Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EMSP-1501-003 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

Prerequisites

Corequisite: EMSP 1163 of same course section

Course Description

Preparation for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Includes all the skills necessary to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an emergency service or other specialized services.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(5 sem hrs; 4 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• EMT 12th edition Textbook

  • Navigate 2 Premier package is optional

• American Heart Association. (most recent year). Basic cardiac life support for healthcare providers: Provider manual.
• Chapters may be assigned as a YouTube presentation, rather than an in-class presentation.  YouTube assignments are as important as "live" presentations.  YouTube is used to save in-class time to allow more class time to be spent on more complexed materials.  The YouTube chapters are for the more straightforward chapters.  The professor will answer questions at the beginning of class and the YouTube materials will be tested on weekly exams, may be included on the final exam and are always subject to testing by National Registry.
  • The URL for the professor's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/@richardtodd5095/videos. 

Supplies

Wi-Fi device capable of accessing and interacting online with Blackboard and various Internet sites. Suggested devices: wi-fi compatible laptop computer or tablet. Smart phones are discouraged due to limited screen size.   It is important to bring your laptop to every class and every lab, on lab days you will need it for major exams and on some lecture days, you will take quizzes.  

 

Gloves (supplied by clinical sites)	Protective Eye Glasses
Stethoscope	BP Cuff (optional)
Trauma Shears (optional)	Clinical and Class Uniform (described in class)
	After the date announced in class, the uniform will be worn for class, labs and clinicals.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes: Apply safety and operational principles in out-of-hospital environments; demonstrate life saving care to patients at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level; and display professional and ethical behaviors expected of emergency personnel.

In addition, the goal of this course is such that the student will be able to describe and list the EMT’s roles and responsibilities, legal issues, and medical terminology appropriate for prehospital providers. The student will be expected to perform appropriate management procedures required of the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic for:

Respiratory Emergencies	Shock	Musculoskeletal  Injuries
Cardiovascular Emergencies	Obstetric Emergencies	Soft Tissue Injuries
Medical Emergencies	Pediatrics	Central Nervous System Injuries
Infection Control Measures	Geriatrics	Hazardous Material Awareness

Emotional aspects of injury and illness, and other pertinent issues covered in class as well as the text material

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In order to successfully complete this course, the student will also be required to read and understand text assignments, attend lectures and take notes accordingly, and complete and document the required clinical rotations per instructions issued in class. 

The student will also be expected to develop a sufficient mastery of the following required skills:

Patient Assessment/Management Trauma	Vital Signs
Patient Assessment/Management Medical	Bleeding Control/Shock Management
Cardiac Arrest Management/AED	Long Bone Immobilization
Adult 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO	Spinal Immobilization Seated Patient
Child 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO	Spinal Immobilization Supine Patient
Infant 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO	Traction Splinting
Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment	Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Oxygen Administration	Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient
Mouth to Mask with Supplemental Oxygen	Suction
Oropharyngeal Airway	Nasopharyngeal Airway
Bronchodilator Administration - Small Volume Nebulizer - Handheld Metered Dose Inhaler

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Publication

 

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The Amarillo College, 2010, Student Rights and Responsibilities Publication states, "scholastic dishonesty, punishable as prescribed by Board policies, shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion" (p. 11).

 

Students will also be required to abide by the Student Code of Conduct found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Publication referenced above

 

AMARILLO COLLEGE EMSP EMT HANDBOOK:  Amarillo College’s EMSP Program has adopted an EMT Handbook, detailing expectations and requirements for all students.  At all times, students shall conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of the approved EMT Handbook, as well as Amarillo College Polices.  Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the course and Amarillo College.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Area clinical sites require Amarillo College students to undergo both Criminal Background and Drug Screening checks prior to any clinical/internship rotations. These checks are at the student’s expense and are separate from tuition, fees, etc. charged by Amarillo College.

 

The process for acquiring these checks is found at:

https://www.actx.edu/emsp/pagesmith/50

 

Amarillo College is not responsible for any pricing, outcome, or consequences associate with these checks. Additionally, student concerns should be directed to the company receiving your payment.

 

Students MUST withdraw prior to the withdrawal deadline, or receive “F”s in their EMSP classes, for failure to complete these checks in a timely manner, for certain criminal histories, and/or unresolved, positive testing of prohibited drugs/toxins/substances. Refunds, if any, are subject to Amarillo College’s refund policies found in the college Catalog.

 

http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=866#Refund

 

Amarillo College’s role in this process is extremely limited. Clinical site personnel ultimately determine student eligibility to enter their facility, not the college.

 

Pursuant to Amarillo College Policy, tobacco use in any form is not permitted in the classroom or lab. Smoking of any tobacco products and the use of electronic or vapor smoking devices are prohibited on all Amarillo College property and in buildings and facilities on all campuses and locations, including parking areas, green spaces, and walkways. The use of tobacco products which are smokeless and vaporless is prohibited inside any College building. This policy does not apply to East Campus Housing.  Violation of the Amarillo College Tobacco Policy may result in immediate expulsion from the program. 

***ABUSIVE, VULGAR, LEWD, OR PROFANE SPEECH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED***

SEPARATION OF ROLES:

In response to Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 157, Subchapter C, Rule §157.36, students MUST NEVER attempt to gain clinical experience outside an EMSP assigned clinical shift. At no time, while gaining clinical experience, may a student be considered operational staff or crew; paid or otherwise.

Grading Criteria

Student success will be assessed in 3 learning domains.

Failure of any ONE domain constitutes failure of the ENTIRE class.

Cognitive	Psychomotor	Affective
Criterion: A final grade of "C" or higher	Criterion: Failure of any single skill more than 2 times will constitute failure of this class	Criterion: The student must have “Competent” ratings, maintained throughout, in all categories of the Professional Behavior Evaluation form
Performance: Grading scale: A     90.0% and up B     80.0% - 89.99% C     70.0% - 79.99% F     below 70%      No Final Grades are Rounded Up; i.e, 69.9999%=F Quiz--weekly  10% of final average Major Exams 65% of final average Final Exam 35% of final average (comprehensive) Note: In order to take the final exam, all clinical shifts MUST be successfully finished by the announced deadline. In addition, all paperwork MUST be complete and turned in to the instructor. A final exam score of ZERO will be recorded if this policy is not followed. Students should NOT expect decimal grade rounding.	Performance: Regular attendance is mandatory for successful completion of this course All skill-sheets in the Course Manual for each specific course must be completed with a passing grade   Note: Skills examinations will be administered as laboratory practical exams. All skills exams must be performed to a level deemed satisfactory by the skills examiner.  "Skills Sheets" shall be printed by the student and brought to each scheduled lab.  "Skills Sheets" shall be printed only on one side of each page and NO DOUBLE-SIDED SHEETS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The skills examiner will use the criteria of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians to evaluate skills performance. The skills examination forms are in the Course Laboratory Manual for study, practice, and evaluation. Skills Testing forms must be single sided, no two-sided sheets will be accepted.	Performance Categories: Integrity Empathy Self-motivation Appearance and hygiene Self-confidence Time management Communication Verbal Written Teamwork and diplomacy Respect for patients, coworkers, and other professionals Patient advocacy Careful delivery of service Note: Specific details for each category provided the first class meeting

 

Academic Students:

The clinical (EMSP-1163) letter grade will be the same as the student's EMSP 1501 classroom, final average - provided clinical rotations are successfully completed as evaluated by EMSP program faculty and the clinicians assigned for each clinical shift. Failure to successfully complete the clinical course also constitutes failure of the classroom (EMSP 1501) course.

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:

The American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support written and skills examination will be administered during the third class session. All students are required to take and pass these examinations. A score of 84% is the minimum passing score for the written exam. ANY STUDENT, WHO FAILS THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION, OR ANY PART OF THE SKILLS EXAMINATION, WILL BE REQUIRED TO DROP THE COURSE OR RECEIVE AN "F". THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.

There will be fourteen (14) major exams, plus the final exam.  No major exam grades will be dropped.  

The student will be expected to develop a sufficient mastery of the EMT-Basic required skills to satisfy requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians per the judgment of a skills proctor in an appropriate skills examination setting. Each skill will be tested individually throughout the course and there will be only one retest offered for a given skill. FAILURE OF THE RETEST CONSTITUTES FAILURE OF THE COURSE AND THE STUDENT WILL BE COUNSELED TO DROP OR RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE

A quiz may be administered at the beginning of each class, or taken at home after class, at the election of the professor. The quiz will cover the material covered and discussed in in class and/or previous classes. In the event of an absence or tardy, a quiz grade of “0” will be given for that day. Quizzes cannot be made up. At the end of the semester, the two lowest quiz, homework, or workbook grades for each student will be dropped.

Guided Notes:  For each lecture chapter, students will receive "Guided Notes," as a guideline for class preparation.  Students will submit those at the beginning of lab, prior to beginning weekly exams.  These will be "graded" as follows:  completed notes count as a "100."  Incomplete notes count as a "0."  Graded notes will be returned to the student for reference.  At the end of the semester, all Guided Notes will be averaged and that grade counted as an additional Quiz grade.

SKILLS EXAMINATIONS:

Skills examinations will be administered as laboratory practical exams. All skills exams must be performed to a level deemed satisfactory by the skills examiner. The skills examiner will use the criteria of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians to evaluate skills performance. The skills examination forms are in the Course Laboratory Manual for study, practice, and evaluation.  It is the student's responsibility to contact the professor to discuss "skills make ups" for any absences on lab days.  

MAKE-UP POLICY:

Missed EXAM make-ups must be discussed with the instructor prior to the scheduled exam. If the absence is excused, the test must be taken within one week of the scheduled exam date. A grade of ZERO for that exam will be averaged in if this policy is not followed.

TUTORING:  

Amarillo College has a mandatory tutoring policy to provide every opportunity for student success.  Students whose average falls below 75% will be referred to the EMSP Tutor for tutoring.  Students referred for mandatory tutoring shall attend tutoring until the student's average reaches 75%.  After the student's average reaches 75%, a student may be required to continue tutoring sessions as prescribed by the EMSP Tutor.  The EMSP Tutor will report tutoring attendance and compliance with the tutoring prescription.  Failure to attend mandatory tutoring and/or to comply with requirements of the EMSP Tutor shall result in action consistent with the Amarillo College Mandatory Tutoring Policy. 

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.  Attendance will be tracked via the AC Watermark system.  Attendance requirements are based on the hour requirements of the Texas Department of State

Each tardy is 0.5 absence (2 tardies=1 absence). Quizzes and Examinations will be administered at the beginning of class period. The quizzes and examinations will not be passed out late and cannot be made up if missed.

No more than 4 class sessions may be missed. If the student misses more than 4 class sessions they will be advised to withdraw from the course or receive a grade of F.

There will be no make-up for missed quizzes, homework, or workbook grades. The two lowest of the quiz, homework, or workbook grades will be dropped AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER.

Calendar

Additional Information

PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTOR: Dr. Darrell Morgan, M.D.

Director of Public Service Programs:  Eric Wallace; 

DEAN of TECHNICAL EDUCATION:  David Hall

Program Director:  Wade Olsen, M.Ed., L.P., NRP

Instructor:  Richard "Buddy" Todd, J.D., L.P.

TX DSHS Course Approval #:  621799 (Record this number in an easily-accessed place, after passing National Registry, you will need the course number when applying for your Texas EMT Certification.)

Jblearning course ID/code (for your book purchase): to be provided in class (this code only works with the Navigate2, Premium Access code for the 12th edition book)

 

In order to maintain compliance with Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, rule §97.64 all immunization documentation must  be on file with the EMSP program office WITHIN 10 DAYS of the first class session. Failure to meet this requirement will result in dismissal from the class. Refunds are subject to Amarillo College policy. These immunizations include:

1. Tetanus-diphtheria within 10 years
2. Measles (two doses) (preferably MMR vaccine)
3. Mumps (preferably MMR vaccine)
4. Rubella (preferably MMR vaccine)
5. Hepatitis-B Immunization (3-injection series requiring 4-6 months for completion)(For students who have not had the Hep-B immunization series, there is the possibility for a fast-track option, at the discretion of your physician, or the Public Health Department.  Amarillo College has no control over any fast-track series and no clinical rotations can be attended until the series is complete.).
6. Varicella (chicken pox)(students must either present proof of immunization, or a laboratory titer proving sufficient antibody levels for varicella).

All Immunization Records are due by 1/30/2025, at the beginning of class, but will be accepted at any time beginning on the third class session.  Without prior arrangements, in writing, with the instructor, one point per calendar day will be deducted from the student's final grade for failing to meet the immunization deadline.  Without prior written authorization, Immunization Records will not be accepted after 2/6/2025. 

Students SHALL NOT attend any clinical sessions prior to providing proof of ALL required immunizations.  Any student attending clinical without providing complete shot records to the instructor AND completed Background Check and Drug Screen will be subject to immediate dismissal from the course, with a Grade of "F" for EMSP 1501 and EMSP 1163.

In addition, area clinical sites require:

1. Proof of a negative Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test (within the last year) is required.
2. Influenza:  if your clinical rotations occur during flu season (October to May) influenza vaccines are required. 
3. Amarillo College does not require proof of COVID vaccination; however, clinical sites may require COVID vaccination, or students could be excluded from clinical rotations.  In the past, Facilities have considered applications for religious exemption in place of Covid vaccination.  While AC EMSP faculty will submit said applications on behalf of students,  should this option become necessary, students understand that AC EMSP has no control of the approval or disapproval of exemption applications.  If an application is declined, a student will be excluded from clinicals in that/those facility(ies).  If a facility begins requiring Covid vaccinations, or approved Religious Exemption applications, any student attending clinicals without either the Covid vaccine, or an approved Religious Exemption shall be subject to dismissal from the Course, as per the EMSP Basic Handbook.
4.  Student must be eighteen years of age and have a high school diploma or GED certificate within 1 year of Course Completion date. (Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requirement for state certification).   High school dual credit students may participate in and complete the course prior to their eighteenth birthday; however, DSHS currently does not permit Texas EMT certification prior to age 18, which is a matter of state law and DSHS regulations.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK and DRUG SCREEN:

Prior to attending any Clinical rotation, each student must submit to a criminal background check and drug screening (a requirement imposed by the clinical sites – not Amarillo College). This is only done online.   The vendor previously approved by Amarillo College is Complio, as set forth previously in this syllabus.   You cannot go to clinical, and therefore cannot complete this course with a grade higher than “F” or “U”, without approval through this process.   Complio accepts payment via credit, or debit cards.  The cost is approximately $85. All students shall provide the professor with a printed copy of their complete Background Check and Drug Screen Report by the deadline indicated in the Course Calendar.  Failure to do so may result in administrative removal from the course.   Note: A criminal history does not necessarily preclude you from clinical. Honesty on the application is the best policy.

CLINICAL SCHEDULING WEB SITE:

All clinical shifts are chosen online at  https://www.platinumplanner.com/?noredir=1requiring an approximate $20 fee, paid through the Platinum Planner website.

          Platinum Planner Course Code:  to be announced in class--, Instuctor will announce date of scheduler opening in class.

Platinum Testing:  Platinum Testing class numbers will be provided in class.  All Quizzes and Exams will be administered through Platinum Testing.  This is being piloted though this section of EMSP 1501, this semester.  Accordingly, there is no additional charge for the testing platform, the EMSP Program will cover those costs.  Platinum Testing has strict rules regarding copying its copyrighted material.  Simply highlighting a word during a quiz, or exam will result in a mandatory "time out."  Subsequent violation of Platinum Testing will result in the student being suspended, or excluded from use of the platform.  Should this occur, the student will not be permitted to continue in EMSP 1501, or EMSP 1163 and the student will receive Fs in both classes.  Students will receive a form prior to the first Quiz fully explaining the associated provision from the EMT Handbook and each student shall sign the form stating their understanding of Platinum Testing's policy and AC EMSP's procedures regarding the enforcement of Platinum's policy. 

POLICY FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING TASP REMEDIATION

Students that have been identified for TASP-required remediation must, according to Texas State Law, participate continuously in their TASP-remediation courses or they will be withdrawn for ALL course work, including the AH courses, through an administrative withdrawal for non-compliance.  If you have any questions about TASP-remediation, please call the Advising and Counseling Center at 371-5440; or Testing Services in the Student Service Center, Room 101, 371-5445.

CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND PAGERS:

Pagers and telephones are disruptive during class time. Telephones and pagers must be turned off/silent during class time.  If you feel that you will have an emergency during class time, leave the number of the student services office and they will contact you immediately. The number is 371-5300. 

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:

It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to officially withdraw will result in a grade of "F" in the course (EMSP 1501/1163/1001). Students are not automatically dropped from their class roster as a result of nonattendance. An email to your instructor expressing your desire to withdraw is REQUIRED to initiate the withdrawal process. 

NOTE: The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule §4.10. 

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

A student who has a problem with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor. If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the Program Director, the Chairman of The Allied Health Division, the Dean of Instruction, and the President - IN THAT ORDER.

Students will be required to abide by the Student Code of Conduct which can be found in the AC Catalog 

EXCEPTIONS TO THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN THE SYLLABUS WILL BE DEALT WITH ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.