Foothill College EMT Program: Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Curriculum
The Foothill College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel as competent EMTs. Serving as a vital link in the healthcare team, the EMT provides crucial prehospital emergency medical care. The program focuses on hands-on application of skills, patient assessment scenarios, and treatments for various medical and trauma-related conditions, preparing students for the state certification exam and a successful career in emergency medical services.
Core EMT Courses
The Foothill College EMT program offers a structured curriculum that combines classroom learning with practical laboratory experience. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of emergency medical care principles and procedures. Here's a breakdown of the core courses and their key components:
EMS 61A: Emergency Medical Technician I
This introductory course is intended to instruct a student to the level of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who serves as a vital link in the chain of the health care team. It is recognized that the majority of prehospital emergency medical care will be provided by the EMT. Students will participate in hands-on application of skills necessary to work as a competent EMT. Students will also perform patient assessment scenarios focused on medical and trauma complaints and treatments of various diseases and injuries, to build competence and prepare them to sit for the state certification exam. Skills practice to become competent for NREMT (National Register EMT) testing. The course involves 4 hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab per week, totaling 96 hours per quarter. This course is offered at the Foothill College, Sunnyvale Center located at 1070 Innovation Way in Sunnyvale.
EMS 61B: Emergency Medical Technician II
As the second of two courses required to be eligible to take the California State written exam for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, EMS 61B builds upon the foundation established in EMS 61A. This course continues to instruct students to the level of Emergency Medical Technician who serves as a vital link in the chain of the health care team, providing compassionate, impartial patient centered care. Students will participate in hands-on application of skills necessary to work as a competent EMT. Students will also perform patient assessment scenarios focused on medical and trauma complaints and treatments of various diseases and injuries, to build competence and prepare them to sit for the state certification exam. The course includes 4 hours of lecture and 6 hours of lab per week, totaling 120 hours per quarter, including 2 hours of clinical laboratory. A current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate is required for this course.
Advanced EMT Training
In addition to the core EMT courses, Foothill College offers advanced training opportunities for students seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in specialized areas of emergency medical care.
Read also: Affording Foothill College
EMS 62: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Continuation of EMS 61A. This course delves into various toxicological emergencies, psychiatric emergencies, OB, pediatric anatomy and emergencies, command and control, triage, and the geriatric patient. The course consists of 9 hours of lecture per week, totaling 108 hours per quarter.
Paramedic Program Courses
For students aspiring to become paramedics, Foothill College offers a range of courses designed to provide the advanced knowledge and skills required for this demanding role. These courses cover a wide spectrum of topics, from basic paramedic principles to advanced life support techniques.
EMS 65A: Paramedic I
This introductory course provides an overview of the profession of paramedicine, with emphasis on paramedic terminology, communication skills, licensure, documentation, patient assessments, and skills proficiency. The course also includes a discussion of the requirements for the paramedic program and is intended for students entering or considering to enter the paramedic program. It involves 6 hours of lecture per quarter and 36 hours of lab per quarter and is a 1-week course.
EMS 66A: Paramedic II
Paramedic skills presented: proper hand washing; personal protective equipment; patient assessment focusing on unbiased patient care; intravenous access; intraosseous infusion; bleeding control and shock management; pleural decompression; cricothyrotomy; pharmacology principles and applications; medication administration; airway management: endotracheal intubation, endotracheal intubation with spinal immobilization, oropharyngeal airway, nasopharyngeal airway, suctioning, dual lumen airways; pediatric advanced life support ambulance 911 call simulations and case studies; prehospital trauma life support ambulance 911 call simulations and case studies; synchronized cardioversion; transcutaneous pacing; defibrillation; end tidal carbon dioxide monitoring; capnography; 12 lead ECG interpretation. Emphasis on special population, pediatric, and trauma management and operations. The course includes 2 hours of lecture and 6.5 hours of lab per week, totaling 102 hours per quarter.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Course
Foothill College also offers a course for individuals interested in becoming Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs). EMRs provide immediate care to patients before more advanced medical help arrives.
Read also: Foothill College Requirements
EMS 59: Emergency Medical Responder
This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an emergency medical responder (EMR) to help sustain life, reduce pain and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advanced medical help takes over. The course consists of 4 hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab per week, totaling 96 hours per quarter.
12-Lead ECG Interpretation Series
This series of courses is designed to provide emergency care providers with a comprehensive understanding of 12-lead ECG interpretation.
EMS 412: 12-Lead ECG Interpretation I
The first in a three-course 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation series, this course introduces emergency care providers to the foundational principles of 12-lead ECG interpretation. Students will explore the history and fundamentals of electrocardiography, gain proficiency in recognizing supraventricular and wide complex arrhythmias, and learn to identify atrioventricular (AV) blocks. The course involves 0.5 hours of lecture per week, totaling 6 hours per quarter.
EMS 413: 12-Lead ECG Interpretation II
The second in a three-course 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation series. Building on the principles introduced in EMS 412, this course focuses on recognizing and interpreting ECG changes associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and conduction system abnormalities. Students will develop the skills to differentiate ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and identify bundle branch and fascicular blocks. The course involves 0.5 hours of lecture per week, totaling 6 hours per quarter.
EMS 414: 12-Lead ECG Interpretation III
The third and final course in a three-course 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation series, this course covers topics essential for comprehensive ECG analysis in emergency and critical care settings. Students will refine their ability to differentiate STEMI mimics from true infarctions, analyze metabolic and toxicologic influences on ECG patterns, evaluate pacemaker rhythms, and integrate their knowledge through case-based learning. The course involves 0.5 hours of lecture per week, totaling 6 hours per quarter.
Read also: Campus Guide
Essential Skills and Knowledge
Throughout the Foothill College EMT program, students will acquire a wide range of essential skills and knowledge, including:
- Patient Assessment: Performing thorough patient assessments to identify medical and trauma-related issues.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Providing life-saving interventions such as CPR, airway management, and bleeding control.
- Medical and Trauma Care: Administering appropriate treatments for various medical conditions and traumatic injuries.
- Medication Administration: Understanding the principles of pharmacology and administering medications safely and effectively (Paramedic level).
- Airway Management: Utilizing various techniques to ensure a patent airway, including endotracheal intubation (Paramedic level).
- ECG Interpretation: Recognizing and interpreting ECG rhythms to identify cardiac abnormalities (Paramedic level and ECG courses).
- Communication Skills: Communicating effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
- Documentation: Accurately documenting patient information and treatment provided.
Preparing for Certification
The Foothill College EMT program is designed to prepare students for both the state certification exam and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a certified EMT.
Required Textbook
Students enrolled in the EMT program are required to have the following textbook:
- Pollak, Andrew. Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 12th ed. Digital Advantage Package (ISBN: 9781284243796).
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