Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Syllabus for 2025-2026
Return to Syllabus List

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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-1501-001 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 Resources Student 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

Pollak, A. N., Mejia, A., Mckenna, K., Edgerly, D., & American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured. Jones & Bartlett Learning.  (ISBN:  978-1-284-20430-8)

Optional‌:  Emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured: Student workbook. (2022).  Jones & Bartlett Learning.  (ISBN:  978-1-284-29242-8)

Basic life support for healthcare providers: provider manual. (most recent year). American Heart Association.

Supplies

GROUPME app – available for download in your app store.

Successful participation in and completion of this course requires personal possession of a Wi-Fi compatible computer or tablet.  Cell phones are insufficient.  Computers and tablets must be brought to calss for every session.

In addition to the textbooks and equipment listed above, each student will also need:

• Something to take notes on – pencil and paper or electronic device
• Stethoscope
• Protective eyeglasses
• Trauma shears
• Clinical uniform
• Watch with a second hand

Student Performance

Audio/Video Recordings

Students may record lectures if they feel this will help them with successful completion of the course.  However, these records are for personal use only and should NEVER be uploaded to the internet or to any social media platform without the written permission of the course instructor.  Uploading or sharing recordings for personal use may constitute plagiarism and violate copyright laws.

American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course

The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) written and skills examination will be administered at the beginning of the semester.  All students are required to take and pass these examinations.  Attendance is mandatory for this TWO (2) DAY course as the American Heart Association requires an 8-hour initial course.  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.  There will be no exceptions.  Refunds, if any, is dictated by Amarillo College policy.

CPR Card

All students are required to carry a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card with them at all times during clinicals.

Once a student passes the CPR course, in order to receive a CPR card, the student must:

1. Enter a valid, personal, e-mail address on the course roster.
2. Take the CPR Card Receipt given to you by your instructor to the First Responders Academy 1013 or 1014 to purchase the CPR card for $5.00.  No cash please; credit/debit card only.  They need this receipt when you make the purchase.
3. Bring the printed receipt given to you following purchase to your instructor so it can be turned in with the course roster.
4. Check your personal email, including SPAM, for receipt of your CPR card.  You can also go to https://ecards.heAart.org/student/myecards and claim your CPR card from the American Heart Association’s website.

These steps must be followed in order by the assigned deadline.

Texas Jurisprudence Exam

All initial and continuing education EMS courses must include the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.  This exam will be administered through Blackboard and will be an open resource exam.  Students are required to make a minimum of 70% on this exam in an unlimited number of attempts in order to successfully complete the course.  Failure to complete the Texas Jurisprudence Exam by the assigned due date will result in FIFTY (50) points being deducted from the Final Exam.

See the Course Calendar for the due date.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Courses

Students are required to complete TWO (2) NIMS courses online on their own time.  These courses are free and are provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Each course will take approximately 2 hours to complete online, and the certificate will be e-mailed to you approximately 2 to 5 days after course completion.  Each certificate MUST be printed and turned into your instructor.  Certificates will be accepted if completed within the last 12 months of the assigned due date, but students are encouraged to retake the course to refresh their knowledge.  Failure to complete, or turn in a printed certificate for, one or both of these courses by the assigned due date will result in FIFTY (50) points being deducted from the Final Exam for EACH assignment missed.

The link for each course is:

• FEMA - Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Course | IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• FEMA - Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Course | IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100

See the Course Calendar for the due date.

Hazardous Materials Awareness Training

Per Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 157, Subchapter C, Rule §157.32(B)(i), in addition to the minimum curriculum in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the EMT curriculum shall include the following subjects – recognition and management of hazardous materials as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) curriculum, “Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials.”  Therefore, a Hazardous Materials Awareness class will be offered on a Saturday, as specified in the Course Calendar.  Failure to attend this mandatory Saturday course will result in failure of the entire course.

Students 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

Civility Statement

Students are full partners in fostering a classroom/laboratory environment which is conducive to learning.  In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the course instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in any form of behavior that detracts from the learning experience of fellow students.  Inappropriate behavior in the classroom/ laboratory may result in a request for the offending student to leave class.  Attendance Policy will be enforced.

Abusive, vulgar, lewd, or profane speech will not be tolerated.

Electronic Mobile Devices

Electronic mobile devices are disruptive during class time and should be turned off or silenced.  If you feel you will have an emergency during class, please leave the classroom/laboratory and attend to the situation outside.

Personal electronic devices, including smart watches, are NOT to be used during quizzes or exams.  If a student is caught with a personal electronic device or a smart watch, after completing the DUO login, during this time and up to the time quizzes or exams are turned in, even if completed, cheating will automatically be assumed, and a grade of “F” for the course will be awarded.  Cheating will not be tolerated.  See the Academic Dishonesty section for more information.

Tutoring/Supplemental Instruction

In addition to the Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy section, any student whose cumulative average falls below 75% will be required to attend tutoring sessions to remain in the course on a probationary status from week to week.  Refunds, if any, is dictated by Amarillo College policy.  If tutoring is required, the student will be required to attend at least one, 60-minute session until their cumulative average is 75% or higher.  Students will be counseled to drop or receive a grade of “F” if satisfactory progress is not made as evaluated by the course instructor.

Students are expected to be fully engaged and participate during tutoring sessions.  If a student is not fully engaged and participating during tutoring sessions, as evaluated by the tutoring instructor, the student will not receive credit for tutoring.  Any student who fails to attend mandatory tutoring by the assigned due date will have TEN (10) points deducted from their next exam.

Any student utilizing EMSP tutoring/supplementary instruction will receive 5 extra points on the next exam in which tutoring was completed.  In order to receive 5 extra points on an exam, the student must:

1. Successfully complete one, 60-minute session with the EMSP tutor.  The EMSP tutor will determine if the student successfully completes this tutoring session.
2. Be fully engaged and participate during all tutoring sessions.
3. First complete their mandatory tutoring session as stated above.  In order to receive 5 extra points on an exam, a student requiring mandatory tutoring will have to schedule one separate 60-minute session with the EMSP tutor.

A maximum of 5 points can be awarded on the next exam if all requirements are met.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty and cheating will not be tolerated in this course or during clinicals!  If a student is suspected of academic dishonesty or cheating, in accordance with Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 157, Subchapter C, Rule §157.36(b)(20), “cheating and/or assisting another person to cheat on any examination, written or psychomotor, by any provider licensed by the department or any institution or entity conducting EMS education and/or training or providing an EMS examination leading to obtaining certification or renewing certification or licensure” may be subject to disciplinary action by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), also known as the department above.  This must be reported to DSHS!

Grading Criteria

Student success will be assessed in two learning domains:

• Cognitive
• Psychomotor
• Affective

FAILURE OF EITHER DOMAIN CONSTITUTES FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE COURSE.

Cognitive Domain

Grading Scale

• A – 90% or higher
• B – 80% to 89.9%
• C – 70% to 79.9%
• F – 69.9% and below

Successful completion of this course requires a final cumulative average of 70% or higher.  Students should NOT expect decimal grade rounding.

Grading Categories

• Quiz Grades = 10% of the final average

Quizzes may be assigned online or administered during class.  Quizzes cover the material to be discussed that day in class and/or previous class sessions.  In the event of an absence or tardy, a quiz grade of ZERO (0) will be given for that quiz.  If a student fails to complete an online quiz by the assigned due date, as stated in the Course Calendar, a grade of ZERO (0) will be given for that quiz.  Online quizzes can be taken as many times as a student wish.  Quizzes CANNOT be made up.  THREE (3) lowest quiz grades will be dropped throughout the semester.  All quizzes are comprehensive.

• Exam Grades = 30% of the final average

All exams must be taken on campus at the First Responders Academy unless other arrangements are made with the instructor prior to the exam.  All exams are comprehensive.

All exams begin promptly at 7:30 am in the First Responders Academy Computer Testing room.  Doors open at 7:15 am.  Students are expected to be logged in awaiting the passcode at 7:30 am.  No personal items can be taken into the testing room.  Students who are late for an exam may take the exam, but will NOT be given the full amount of time to finish the exam.  All exams are timed.  Students arriving 20 minutes late or more for an exam will have to schedule a make-up exam and be subject to 15 POINT GRADE REDUCTION PER DAY since the exam is late.

If a student misses an exam, the exam should be made up as soon as possible.  A 15 POINT GRADE REDUCTION PER DAY will apply for all unexcused absences.

Students are provided with unlimited paper and pencil during each exam.  Students are NOT allowed to write on the paper until the exam has begun.  Students are expected to enter the exam passcode and press Enter before making any notes on this paper.  This paper must be turned in to the instructor upon completion of the exam.

• Final Exam = 35% of the final average

In order to take the Final Exam, all clinical shifts MUST be successfully completed by announced deadline.  In addition, all paperwork MUST be completed and turned in to the instructor.  A Final Exam grade of ZERO (0) will be awarded if this policy is not followed.

Failure to completed the required NIMS courses by the assigned due date, as stated in the Course Calendar, will result in FIFTY (50) points being deducted from the Final Exam for EACH assignment not completed.

Failure to complete the required Texas Jurisprudence Exam by the assigned due date, as stated in the Course Calendar, will result in FIFTY (50) points being deducted from the Final Exam.

• Platinum’s Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) Exams = 25% of final average

Data indicates that students with an overall percentile score of 91% or higher have the greatest probability to pass the National Registry exam on the first attempt.  Therefore, students who achieve and maintain an overall CAT percentile of 91% or higher, with "Good" and/or "Exceptional" scores in all testing categories, a full letter grade increase will be awarded to your final grade if all requirements are met.  Students must have an overall class average of "C" or higher to receive a grade increase.

Students are exepected to answer a minimum of 100 questions per category:

• Scene Size Up & Safety
• Primary Assessment
• Secondary Assessment
• Patient Treatment & Transport
• Operations

Students are expected to answer a minimum of 500 questions by the end of the semester.  This is approximately 60 questions each week.  Students will receive 20 points for each section once a minimum of 100 questions is answered.

Once opened, CAT exams must be taken continuously to achieve the highest possible, overall percentile.  The highest score in each category will be recorded in Blackboard.  CAT tests are available on an unlimited basis outside of class to obtain the minimums described above.

Platinum’s Copy Theft Policy

Per our terms and conditions (TOS):

Platinum Educational Group explicitly prohibits the storing and/or retrieving, downloading, copying, cutting and pasting, transcribing, or otherwise duplicating or distributing, posting, or modifying any Platinum Educational Group’s content, information, or materials.  All users must agree to the terms of service after creating their account and are reminded of the terms and conditions and the consequences of violation before they are allowed to take any tests.

What triggers the copy ban on the Testing website?

The user has to highlight and copy any text part by right-clicking and selecting copy or typing the shortcut ctrl/command C.

What will NOT trigger the copy ban?

Only highlighting, hovering, or any other random key or combination is touched.

Consequences of violating Platinum Education Group’s copy theft policy:

First Violation

The first violation will result in the user being suspended from the website for 3 minutes.  This violation will also be sent to their School Administrators and Instructors.*

Second Violation

A second violation will result in the user being suspended from the website for 5 minutes.  This violation will also be sent to their School Administrators and Instructors.*

Third Violation

A third violation will result in the instant termination of the user’s access from EMSTesting.com and/or PlatinumTests.com, and notification of the violation and termination of access will be sent to their School Administrators and Instructors.

Note*:  Copying both questions and the answers counts for 2 strikes.

Automatic Removal From EMSTesting:

Any user caught posting, sharing, transcribing, or otherwise reproducing Platinum Educational Group’s protected intellectual property, in whole or in part, will have their account access terminated without recourse for reversal.  The termination of their account privileges will be permanent and not be reversed for any reason.  For more information, please click the following:  Content Security and Enforcement of Platinum Education Group’s Terms and Conditions of Use – Platinum Educational Group.

Students agree to the copy theft terms and conditions many times on our site.

1. When they create an account and log in for the first time.  It is part of our terms and conditions as stated above.
2. A toast on the dashboard appears for all new EMSTesting student accounts.  The only way for it to no longer appear is to select, “I acknowledge” at the bottom of the message.  If a student X’s away, it will reappear every time they log in until it is acknowledged.
3. Before every linear exam, assessment test, and when entering the Test Review (question/answer/annotation review) for an exam, a modal pops up.  The only way to proceed to the exam is to agree.

The Toast:

Unfortunately, we have had to increase the security of our site significantly.  The following have been initiated as a result:

• If you copy an entire question along with the answer choices your account will be immediately banned.  You will have no recourse and will be entitled to no refund.
• If you attempt to copy any part of a question, the first attempt will result in a 3-minute suspension of your account.  The second attempt will result in a 5-minute suspension of your account.  The third attempt will result in a permanent ban of your account with no recourse and no refund.

The Modal:

By selecting, “I agree,” I am acknowledging that I am not permitted to copy, duplicate, transmit, or utilize any other method of collecting and saving the items or anything associated with the items on the test I am about to take.

I further acknowledge that, if it is discovered that I have violated this agreement, my access to this site will be terminated and I will not have any recourse to reverse this action nor will I be entitled to any refund.

Terms & Conditions:

Click here to read Platinum Educational Group’s terms and conditions.  They can also be read on our main site under Terms of Use.

If a student loses access to Platinum Educational Group’s products and services, they will be advised to withdraw from BOTH courses (EMSP–1501 and EMSP–1163) as they will no longer be able to complete any assignments.

Psychomotor Domain

Failure of any single skill more than TWO (2) times will constitute failure of the entire course.

Performance

Labs begin immediately after completion of exams.  A tardy will be awarded for students arriving late to labs or leaving early from labs, as specified in the Attendance Policy.

Skill examinations are administered as laboratory practical exams.  All skill examinations must be performed to a level deemed satisfactory by the skill examiner.

The skill examiner will use the criteria established by Platinum Planner to evaluate skill performance.  The skill examination forms are available in Platinum Planner for study, practice, and evaluation.  Students must bring a laptop or tablet to each lab so the skill examiner can grade that particular skill.  If a student fails to bring a laptop or tablet to lab, a grade of ZERO (0) will be awarded for that particular skill, resulting in course failure.  All skill sheets must be completed with a passing grade.

Any missed labs should be made up as quickly as possible.  Students may be required to come to class on a non-class day to make up labs if necessary.

Affective Domain

Criterion:

The student must have “Competent” ratings, maintained throughout, in all categories of the Professional Behavior Evaluation form.

Performance Categories:

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Empathy
• Self-Motivation
• Appearance & Personal Hygiene
• Self-Confidence
• Communications
• Teamwork & Diplomacy
• Patient Advocacy
• Cultural Competence

The attached form shall be the specific criteria utilized in evaluating each student’s professional behavior performance.

Attendance

Lecture/Laboratory

Regular attendance is mandatory for satisfactory achievement, and it is the student’s responsibility to attend each class.  Each tardy is counted as a quarter (¼) an absence for each hour missed.  This not only includes being late to class/lab, but also leaving early from class/lab.  No more than FOUR (4) class sessions may be missed.   If a student misses more than FOUR (4) class sessions, they will be advised to withdraw from the course or receive a grade of “F” for BOTH courses (EMSP–1501 and EMSP–1163).

Online lectures provided through Blackboard are NOT a substitute for attending class.  They are there to help students with their preparation for quizzes and examinations only.

Clinicals

Clinical shifts are selected from the scheduling website owned and operated by Platinum Education.  After a student is given access, clinical shifts must be chosen and completed as quickly as possible.  Attempting to choose a schedule late in the semester will likely result in an inability to create an appropriate schedule.  Failure to successfully complete clinical rotations will result in a grade of “F” for BOTH courses (EMSP–1501 and EMSP–1163).

Clinicals CANNOT be performed at the same time class meets.  If a student schedules a clinical shift during class time, an absence or tardy will be awarded as stated in this syllabus.

Tardies or absences are unacceptable during clinicals except in extreme circumstances.  Students who fail to create a clinical schedule within a reasonable time frame will be removed from the course.

Students should sign up for no more than the minimum required clinical shifts for the course:

• 2 – 12-hour Emergency Room shifts at the hospital (Northwest Texas Hospital or BSA Hospital)
• 2 – 12-hour Ambulance shifts (Amarillo Medical Services)

If a student signs up for more clinical shifts than required, the instructor reserves the right to delete extra shifts at their discretion.  Signing up for more clinical shifts than required may result in other students not being able to complete their clinical shifts.

Amarillo Medical Services (AMS) approves all clinical shifts.  Once approved, that shift is assigned to the student and can only be canceled or rescheduled with approval through Amarillo Medical Services (AMS).  The student is responsible for completing the approved shifts.

Inclement Weather

Amarillo College follows the cancellation policies of Amarillo ISD and generally announces the cancellation of classes due to weather around 5:00 am.  Please pay attention to local news stations for cancellation information.  Students will NOT be counted absent in the event of class cancellation due to weather.  The course instructor also reserves the right to cancel class at any time for any reason.

If Amarillo College cancels classes due to weather, all clinical shifts will also be canceled that day as well.

Calendar

Additional Information

Regulatory Agencies

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
• Southern Association of Colleges & Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACS)
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

Program Leadership

Prerequisites

Corequisite:  EMSP–1163–001 of the same section number.

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 (BLS) level with an emergency service or other specialized services.

Objectives & Course Goals

The goal of the 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 for the EMT-Basic for:

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will be required to:

• Read and understand text assignments
• Attend lectures and take notes accordingly
• 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:

Clinical Information

More clinical information can be found in the EMT Student Handbook.

Required Immunizations

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, if any, is dictated by Amarillo College policy.  These immunizations include:

• Tetanus-diphtheria within 10 years
• Measles (two doses) (preferably MMR vaccine)
• Mumps (preferably MMR vaccine)
• Rubella (preferably MMR vaccine)
• Hepatitis B Immunization – several injection series requiring several months to complete
• Varicella (chickenpox) (two doses) – positive antibody titer.  Past history is not accepted.
• Influenza AFTER September 1st if clinical rotations occur during flu season – October to May
• Proof of a negative tuberculin (TB) skin test within the past year

Immunizations can be obtained from any pharmacy or:

If a student cannot locate their short records for any reason, DO NOT get revaccinated.  Instead, have the health department draw your titer levels for each of the required immunizations listed above.  Exceptions to this policy include the tetanus-diphtheria and influenza vaccines and the tuberculin (TB) skin test.

At no time may a student enter, or observe, actual patient care without having fully completed each of the immunization requirements.  Doing so is a safety violation and will not be tolerated.  Students who fail to complete all immunization requirements within a reasonable time, will be removed from the course.

Criminal Background Check & Urine Drug Screening

Prior to attending any clinical rotation, each student must submit to a criminal background check and urine drug screening.  This is required by various clinical sites and not Amarillo College.  This can only be done online using Complio.  Students must select the Background Check and Urine Drug Screening packages.  You cannot go to clinicals, and therefore, cannot complete this course with a grade higher than “F” without approval through this process.  You must pay with a credit card.  The cost for these services may vary per student.  A criminal history does NOT necessarily preclude you from clinicals.  Honesty on the application is the best policy.

A urine drug screen is also required by the various clinical sites.  This will also be scheduled and completed using Complio.  You will be required to submit your specimen at LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics.  If you fail to submit a sample in an appropriate amount of time, you may have to start the process over again, including repayment.

Students who fail to complete the criminal background check and/or urine drug screening requirements within a reasonable time frame will be removed from the course.

Clinical Grade

The clinical (EMSP–1163) letter grade will be the same as the student’s EMSP–1501 classroom final average, provided all 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.

Students who attend any clinical session without completing all preclinical requirements – immunizations, background check, urine drug screen – will automatically be removed from the course and receive a grade of “F” for BOTH courses.

Clinical Supplies

Clinical Uniform

The EMT clinical uniform will consist of:

• White, collared polo style short-sleeve shirt (available in AC Bookstore on Washington Street)
• White, round neck T-shirt
• Black web belt (available in AC Bookstore on Washington Street)
• Blue/Black dress or tactical pants (available in AC Bookstore on Washington Street)
• Blue/Black shoes
• White socks
• Hat (optional) (available in AC Bookstore on Washington Street)

Everything can be purchased at the Amarillo College Bookstore on the Washington Street campus, except for socks and shoes.

Students will be expected to wear their full clinical to class everyday after the 3rd class session and to all clinical rotations.

Clinical Badge

A clinical badge is required as part of the clinical uniform.  Clinical badges can be purchased at the Amarillo College Washington Street campus for $2.00 after the 3rd class session.  A photo ID is required.  Clinical badges can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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.

Additional Information

First Responders Academy Student Parking

Students are expected to park in the northwest parking lot at the First Responders Academy.  This parking lot is located between the First Responders Academy and Grace Church.

First Responders Academy Gym Facilities

EMSP students are allowed access to the gym facilities on campus for no additional charge.  However, EMSP students should NOT use the gym facilities when other academies are using the gym:

• Fire Academy – Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 8:00 am
• Law Enforcement Academy – Monday through Friday, 4:15 to 5:30 pm

EMSP students are responsible for putting everything back in its place when done – weights, bars, etc.  Please do not take this opportunity away by not putting the equipment back where you found it when done.  Gym is not accessible on weekends or after 5:00 pm weekdays.

GroupMe

Please go to your app store and download the GroupMe app.  Please enable all Push Notifications when using or not using the app.  The purpose of this app is to quickly communicate with the class via text message.  Students are also able to communicate with each other through this app via text message.

To add yourself to the class, scan the QR code provided in class.

Student Grievance Procedure

A student who has a problem with the course or course instructor should make every effort to resolve the problem with the course instructor.  If that is not successful, the student may appeal the instructor’s decision to the following individuals IN THIS ORDER:

• Program Director
• Public Service Dean
• Vice President of Academic Affairs
• President of Amarillo College

Acceptance of EMSP Program Course Conditions

I have read and understand the following policies and procedures in the EMSP Course Syllabus.  I understand that if I fail to follow the outlined policies and procedures, I will be counseled to withdraw from the course or receive a grade of “F” for the listed courses.

Exceptions to the policies and procedures outlined in this syllabus will be dealt with on an individual basis at the instructor’s discretion.  The instructor reserves the right to change, amend, or modify this syllabus or course calendar at any time with, or without, written notice.