ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION

ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION

This information session is designed to provide you with valuable information with which to make an informed decision to pursue a career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or a Paramedic. Following the presentation, if you have further unanswered questions, feel free to contact the Emergency Medical Services Department Program Director - Doug Paris, at 864-592-4277 or Parisd@sccsc.edu.

The primary focus of the EMT is to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. EMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. EMTs perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance and are a link from the scene into the emergency health care system.

A Paramedic is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. Paramedics possess the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation and function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance and are a link from the scene into the health care system.

Obtaining and Monitoring Vital Signs Airway Management, Oxygen Administration, Airway Devices CPR, AED Operation, ECG identification and Cardiac Monitoring Scene Assessment, Patient Assessment, Physical Examination, Taking a Medical History Pharmacology and medication administration Treatment of Medical Emergencies: Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Respiratory Distress, Altered Mental Status, Seizures, Strokes, Diabetics, Environmental, Behavioral, Poisoning/Overdose Trauma Care to include Bleeding Control, Wound Care, Shock Management, Splinting Fractures, Immobilization of Joints, Care for Victims of Motor Vehicle Collisions, Head & Spine Injuries, IV Maintenance, Lifting and Moving Patients Obstetrics, Childbirth, Infants and Children, Geriatrics Ambulance Operations to include Communications, Documentation, Confined Space Access, Infection Control, HAZMAT, (Hazardous Materials), Weapons of Mass Destruction, Terrorism, Mass Casualty Incidents

EMT and Paramedic training is intense because of the volume of information and skills required. Paramedic training is also very time-consuming attending class, hospital clinical and field internship, often concurrently. The more one works, the more grades can suffer

to geriatrics with complex health problems.

COMPASSION EMTs and Paramedics should be able to provide emotional support to patients in their care and be sympathetic to their needs as well as the needs of their family.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL EMTs and Paramedics must be detail-oriented to ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate treatments and medications in a timely manner, often under stressful and adverse conditions. They must also closely monitor patients and carefully document information related to patient care.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS EMTs and Paramedics interact with patients and families and are a vital part of the health care team. They must be able to follow instructions independently and from a physician, as well as make recommendations for prehospital resuscitative care.

PATIENCE EMTs and Paramedics may work with patients who need special attention.

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS EMTs and Paramedics need strong problem-solving skills. They must evaluate patients symptoms, formulate and implement treatment plans and consult with other healthcare professionals.

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS EMTs and Paramedics must understand anatomy, physiology, and other sciences and be able to apply basic mathematical skills to assist in diagnosis, administration of medications and advanced monitoring of the patient s condition.

Employment is expected to grow 24% through 2024 much faster than the average. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to greater demand for EMTs and Paramedics mostly in the prehospital environment. The median annual wage of EMTs and Paramedics was $36,200 in May 2015.

EMTs and paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. Employed on emergency (911) ambulances, in non-emergent transport services, as hospital technicians and in other allied health professions, their work is sometimes physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and patients who are suffering.

EMTs and paramedics are at the highest level of potential exposure to blood, body fluids and potential infectious agents. Personal safety is paramount and is heavily emphasized in training.

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Rewarding careers in themselves, some EMTs and Paramedics utilize their training and knowledge to transition to alternative health care fields. Paramedics may become EMS supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors or executive directors of Emergency Medical Services systems. Other opportunities exist to become EMS instructors, dispatchers, medical equipment sales/marketing representatives or, to further a career as a registered nurse, physician assistant, physician or other allied healthcare provider.

Apply to the College EARLY! See an Admissions Counselor for assistance. Space in EMT and Paramedic programs is limited. Selective admission criteria forms for prospective paramedic students are due in the EMS Department in early December to be eligible for the spring Paramedic Cohort.

HAVE A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND DRUG SCREENING PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE EMT OR PARAMEDIC PROGRAMS.

Written documentation of up-to-date immunizations is required by all clinical affiliates A flu vaccine is required

Harrison s Outerwear (150 P&S Ct., Duncan, SC 29334; Phone: 864-655-5956) supplies many EMS services, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies with uniforms

View our website at https://www.sccsc.edu/paramedic/

220 East Kennedy Street Spartanburg, SC 29302 864/592-4052 Advising, registration, and many other student services are available at the Evans Academic Center. Call for an appointment to visit.

SPARTANBURG COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT STEPS 1. APPLY TO THE COLLEGE Complete an application and pay $25 nonrefundable application fee. 2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID Complete the FAFSA form online to get the process started. 3. SUBMIT INFO Submit scores and transcripts and verify your legal presence. 4. TESTING Take the college placement tests. 5. ADVISING AND REGISTERING Meet with an Admissions Counselor and select your major.

1. Complete all college enrollment steps 2. Meet with an Academic Counselor 3. Ensure your major is correctly coded a) EMT: CT.EMT b) Paramedic Certificate: CT.PMD c) Paramedic Degree: AAS.G.EMS 4. Pay required fees in Business Office and complete financial obligations 5. Register for classes 6. Purchase books, supplies and a uniform 7. Attend the MANDATORY Orientation session a) Learn more about the profession b) Complete required program forms

Financial Aid is available for the academic EMT and Paramedic programs. See a Financial Aid officer for complete details. Some out-of-pocket expenses may still be incurred.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAMS ESTIMATED EXPENSES ** Expense EMT Program Paramedic Programs Tuition & Fees Refer to: Tuition and Fees on SCC webpage Refer to: Tuition and Fees on SCC webpage Criminal Background Investigation & Drug Screening $85 $85 ($0 if enrolling in consecutive semesters) Liability Insurance $8 $8 Estimated Health Form & Immunizations Cost varies - as determined by your physician Cost varies - as determined by your physician Expenses SC CareLearning $10 $10 Books $160 $700 Supplies Uniform (from Harrison s Work Wear) $18 (Pocket mask with 1-way valve and oxygen inlet) $250 (Shirt, EMT shoulder patch, pants, belt, boots) $10 - $200 (Stethoscope - Cost varies with brand, personal preference) $5 Paramedic shoulder patch (the only change) AHA Card Fees $5 (BLS HCP) $16 (ACLS, PALS) NAEMT Card Fee NA $15 (PHTLS) National Registry Practical Certification Exam National Registry Written Certification Exam $100 $300 $70 $110

All EMT and Paramedic students must be capable of meeting the Technical Standards. Shown are examples of what an EMT may be required to do in the classroom, lab and on the job! More information is provided during Orientation.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing back from you soon! Click on the link below and complete the survey to document your participation in the EMT/Paramedic Information Session. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ems_info_session

For further information, contact DOUG PARIS EMS Program Director 864-592-4277 ParisD@sccsc.edu