Course Series: Medical

The spread of disease is not new, but how we handle the outbreaks and the spread of diseases is critical. EMS providers are in a unique position to be among the first to recognize patterns or trends of illnesses in the community, and to help prevent a larger outbreak of a communicable disease. The current influenza threat from the H1N1 virus is reviewed.

Featuring Katherine West, BSN, MSED., CIC, Infection control expert. Robert Waddell, Current Vice President – Sacco Triage System Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This program discusses challenges to EMS providers when responding to incidents involving patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Methods of communicating with the patient for assessment and treatment are reviewed.

Featuring Neil McDevitt, Program Director, CEPIN-TDI

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body either fails to produce insulin or cannot use insulin effectively to process sugar. The result is that excess sugar or glucose will circulate in the blood and can cause damage to vital organs like the heart and kidney. Diabetes can also exacerbate other disease processes, causing complications for the patient. An estimated 26 million Americans have diabetes and over 70 million display symptoms of a pre-diabetic condition.

The focus of this program is the role of the EMS responder in identifying and managing a diabetic patient in a prehospital setting.

Featuring Angel Clark Burba, MS, NRP EMS Program Director Howard Community College

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease that is caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. There have been several cases thus far of Ebola in the United States. Transmission occurs through bodily fluids, which makes EMS providers vulnerable. This program will help EMS providers identify the signs, symptoms, and patient history of the Ebola Virus Disease; describe the necessary personal protective equipment to be used and methods for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) removal; explain the procedures used to clean and disinfect transport vehicles; and will specify follow-up procedures that EMS providers should follow when caring for a patient who has signs, symptoms, and patient history consistent with the Ebola Virus Disease.

Featuring Jeffrey Lindsey, PhD, CFO, Paramedic

The program reviews signs, symptoms, and treatment of MRSA, risk factors in the environment, and outlines the various levels of cleaning, disinfecting, and decontamination that are necessary. The importance of infection control guidelines and the necessity of performing routine cleaning after every patient transport are discussed.

Featuring: Katherine West, BSN, MSEd, CIC, Infection Control Consultant Infection Control/Emerging Concepts, Inc.

Signs and symptoms associated with bloodborne and other communicable diseases are reviewed. Course covers the latest on hepatitis B and C, as well as the effects of the universal hepatitis B vaccine on healthcare workers. MRSA, the H1N1 virus, HIV and how to protect yourself from exposure are included. Post-exposure care, follow up, and the Ryan White Care Act are emphasized.

Featuring: Katherine West, BSN, MSEd, CIC, Infection Control Consultant Infection Control/Emerging Concepts, Inc.

Encountering a pregnant patient during an EMS call is common for many responders. But while contact with pregnant patients is frequent, it is less common for a prehospital provider to assist with delivery and resuscitation of an infant or post-partum care for a mother. The infrequency of this type of call, combined with the emotional high-stakes related to the outcome, makes many providers anxious when responding to a patient who is in labor. This program reviews the physiology of a pregnant patient; the birth process; the challenges a provider may encounter during labor and delivery; and the care a provider should be prepared to administer to a newborn.

Featuring Sondra Epley RN/Flight Nurse

This program explains how opioids work and why they can be so addictive; how to recognize and treat an opioid overdose; and what EMS providers can do to help protect themselves and the communities they serve from the dangers associated with the opioid epidemic.

This class identifies types of pain and reviews their characteristics and qualities. Multiple pain assessment tools, non-medication pain management techniques, and the use of Morphine, Fentanyl, and Nitronox are presented.