate health teaching for clients, families, or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
	•	provide clear, understandable written client documentation based upon proper use of the English language
	•	convey critical information to other caregivers through graphic, print, and/or electronic media in an accurate, timely, and comprehensible manner

Exhibit physical ability sufficient to assist clients to meet health care needs in a variety of settings, including moving from room-to-room, to maneuver in small spaces, and to negotiate stairwells when necessary.
Examples	•	physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close fitting areas alone or with assistance
	•	stand, walk up to 75% of 6 to 12 hour shifts
	•	stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide nursing care
	•	lift a minimum of 20 pounds of weight
	•	perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation

Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Examples	•	demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care
	•	perform procedures requiring the use of 2 hands s
	•	pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects
	•	calibrate and use equipment

Display auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to safely assess and care for clients.
Examples	•	hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)
	•	perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members
	•	read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
	•	discriminate colors; changes in color, size and continuity of body parts
	•	discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness
	•	observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CONTACTS

John Read, Instructor	jread@msdelta.edu
Maegan Applewhite, Administrative Support	mapplewhite@msdelta.edu	662-246-6503
Patti Livingston, Chair Health Science Division	plivingston@msdelta.edu	662-246-6417