Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>First Responders Academy 1028</p>

Office Hours

Monday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

By Appointment

Course Information

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-1501-002 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

Jones & Bartlett Publishing.  Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured:  Navigate 2 Premier Access; 11th ed., 2018.  ISBN:  9781284110524.

American Heart Association.  Basic Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare Providers:  Provider Manual; (most recent year).

Amarillo College.  Laboratory Manual and Clinical Packet for EMSP 1501, 1163, and 1001.  Available on Blackboard.

Course Syllabus.  Available on Blackboard.

Supplies

Successful participation in, and completion of this course requires personal possession of a WiFi compatible laptop computer or tablet.

Respondus LockDown Browser is required for all online quizzes and exams.  The download link is available in the Quizzes & Exams folder on Blackboard.

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

  • Something to take notes on
  • Stethoscope
  • Clinical uniform
  • Protective eyeglasses
  • Trauma shears
  • Watch with a second hand

Student Performance

See Grading Criteria and Expected Student Behavior below.

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

Students are full partners in fostering a classroom 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 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 may result in a request for the offending student to leave class.

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

Grading Criteria

Student success will be assessed in three learning domains:

  • Cognitive
  • Psychomotor
  • Affective.

FAILURE OF ANY ONE DOMAIN CONSTITUTES FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE COURSE.

COGNITIVE DOMAIN

Criteria:  A frinal grade of "C" or higher.

Performance:  

Grading Scale:

A - 90% and up

B - 80% - 89.9%

C - 70% - 79.9%

F - 69.9% and below

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 time.  Quizzes cover the material to be discussed that day in class and/or previous classes.  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, a grade of ZERO (0) will be given for that quiz.  Quizzes cannot be made up.  The FOUR (4) lowest quiz grades will be dropped.

Respondus LockDown Browser is required for all online quizzes.  The download link is available in the Quizzes & Exams folder on Blackboard.

Exam Grades = 50% of the final average

All exams must be taken on campus unless other arrangements are made with the instructor prior to the exam.

A student who will not complete any examination on the scheduled day MUST CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR BEFORE the scheduled exam.  Students are encouraged to complete any quiz or exam prior to the absence if possible.  A 10% GRADE REDUCTION PER DAY will be assessed during the first 7 days an exam is late.  After which, a grade of ZERO (0) will be awarded.

Final Exam = 40% of the final average

In order to take the Final Exam, all clinical shift MUST be successfully finished by the announced deadline.  In addiiton, all paperwork must be completed and turned in to the instructor.  A final exam grade of ZERO (0) will be recorded if this policy is not followed.

Failure to complete the required NIMS courses by the assigned due date, as specified below, will result in 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 specified below, will result in 50 points being deducted from the Final Exam.

PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN

Criteria:  Failure of any single skill more than 2 times will constitute course failure.

Performance:

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

The skill examiner will use the criteria of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) to evaluate skills performance.

The skills examination forms are available on Blackboard for study, practice, and evaluation.  These forms must be brought to class by the student in order to be evaluated.  If a student fails to bring the required form to class, a grade of 0 will be awarded for that particular skill, resulting in course failure.  All skill skeets on Blackboard 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.

FACE COVERINGS AND/OR FACE SHIELDS MUST BE WORM DURING ALL LABS.  A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES MUST BE WORN EACH TIME WHEN TOUCHING ANOTHER STUDENT OR MANIKIN.  PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING SHOULD ALWAYS BE PRACTICED.

AFFECTIVE DOMAIN

Criteria:  The student must have "Competent" ratings, maintained throughout the course, in all categories on the Professional Behavior Evaluation form.

Performance:

Categories on the Professional Behavior Evaluation form includes as specified below:

  1. Integrity
  2. Empathy
  3. Self-Motivation
  4. Appearance and Hygiene
  5. Self-Confidence
  6. Time Management
  7. Communication - verbal and written
  8. Teamwork & Diplomacy
  9. Respect for Patients, Coworkers, & Other Healthcare Professionals
  10. Patient Advocacy
  11. Careful Delivery of Service

This domain is assessed with each Comprehensive Exam and on the Final Exam.


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 checks, urine drug screen - will automatically be removed from the course and receive a grade of "F" for both courses.  There are no guarantees for a course extension due to failure to meet the clinical course requirements for any student who fails to meet clinical course deadlines.


AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION BASIC CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS)

The American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) written and skills examinations will be adminsitered during the third class session.  All students are required to take and pass these examinations.  Attendance is mandatory for this two (2) days class 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.


TEXAS JURISPRUDENCE EXAM

Beginning September 1, 2017, all initial and continuing education EMS courses must include the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.  This exam will be adminstered through Blackboard and will be an open resource exam.  Students will be required to make a minimum score 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 50 points being deducted from the Final Exam.


NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) REQUIRED COURSES

Students will be required to complete two NIMS courses online on their time.  These courses are free and 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.  Certificates will be accepted if completed within the last 12 months of the assigned due date.  Each certificate MUST be printed and turned into your instructor.  Failure to turn in a printed certificate for one or both of these courses by the assigned due date will result in 50 points being deducted from the Final Exam.  The link for each course is:


HAZARDOUS MATERIAL AWARENESS TRAINING

Per Texas Administrative Code, Titie 25, Part 1, Chapter 157, Subchapter C, Rule §157.32(B)(i), in addiiton to the minimum curricilum in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the EMT curriculum shall include the following subjects - recognition and identification of hazardous materials as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency curriculum, "Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials."  Therefore, a Hazardous Material Awareness class will be on a Saturday as specified in the Course Calendar.  FAILURE TO ATTEND THIS SATURDAY COURSE WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE COURSE.

Due to COVID-19, if this Saturday course is unavailable, online lectures will be provided through Blackboard with an associated quiz to ensure students complete the Hazardous Material Awareness Training as required.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is the student's responsibility to attend each class.  Each tardy is counted as a quarter (¼) of an absence for each hour the student misses.  This not only includes being late to class but also leaving early from class.  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".

Clinical shifts are selected from a scheduling website owned and operated by Platinum EducationAfter a student is given access to the Platinum Education website, 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 compelte clinical rotations will result in a grade of "F" for BOTH courses - EMSP-1501/1001 and EMSP-1163.

Tardies or absences are unacceptable during clinicals except in extreme circumstances.

FACE COVERINGS AND/OR FACE SHIELDS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON ANY AMARILLO COLLEGE PROPERTY, INCLUDING OUTSIDE IN THE PARKING LOT.

Calendar

Week 1

  • Day 1
    • EMSP-1501 Orientation
    • EMSP-1161 Orientation
    • EMT Handbook
    • Jurisprudence
  • Optional CPR Pre-Test opens at 12:01 am

Week 2

  • Day 1
    • Lab:  AHA BLS CPR
  • Day 2
    • Optional CPR Pre-Test closes at 6:00 pm
    • Lab:  AHA BLS CPR Written & Skills Exam (84 or Higher)
  • Jurisprudence Exam opens at 12:01 am

Week 3

  • Day 1
    • NWTH Orientation Quiz due
    • Lab:  Vital Signs
    • Clinical Tours
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 1 - EMS Systems
    • Chapter 2 - Safety & Wellness
    • Chapter 3 - Medical, Legal, & Ethical Issues
    • Chapter 9 - A Team Approach to Healthcare
  • Quiz 1 opens at 12:01 am

Week 4

  • Quiz 1 Chapters 1-3, 9 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 1 Chapters 1-3, 9
    • Lab:  Oxygen Administration, OPA/NPA, Suction, BVM
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 4 - Communication & Documentation
    • Chapter 5 - Medical Terminology
    • Chapter 6.1 - The Human Body (p. 189-220)
  • Quiz 2 opens at 12:01 am

Week 5

  • Quiz 2 Chapters 4-6.1 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 2 Chapters 4-6.1
    • Lab:  Spinal Immobilization Seated & Supine
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 6.2 - The Human Body (p. 220-252)
    • Chapter 7 - Life Span Development
    • Chapter 8 - Lifting & Moving
  • Quiz 3 opens at 12:01 am

Week 6

  • Quiz 3 Chapters 6.2-8 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 3 Chapters 6.2-8
    • Lab:  Bleeding Control, Joint & Long Bone Immobilization, & Traction Splinting
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 10 - Patient Assessment
    • Chapter 17 - Cardiac Monitoring (p. 699-703)
    • Chapter 11 - Pharmacology
  • Quiz 4 opens at 12:01 am

Week 7

  • Quiz 4 Chapters 10-11, 17 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 4 Chapters 10-11, 17
    • Lab:  Patietn Assessment PRACTICE
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 11 - Airway Management
    • Chapter 13 - Shock
    • Chapter 14 - BLS Resuscitation (online)
  • Quiz 5 opens at 12:01 am

Week 8

  • Quiz 5 Chapters 11, 13-4 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Comprehensive Exam 5 Chapters 1-14
    • Lab:  Metered Dose Inhaler, Small Volume Nebulizer, EpiPen
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 25 - Trauma Overview
    • Chapter 26 - Bleeding
    • Chapter 27 - Soft-Tissue Injuries
  • Quiz 6 opens at 12:01 am

Week 9

  • Quiz 6 Chapters 25-27 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 6 Chapters 25-27
    • Lab:  Trauma Assessment PRACTICE
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 28 - Face & Neck Injuries
    • Chapter 29 - Head Injuries
    • Chapter 30 - Chest Injuries
    • Chapter 31 - Abdominal & Genitourinary Injuries
  • Quiz 7 opens at 12:01 am

Week 10

  • Quiz 7 Chapters 28-31 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 7 Chapters 28-31
    • Lab:  Trauma Assessment PRACTICE
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 32 - Orthopaedic Injuries
    • Chapter 33 - Environmental Emergencies
  • Quiz 8 opens at 12:01 am

Week 11

  • Quiz 8 Chapters 32-33 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Comprehensive Exam 8 Chapters 25-33
    • Lab:  Trauma Assessment TEST
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 15 - Medical Overview
    • Chapter 16 - Respiratory Emergencies
    • Chapter 21 - Allergy & Anaphylaxis
  • Quiz 9 opens at 12:01 am

Week 12

  • Quiz 9 Chapters 15-16, 21 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 9 Chapters 15-16, 21
    • Lab:  Medical Assessment PRACTICE
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 17 - Cardiovascular Emergencies
    • Chapter 18 - Neurologic Emergencies
    • Chapter 19 - Gastrointestinal Emergencies
  • Quiz 10 opens at 12:01 am

Week 13

  • Quiz 10 Chapters 17-19 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Exam 10 Chapters 17-19
    • Lab:  Medical Assessment PRACTICE
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 20 - Endocrine Emergencies
    • Chapter 22 - Toxicology
    • Chapter 23 - Behavioral Health Emergencies
    • Chapter 24 - Gynecology
  • Quiz 11 opens at 12:01 am

Week 14

  • Quiz 11 Chapters 20-24 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Comprehensive Exam 11 Chapters 15-24
    • Lab:  Medical Assessment TEST
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 34 - Obstetrics & Neonatal Care
  • Quiz 12 opens at 12:01 am

Week 15

  • Quiz 12 Chapter 34 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Chapter 35 - Pediatric Emergencies
  • Day 2
    • Chapter 36 - Geriatric Emergencies
    • Chapter 37 - Patients with Special Challenges
  • Quiz 13 opens at 12:01 am

Week 16

  • Quiz 13 Chapter 35 closes at 11:59 pm
  • Day 1
    • Final Exam Review
  • Day 2
    • Final Exam

Saturday Class - To Be Announced

  • Hazardous Material Awareness
    • Lecture Hall
    • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    • Chapters 38-41
  • Weekly quiz to be announced following covering each chapter

Additional Information

COURSE DESCRIPTION

EMSP 1501/1001 - Preparation for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician - 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 service.

EMSP 1163 - A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts.  Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

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 immunization include:

  • Tetanus-diphtheria within 10 years
  • Measles (two doses) (preferably MMR vaccine)
  • Mumps (preferably MMR vaccine)
  • Rubella (preferably MMR vaccine)
  • Hepatitis B Immunizations (3-injection series requiring 4 to 6 months to complete)
  • Varicella (chickenpox):  proof od vaccine or positive antibody titer.  Past history does not count.
  • Influenza (if clinical rotations occur during flu season - October to May)
  • Proof of a negative Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test within the past year

At no time may a student enter into, or observe, actual patient care without having fully completed each of the immunization requirements - to do so is a safety violation and will not be tolerated.

Students must be 18 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 requirement for state certification.)


OBJECTIVES & COURSE GOALS

The goal of 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 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic for:

  • Respiratory Emergencies
  • Cardiovascular Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Infection Control
  • Shock
  • Obstetrical Emergencies
  • Emotional aspects of injury and illness
  • Pediatric Emergencies
  • Geriatric Emergencies
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Central Nervous System Injuries
  • Hazardous Material Awareness
  • Other pertinent issues covered in class as well as text material.

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will 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
  • Patient Assessment/Management Medical
  • Cardiac Arrest Management/AED
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Adult 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO
  • Child 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO
  • Infant 1 & 2 Rescuer CPR and FBAO
  • Mechanical Aids to Breathing:
    • Oxygen Administration
    • Bag Valve Mask Apneic Patient
    • Mouth to Mask with Supplemental Oxygen
    • Suction
    • Oropharyngeal Airway
    • Nasopharyngeal Airway
    • Epinephrine Autoinjector Administration
    • Bronchodilator Administration via Small Volume
      Nebulizer and/or Metered Dose Inhaler
  • Vital Signs
  • Bleeding Control/Shock Management
  • Long Bone Immobilization
  • Joint Dislocation Immobilization
  • Spinal Immobilization Seated Patient
  • Spinal Immobilization Supine Patient
  • Traction Splinting

ELECTRONIC MOBILE DEVICES

Pagers, telephones, and other mobile devices are disruptive during class time.  These devices must be turned off/silenced during class time.  If you feel you will have an emergency during class time, leave the classroom and attend to situation outside the classroom.  TEXTING IS NOT ALLOWED DURING CLASS - NO EXCEPTIONS.  NO WARNINGS.

Personal electronic devices are NOT to be used during exams or quizzes.  If a student is caught with a personal electronic device during this time and up to the time quizzes or exams are turned in, even if completed, cheating will be automatically assumed, and a grade of "F" for the course will be awarded.  Cheating will not be tolerated.


INCLEMENT WEATHER

Amarillo College generally announces the cancellation of night classes due to weather around 3:30 pm.  Once announced, an announcement will be posted to Blackboard.  Students will NOT be counted as 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, which will also be posted on Blackboard as an announcement.


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 Admininistrative 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!


MANDATORY TUTORING POLICY

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, as per established Amarillo College policy applies.  If tutoring is required, the student will be required to attend at least one, 60-minute session in the tutoring lab until their cumulative average is 75% or higher.  Students will be counseled to drop, or receive a grade of "F" for the course, if satisfactory progress is not made as evaluated by the course instructor and/or tutoring personnel.  Failure to satisfactorily attend tutoring sessions results in automatic dismissal from the course as evaluated by the course instructor and/or tutoring personnel.  More information including locations and hours can be found on the Amarillo College Academic Success Center's website.


AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDINGS

Students may record lectures if they feel this will help them with successful completion of the course.  However, these recordings 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.


CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK & DUG TESTING

Prior to attending any clinical rotation, each student must submit to a criminal background check and a urine drug test.  This is required by various clinical sites, not Amarillo College.  This is only done online using ComplioStudents 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 with different students.  A criminal history does NOT necessarily preclude you from clinicals.  Honesty on the application is the best policy.

As of August 1, 2020, a urine drug screen is now required by the various clinical sites.  This will also be scheduled and completed using Complio.  You will be required to schedule an appointment through the Complio website and submit your specimen at LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics.  If you fail to arrive for your scheduled appointment, you will have to start the process over again, including repayment.


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.


COURSE WITHDRAWAL

It is the student's responsibility to officially drop or withdraw from a course.  Failure to officially withdraw will result in a grade of "F" for both courses - EMSP 1501/1163/1001.  Students are NOT automatically dropped from their courses as a result of nonattendance.  An email to your instructor expressing your desire to withdraw is REQUIRED to initiate the withdrawal process.  Students must sign and pick up their drop paperwork to turn into the Assistance Center.

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 (6) courses during their academic career, including courses for 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 course instructor should make every attempt 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:

  1. Program Director
  2. Program Dean
  3. Dean of Instruction
  4. President of Amarillo College

COVID-19

During these challenging times, student are asked to remain flexible with sudden changes in schedules, calendars, and course delivery methods.  Please note the following policies and procedures specific to COVID-19 below:

The COVID-19 TASK FORCE has approved the following policies and procedures for the fall start of classes.

  1. All AC employees and students will use the Amarillo College HealthHub application in partnership with Duet Health each day before coming to campus to confirm that they have not tested positive and are not experiencing COVID-like symptoms.
  2. Masks or face shields are required per the board-approved policy.  Faculty and students must abide by this policy.  Students who are unwilling to abide by the mandatory mask policy, and/or are uncomfortable with being in a face to face setting, will be instructed to reach out to their advisors to switch to an online section instead, if one is available.
  3. If a student is confirmed positive for COVID-19, the student will immediately quarantine and follow CDC guidelines.  The student may resume attending classes in person when he or she is cleared according to CDC guidelines.  After investigation and contact tracing, the class will continue in the face to face setting if possible.  Faculty will notify students through e-mail, Blackboard, and in class.  Any student who is uncomfortable with returning to class may choose to simulcast.
  4. Be prepared to transition back to remote learning at any time.

ATTENDANCE

The attendance policy as specified above will remain effect during the entire semester.  However, if a student is forced to quarantine because of COVID-19 and attends classes remotely they will not be counted as absent.  Students who miss class because of COVID-19 will be handled on a case by case basis.  Abuse of the attendance policy due to COVID-19 may result in failure of the course.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Social distancing guidelines will be followed as often as possible.  During labs, students should remain at least 6 feet away from any other person except when performing the lab.  During lectures and exams, students should remain at least 6 feet away from any other person if possible.

REMOTE LEARNING

Students have the option to use remote learning during the semester.  However, the following policies and procedures should be followed when choosing remote learning:

  1. Students are required to complete all exams and laboratory sessions on campus unless approved by the course instructor.  Remote learning only applies to lectures.
  2. If a student chooses to attend a lecture remotely, the student must provide the instructor with at least 1 WEEK notice to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.  Once the technology has been proven to be reliable, the student must provide the instructor with at least 2 hours notice prior to class their decision to attend the lecture remotely.
  3. The policies and procedures outlined in this syllabus applies to face to face or remote learning.  Students will be expected to be logged into the remote learning software at the beginning of the class session they choose to attend remotely.  If a student logs in late or logs out early, this will count as a tardy as specified in the Attendance Policy above.
  4. Students are expected to interact with the class to the best of their ability whether face to face or remotely.
  5. The student accepts all risks associated with remote learning, including but not limited to, technology problems, internet connection issues, inability to interact with the class, etc.

REMOTE LEARNING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

The course instructor will make every effort to minimize any potential problems that may arise during a remote learning session, but the student should be aware of the following:

  1. Web Camera - The web camera may not be able to capture the projector screen, all of the whiteboard, or the instructor at all times.
  2. Microphone - The microphone may not always be able to capture all of the sounds of the classroom.  When a student, for example, asks a question, remote learners may not hear the question.  Depending on the location of the instructor, the instructor may be hard to hear.
  3. Interactions - Remote learners may not be able to ask questions during lectures.  Questions may have to be e-mailed to the instructor to be answered at a later time.
  4. Sharing Screens - As our classroom is considered a smart classroom, the instructor cannot guarantee that what the face to face students are seeing in class with be shared online.  This may especially be true when switching between the computer and document camera.
  5. Internet Connections - Internet connections are never guaranteed.  Bandwidths on campus or remotely may vary without notice.

AC CONNECT/BLACKBOARD

AC Connect, also known as Blackboard, is the fastest way to communicate with a large group of people.  Each student should become familiar with how to access and use Blackboard found at https://actx.blackboard.com.  Grades and important class information will be posted, along with campus announcements, events, and e-mail.


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 with or without written notice.

This syllabus was approved on Monday, August 24, 2020 at 9:50:02 AM by the EMSP Program.

Syllabus Created on:

01/21/24 1:18 PM

Last Edited on:

01/21/24 1:58 PM