Paramedic

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Courses - January 2024

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Biomedical Science 1
PARA1300

Description: This theory based course will introduce the student to concepts in human anatomy and physiology and relate them to selected pathological conditions that the paramedic will be exposed to in the field. Taking a systems approach, topics in the course content will be expanded upon in second semester.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: PARA1325

Professional Practice 1
PARA1310

Description:

This course is designed to provide the student with relevant knowledge of the federal and provincial legislation and regulations applicable to the field of Paramedicine. The student will focus on the accountability and responsibility of his/her own on scene actions and behaviours in reference to the legalities governing his/her professional duties. The student will understand his/her role as an advocate for a patient's right to dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and consent to treatment.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Paramedic Procedures 1
PARA1325

Description: This course will introduce the student to concepts and application of foundational primaryparamedic care theory. Students will also learn the various pre-hospital care equipment used to treat medical and trauma emergencies. Topics in this course will be continued and some will be expanded upon in second semester.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Paramedic Patient Management 1
PARA1330

Description: This course is an introduction to vital signs, primary and secondary assessments for the management and support of basic airway, breathing and circulatory emergencies. Transportation of the patient while lifting with proper body mechanics will also be covered.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: PARA1300 OR PARA1305 AND PARA1325

Field Placement Preparation
PARA1460

Description:

This course provides students with the preparatory knowledge required to participate in clinical experiences in the community. Students will be introduced to paramedic operations and learn about the requirements for successful participation in work integrated learning experiences and the student expectations while attending clinical locations. This course is mandatory to complete prior to moving forward to attend any clinical fieldwork experiences for the Paramedic Program.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: PARA1330 OR PARA1335

Psychology for Emergency Medical Services
PSYC1190

Description: This course will examine psychological, sociological and cultural constructs as they relate specifically to the field of paramedicine. Topics will focus on issues that can affect the patient in an emergency situation as well as the paramedic in the course of his or her duties. Approaches to managing psychological and emotional crises will be explored. As well, maintaining short and long term personal psychological health for the paramedic will be examined. Students will participate in reflective and self-exploratory assignments to develop sensitivities to a culturally diverse population.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement II (Paramedic)
FPLT1450

Description: This course provides an opportunity for the paramedic student to receive practical experience in both the hospital setting and at an Ambulance Service within the community. The student will be able to complete basic patient assessments and apply basic therapeutics within the context of diagnostics that have been taught in theory and the simulated environment. The paramedic student will be under the direct supervision of preceptors and clinical staff while interacting with patients.

Hours: 36
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA1325 AND PARA1330 OR PARA1335
CoRequisites: PARA1390 AND PARA1400 OR PARA1405

Biomedical Science 2
PARA1355

Description: Biomedical Science 2 continues the concepts and framework of Bioscience 1. The course will explore connections between Anatomy and Physiology and disease and trauma processes. The course will look more in depth with specific pathologies and bridge with concurrent courses regarding management and specific protocols.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PARA1300
CoRequisites: PARA1390

Pharmacology 1
PARA1360

Description: This course will provide the paramedic student with the fundamental concepts of pharmacology as they apply to common medication usage in the field. Emphasis will be placed on introductory concepts, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, common medications, specific medications, drug dosages and legislative and medical control.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA1300 OR PARA1305
CoRequisites:

Professional Practice 2
PARA1370

Description: This course continues to explore professional topics in paramedicine. Emphasis will be focused on peripheral concepts and subject that affect paramedic performance in the field.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA1310 OR PARA1315
CoRequisites:

Community Populations
PARA1380

Description:

This course is designed to foster knowledge and understanding of a variety of community populations encountered in Paramedical practice. It will provide the student with the theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary for responding to situations involving a variety of physical, psychological and environmental factors. Developing effective responses to people with different, and frequently complex, presenting problems and behaviours will serve as an underpinning thread throughout the course. This course focuses on addressing diverse community populations throughout the lifespan. Students will participate in reflective and simulated activities to maximize sensitivity and empathy towards a broad patient demographic.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PARA1300 OR PARA1305 AND PARA1325 AND PSYC1190 OR PSYC1195
CoRequisites:

Paramedic Procedures 2
PARA1390

Description: This course continues to provide the knowledge, skill and rationale for assessment, interpretation and treatment priorities for pre-hospital medical and trauma situations. Various and expanded populations groups are introduced and focused. Selected topics are discussed regarding the pathophysiology of disease and trauma.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PARA1300 OR PARA1305 AND PARA1325
CoRequisites: PARA1400 OR PARA1405

Paramedic Patient Management 2
PARA1400

Description: This course will build on first semester assessment and management techniques for the delivery of applicable patient care. Simulated patient presentations will increase in complexity and introduce clinical reasoning for the student. Emphasis will be placed on patient reassessment to determine effective patient management strategies. The student will continue to develop patient lifting and extrication procedures with proper body mechanics.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PARA1330 OR PARA1335
CoRequisites: PARA1390

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement III (Paramedic)
FPLT2345

Description: This course provides the opportunity for the paramedic student to receive practical experience in an Ambulance Service within the community. The student will be assigned a paramedic preceptor, and under the direct supervision of this preceptor, the student will review, participate in, and analyze emergency situations which will form a basis for professional practice in the future. Note: Time frame for delivery of Practicum III may vary depending on available resources.

Hours: 75
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: FPLT1450 OR PARA2140 AND PARA1390 AND PARA1400 OR PARA1405
CoRequisites: PARA2125 AND PARA2130

Pharmacology 2
PARA2100

Description: This course will continue to explore the field of pharmacology as it relates to paramedicine. The emphasis of this course will be cardiac, renal, nervous, respiratory, pharmaceuticals used in EMS and in the hospital setting. Toxic effects of pharmaceutics will also be discussed.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PARA1360
CoRequisites:

Professional Practice 3
PARA2110

Description: In this course, the student will become familiar with the Advanced Life Support Standards. The emphasis in this course will be employing critical thinking related to the criteria for assessment, interpretation of assessment findings and their implications for patient management. The student will be required to understand and defend the appropriate administration of medications, intravenous therapy and defibrillation as outlined in the Ministry of Health Advanced Life Support Standards.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA1370
CoRequisites: PARA2125

Paramedic Procedures 3
PARA2125

Description:

In this course, students will learn advanced assessment and diagnostics to determine appropriate prehospital management for a variety of medical and trauma presentations. Emphasis will be placed on respiratory diagnostics as well as ECG monitoring and interpretation. Students will also learn how to assist the Advanced Care Paramedic with airway emergencies.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PARA1390
CoRequisites: PARA2110 OR PARA2115 AND PARA2130

Paramedic Patient Management 3
PARA2130

Description:

In this course, the student will develop their critical thinking, decision making and prioritization skills as they assess and manage increasingly complex situations in patient care simulated scenarios. Students will also develop the ability to deliver medications through a variety of routes, initiate and maintain intravenous therapy, apply electrical therapy and hone their ability to effectively manage various medical/trauma emergencies of pre-hospital patients. The appropriate incorporation of Ministry of Health ALS Standards/Directives will be an emphasis this term.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: PARA1390 AND PARA1400 OR PARA1405
CoRequisites: PARA2110 OR PARA2115 AND PARA2125

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement IV (Paramedic)
FPLT2355

Description: This course provides the student with a concentrated period of simulation and field experience to further develop the ability to assess and meet the needs of the patient. Within clinically immersive scenarios or under the direct supervision of a paramedic crew the student will review, participate in and analyze emergency situations, which will form a basis for professional practice in the future. This experience is designed to help the student make the transition from the role of the student to a Paramedic.

Hours: 400
Credits: 14
Pre-Requisites: FPLT2340 OR FPLT2345
CoRequisites:

Paramedic Comprehensive Review
PARA2090

Description: As the concluding component of the program, students will consolidate key concepts of Patient Care Theory 1, 2 and 3 as well as Primary Care Paramedicine. Utilizing a student-centered approach, students will relate and integrate theoretical concepts previously learned with clinical situations. Challenges of the student-to-Paramedic transition will be discussed. The course will emphasize group approaches to critical thinking and discussions of scenario based medical situations..

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites: FPLT2350 OR FPLT2355

Professional Practice 4
PARA2155

Description: This course is designed to develop the student's critical thinking skills in identifying issues surrounding the application of skills, cooperation and professionalism relevant to the field of pre-hospital care. This will encompass in class lectures, scenarios, guest speakers, and research projects aimed at the development of personal and professional growth in the role as a Paramedic. This course will continue to examine professional issues arising in Paramedicine. Emphasis will be on the expansion of knowledge through academic research and preparation for a formal academic paper concerning specific topics in the field of Paramedicine.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PARA2110 OR PARA2115
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

Communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with patients and others.
Assess patients using relevant theory and practices and in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
Establish patients’ treatment and transport priorities based on assessment findings.
Implement preventive and therapeutic patient management strategies to maintain and promote patients’ well-being in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
Integrate and perform delegated controlled medical acts in a simulated, clinical, and field setting.
Evaluate in an ongoing manner the effectiveness of patient management strategies used and adapt or change strategies to provide optimal care for patients.
Report and document patient information completely, accurately, and in a timely manner, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and applicable policies and procedures in a simulated, clinical, and/or field setting.
Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of partners, patients, and others.
Ensure the operational safety and preparedness of an ambulance and its equipment and operate an ambulance-type vehicle in a simulated setting.
Collaborate with a broad range of personnel such as first responders, paramedics, emergency services personnel, health care professionals, and other allied health care workers.
Integrate and meet legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities while providing optimal care for patients.