Emergency Medical Services Program

Most LCCC HSW students must complete clinical rotations for program completion.  These clinical rotations occur in clinical settings with clinical sites that have agreed to provide these educational experiences for LCCC students. In order to ensure the safest environment possible for their patients and staff, many of these clinical settings have included COVID-19 in their list of clinical clearance requirements, with limited exemptions available for students and employees. Because all clinical hours and/or clinical competencies must be completed to meet program requirements, this means you may be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption on file to enter and/or progress in the Emergency Medical Services program. For additional information, regarding these requirements, please see the Health Sciences & Wellness Policies Handbook, Addendum and the Clinical Site COVID-19 FAQ’s.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

The Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic program prepares competent entry-level paramedics for work in various EMS capacities.

This 71-credit hour paramedic, AAS degree program is designed to be completed in 12 months after acceptance. The paramedic AAS program begins in the Fall semester by taking our EMT 1500 class along with general education classes that fulfill the AAS degree requirements. After successfully completing the EMT 1500 course, students are eligible to sit for the NREMT exams. Once students successfully complete the NREMT exams, they are eligible to enter the workforce to gain EMT experience over the next year while continuing their required courses to satisfy the paramedic AAS degree requirements.

The paramedic portion of the AAS program begins in January, runs through the spring, summer, and fall semesters, and graduates in December. Students must take the courses in sequence.

Prerequisites for entry into the paramedic portion of the AAS program includes a current EMT State certification or licensure, or NREMT certification and employment as an EMT for at least one year in a clinical or prehospital capacity.

The paramedic AAS program is limited to 20 students, with each new class starting in January. The application period is from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, for the following year. Prospective students must also apply and be accepted to LCCC.

• Program Map

What can I do with this degree?

EMS personnel (EMTs and Paramedics) typically  work for private ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, or other rescue services. They may also work within hospitals, emergency departments and clinics, or urgent care facilities.

An AAS degree can provide opportunities for students to further their EMS career, possibly into a supervisory role.

Visit LCCC's Career Resources to find tools for selecting the right program for you and marketing yourself to future employers.

Credit Diploma

This 42 credit-hour credit diploma program is designed to be completed in 12 months after acceptance. The paramedic credit diploma program begins in January, runs through the spring, summer, and fall semesters, and graduates in December. Students must take the courses in sequence.

Prerequisites for entry into the paramedic credit diploma portion of the program also include a current EMT state certification or licensure, or NREMT certification, and employment as an EMT in EMS for at least one year in a prehospital capacity.

The paramedic AAS program is limited to 20 students with each new class starting in January. The application period is from August 1 through September 30 for the following year. Prospective students must also apply and be accepted to LCCC.

• Program Map

What can I do with this degree?

EMS professionals typically work for private ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, or other rescue services. They may also work within hospitals, emergency departments and clinics, or urgent care facilities.

The Credit Diploma is granted after successfully completing the paramedic program. Upon successful completion of the paramedic program, the student is eligible to sit for NREMT exams. After successfully completing the National Registry exams, students can enter the workforce as a paramedic.

While in the workforce, the student can complete the remaining requirements for their AAS degree. An AAS degree can provide opportunities for students to further their EMS career, possibly into a supervisory role.

Visit LCCC's Career Resources to find tools for selecting the right program for you and marketing yourself to future employers.

EMT 1500 Course

The EMT 1500 class is part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Laramie County Community College (LCCC). The course is a requirement for entry into the paramedic program. The EMT 1500 class prepares students to be first responders and prehospital care providers as EMTs. The EMT 1500 course is one (1) semester long, offered in the fall and spring semesters. The course is delivered in a hybrid format with online and face-to-face classroom instruction for lectures, and face-to-face laboratory and clinical internships. Upon successful completion of the paramedic program, the student is eligible to sit for NREMT exams. The National Registry certification will allow students to enter the workforce as an EMT.

What can I do with this credential?

EMS personnel (EMTs and paramedics) typically work for private ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, or other rescue services. They may also work within hospitals, emergency departments and clinics, or urgent care facilities.

Visit LCCC's Career Resources to find tools for selecting the right program for you and marketing yourself to future employers.

We also offer non-credit classes such as CPR and first aid training. Find a CPR/first aid training.

 Paramedic Characteristics:

The paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly int he best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. Must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.

Even though the paramedic is generally part of a two-person team working with a lower skill and knowledge level Basic EMT, it is the paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs including narcotics. Therefore, the paramedic must not only be knowledgeable about medications, but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anti-convulsants, central nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which include anti-depressants, and other anti-psychotics, anti-cholerginics, cholergenics, muscle relaxants, anti-dysrythmics, anti-hypertensives, anti-coagulants, diuretics, bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, serums, vaccines, anti-parasitics, and others. 

The paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques, observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping one's own pharmacological knowledge base current as to changes and trends in administration and use, keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional make-up, and using drug reference literature.

The responsibility of the paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage and dosage. The paramedic must take into consideration that many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type of medication to be given. For example, some patients may be taking several medications prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of what they have or have not taken. Some may be using nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, is imperative. The paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind that drugs may cross the placenta.

The paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight, special concerns related to newborns, geriatric patients and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little to no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction, therefore, the paramedic must be thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given. The ability to measure and re-measure drip rates for controlled substances/medications is essential. Once medication is stopped or not used, the paramedic must send back unused portions to proper inventory arena.

The paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies (i.e. proper size of intravenous needles) based on patient's age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal precautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.

The paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients to overcome trauma through antidotes, and have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient's system and be cognizant that route of administration is critical in relation to patient's needs and the effect that occurs.

The paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site designated physician.

The paramedic is a person who must not only remain clam while working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing tot take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life-threatening emergency situations.

The paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.

Physical Demands:

Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient’s, the paramedic’s, and other workers’ well-being must not be jeopardized.

Comments:

The paramedic provides the most extensive prehospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments, or hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon nature of call. For example, a paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances that the paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in districts known to have high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the paramedic can vary depending on place and type of employment.

However, in general the paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgments while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient. 

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression of patient's condition, is critical as the paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the paramedic must enter data on computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively. 

*Taken from Paramedic Functional Job Analysis/Technical Standards. Source: USDOT 1998 National Standard Paramedic Curriculum

Downloaded from: https://coaemsp.org/caahep-standards-and-guidelines

EMS program issued uniforms shall be worn to class; however, each clinical sites' dress code policy will be strictly adhered to and followed. This may include, but is not limited to, visible jewelry/piercings or tattoos that may need to be covered. Each clinical site may have different policies and are always subject to change. 

To progress through the credit diploma or AAS paramedic program, the student must maintain a minimum of 80% in each course.  The cumulative course grade for each course will be calculated based on total points.  Course grades will be scored as follows:

90-100% = A

80-89% = B

Less than 80% = F (Fail)

American Heart Association (AHA), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification exams must be passed with a score of 84% or higher. Final course grades must be a minimum of 80% to continue in the program. If the student’s grade at the end of a course is less than 80%, the student will be dismissed from the program and receive a failing grade. 

Due to the accelerated nature and demands of the full-time paramedic program, outside employment is not recommended. However, this personal decision should be based on individual performance in the classroom and clinical sites. Students will not be excused from class or clinical assignments for personal work schedules.