Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Upon successful completion of the Advanced EMT Level Certificate, the Paramedic Certificate or the Associate in Applied Science degree, the graduate is expected to:

1. Be eligible for the appropriate level of professional credentialing.
2. Behave ethically with tolerance and respect for cultural and ethnic diversity in patients, family
   members, and fellow health care providers.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills with
   patients, family, and coworkers.
4. Demonstrate the critical thinking ability necessary for problem solving and differential diagnosis in
   emergency medicine.
5. Maintain professional knowledge, skills, and
   behaviors through lifelong learning.

There are three different types of Emergency Medical Technicians and each certification allows their holders different rights to do different jobs, or, in EMS terms, “a different scope of practice”.  The three levels of EMT certification – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic.

EMS is demanding work both physically and psychologically.  These positions require a particular set of skills.  The KVCC EMS Department has adopted the “Maine EMS – EMS Provider Functional Position Description”, to outline EMS provider expectations, it can be found here:  https://www.maine.gov/ems/documents/Functional%20Position%20Description%20for%20EMS%20Providers.pdf

For additional information regarding any of the listed certification levels and/or licensing, visit:

• The National Registry of EMTs at nremt.org
• The Department of Public Safety, Maine EMS website: maine.gov/ems/

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the entry-level certification/licensure for the EMS system.  EMTs are dispatched to provide out of hospital emergency care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the EMS system.

EMTs have basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients.  Here are some of the responsibilities of an EMT:  assessing various patients in emergent situations, be able to manage a patient’s airway, perform CPR and utilize semi-automatic defibrillators (AED), hemorrhage control, non-invasive shock treatment, fracture and spinal stabilization, emergency childbirth, and administration of some medications.

EMT Certification:  KVCC offers courses in both a hybrid and traditional format.  Students completing this 5 credit course should expect to attend approximately 130 hours of class (depending on format), as well as complete a minimum of 16 clinical hours scheduled outside of the regular classroom time.  Successful completion of this course requires students to maintain a minimum classroom grade of 75% or better, complete all clinical requirements, be able to demonstrate competency in psychomotor skills and assessments, and exhibit appropriate professional behaviors both in the classroom and during clinical.

AEMT is the next step in EMT certification.  AEMT’s provide basic and limited advanced level emergency care in the out of hospital setting.   An AEMT can perform all of the skills and assessments of an EMT and are trained in in intravenous access (IVs), cardiac monitoring, more advanced airway management techniques, and the administration of some additional medications.  AEMTs are the first level of advanced life support.

AEMT Certification:  The AEMT curriculum is offered every semester fall at KVCC (unless demand dictates additional courses) and is comprised of four college courses totaling 12 credits.  The AEMT program utilizes both online learning platforms, classroom lecture, lab sessions, and clinical.   AEMT students complete a minimum of 170 clinical hours in both hospitals and on ambulances.  Successful completion of this course requires students to maintain a minimum classroom grade of 80% of better, complete all clinical requirements, be able to demonstrate competency in psychomotor skills and assessments, and exhibit appropriate professional behaviors both in the classroom and during clinical.

Paramedics maintain the highest level of EMT certification and licensing in the out-of-hospital setting.  Paramedics are required to possess complex knowledge and skills including advanced level airway management, advanced cardiac monitoring and treatment, more in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medical emergencies, and traumatic injuries and treatments.

Paramedic Certification:  The KVCC Paramedic Certificate Program starts every fall and runs for three consecutive semesters.  Students must be licensed AEMTs prior to starting the program.  Each semester, paramedic students are enrolled in at least two didactic/lab paramedic specific courses and one paramedic clinical course.  This program utilizes online learning platforms, lecture, group discussions, simulation, scenarios, lab skills, and clinical experiences.  Paramedic students complete a minimum of 550 hours of clinical in both hospitals and on ambulances throughout this program.  Successful completion of this course requires students to maintain a minimum classroom grade of 80% of better, complete all clinical requirements, be able to demonstrate competency in psychomotor skills and assessments, and exhibit appropriate professional behaviors both in the classroom and during clinical.

Associate in Applied Science degree:  Students can opt to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree by completing all the Paramedic program requirements, as well as prescribed general education requirements.

Applicants to all EMS Programs need to note that a criminal background check will be required while they are enrolled in the program. Certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record.

Completed criminal background checks are a required prerequisite of all EMS programs regardless of license level.  Students are financially responsible for background check requirements.  Once accepted to the program, students will receive information regarding background check completion.

Failure to complete a criminal background check will result in the inability to complete the clinical portion of the course.

Applicants who consider a career in any of the allied health professions should be aware that during the course of their education and subsequent employment, they will be working in situations where exposure to infectious diseases is probable. This is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well-established infection control guidelines, however, can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in infection control procedures is an integral part of each health care program.

Additionally, applicants should be aware that exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) is likely. Individuals exposed to NRL products may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes; hives; nasal, eyes, or sinus symptoms; and, rarely, shock

Completed immunization records are a required prerequisite of all EMS programs regardless of license level.  Students are financially responsible for obtaining any necessary records for immunizations.  Any EMS student must show proof of immunization* of the following:

• Current negative TB or equivalent (within one year of starting the program)
• Two MMR vaccines or titer
• Hep B three shot series or titer
• Current flu shot
• Varicella or titer
• Tetanus/DTAP or titer

* Students may elect to decline some of the listed immunizations but must be aware that clinical sites may deny them access to patient areas or students will be required to wear masks during particular outbreaks (for example during flu season).

Failure to complete the immunization requirement will result in the inability to complete the clinical portion of the course.

* Class of 2020 was disrupted by Covid-19 and is projected to complete the program by April 30, 2021.

Please note that this program does not allow for advanced placement.

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Cordwell, Paramedic Program Director and Department Chair

(207) 453 5025

scordwell@kvcc.me.edu

Edward Doughty, Advanced Emergency Care Faculty

(207) 453-5159

ndoughty@kvcc.me.edu

Heather McGlauflin, EMS Clinical Coordinator

HMcGlauflin@kvcc.me.edu