EMT Foundations

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/emt-foundations

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: EMT Foundations on Coursera** If you're considering a career in emergency medical services or simply want to expand your understanding of this crucial field, the "EMT Foundations" course on Coursera is an exceptional starting point. Designed to provide a solid foundation in the emergency medical services (EMS) system, this course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, making it beneficial for aspiring EMTs and healthcare enthusiasts alike. ### Overview "EMT Foundations" offers a comprehensive introduction to the EMS system. By the end of the course, learners will not only grasp the historical context and operational components of EMS but also develop essential skills in medical terminology and patient communication. The structured curriculum ensures that students emerge with a well-rounded view of what it takes to provide emergency care. ### Course Structure and Key Modules 1. **Introduction to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)** - This initial module lays the groundwork by exploring the EMS system's evolution and its various elements. Here, students will delve into the medical and legal considerations central to prehospital care. Importantly, the course emphasizes the self-care of healthcare providers, a crucial aspect often overlooked in high-pressure environments. 2. **Basic Human Anatomy** - Learning the "language" of medicine is critical for effective communication. This module introduces basic medical terminology while covering the anatomy of key body systems, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurologic, and endocrine systems. Understanding these fundamentals is vital for anyone aiming to work in a clinical setting. 3. **Communication With A Healthcare Provider** - Clear communication can mean the difference between life and death in EMS. This module teaches essential communication strategies, including the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) method for handoff reports. Students will learn how to engage effectively with both patients and colleagues, which is paramount in emergency medicine. 4. **Vital Signs and History Taking** - Mastering the ability to take vital signs is a crucial skill for any healthcare provider. This module instructs students on measuring blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, and assessing skin condition. Additionally, learners will explore standard templates for collecting patient history, including the OPQRST and AMPLE methods, which equip them to gather crucial information quickly and efficiently. 5. **Immediately Upon Arrival To The Scene** - The course concludes with practical advice on scene safety and patient assessment. Students will learn to perform thorough assessments for medical and trauma patients using national registry guidelines. This module synthesizes all the prior knowledge, culminating in a holistic approach to patient management in real-world scenarios. ### Final Thoughts and Recommendation "EMT Foundations" on Coursera stands out for its engaging content and practical approach to learning. Whether you're contemplating a career in EMS or simply curious about how emergency care operates, this course provides invaluable insights. The balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that learners feel prepared for both the challenges and rewards of the profession. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in becoming an EMT or seeking to understand the emergency medical services landscape. The structured modules, combined with expert instruction, make "EMT Foundations" a must-take course for future healthcare providers and anyone keen on understanding the vital role of emergency medical services in our communities. Enroll today and take your first step towards making a difference in the world of healthcare!

Syllabus

Introduction to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

In this module, you will learn about the nuts and bolts of the emergency medical services system. We will cover some brief history of EMS, as well as breakdown the different components of the system. There will be discussion about some of the medical and legal issues that are persistent in the practice of prehospital medicine. We will also address workplace safety and provider wellness, because you cannot take care of other people unless you are learning to take care of yourself!

In this module, we will learn a new language. This module will cover basic medical terminology and some tips and tricks for “talking the talk.” This is also where we will cover the basics of anatomy of the human body! We will teach you the basics of human anatomy of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurologic and endocrine system.

Essential to emergency medical services is communication. This module will discuss the various parts of the job that require communication and the different strategies to employ clear and concise communication. You will learn about the SBAR method of hand off reports, learn how to successfully communicate with patients, and we will cover some pearls and pitfalls to communicating within the EMS system.

Here we will cover vital signs, and learn about why they are vital! We will be teaching you how to take a blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, and assess a patient’s skin. We will also learn about taking a history during a patient encounter, and learn some standard approaches to this including the OPQRST and AMPLE templates of history taking.

In this last module, we will be discussing some bread and butter components of EMS. The first is scene safety and assessment of a scene. Then we will cover the complete assessment of a medical patient, and a trauma patient, using the national registry as our guideline. By the end of this, you will know how to communicate with patients and how to perform a thorough assessment of any patient you may encounter.