Paramedic Program Prerequisites

Prior study in the following areas is extremely helpful in ensuring success in paramedic education:

• College algebra
• Entry-level Chemistry
• Anatomy and Physiology

Future students should focus on this preparatory material, either through self-study or high school and college coursework.

The following functional job description and requirements for EMT-Paramedic are derived from the New York State Department of Health – Bureau of EMS Policy Statement 00-10:

• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio equipment
• Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)
• Ability to interpret oral, written and diagnostic form instructions
• Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations
• Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights
• Ability to function efficiently without interruption throughout an entire work shift
• Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios
• Ability to read English language, manuals and road maps
• Ability to accurately discern street signs and addresses
• Ability to interview patients, patient family members and bystanders
• Ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such
• Ability to converse, in English, with coworkers and hospital staff with regard to the status of the patient
• Possesses good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care
• Ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain
• Ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture
• Ability to work in low light situations and confined spaces
• Ability to work with other providers to make appropriate patient care decisions

Must demonstrate competency in assessment of a patient and handling emergencies using Basic and Advanced Life Support equipment and techniques. Must be able to perform CPR, control bleeding, provide treatment of hypoperfusion, stabilize / immobilize injured bones and the spine, manage environmental emergencies and emergency childbirth. Must be able to perform under Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) standards. Must be knowledgeable and competent in the use of a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and intravenous drugs and fluids. The EMT-Paramedic has reached the highest level of pre-hospital care certification.

Responds to calls when dispatched. Reads maps, may drive ambulance to emergency site using most expeditious route permitted by weather and road conditions. Observes all traffic ordinances and regulations.

Uses appropriate body substance isolation procedures. Assesses the safety of the scene, gains access to the patient, assesses extent of injury or illness. Extricates patient from entrapment. Communicates with dispatcher requesting additional assistance or services as necessary. Determines nature of illness or injury. Visually inspects for medical identification emblems to aid in care (medical bracelet, charm, etc.) Uses prescribed techniques and equipment to provide patient care. Provides additional emergency care following established protocols. Assesses and monitors vital signs and general appearance of patient for change. Makes determination regarding patient status and priority for emergency care using established criteria. Reassures patient, family members and bystanders.

Assists with lifting, carrying and properly loading patient into the ambulance. Avoids mishandling patient and undue haste. Determines appropriate medical facility to which patient will be transported. Transports patient to medical facility providing ongoing medical care as necessary enroute. Reports nature of injury or illness to receiving facility. Asks for medical direction from medical control physician and carries out medical control orders as appropriate. Assists in moving patient from ambulance into medical facility. Reports verbally and in writing observations of the patient's emergency and care provided (including written report(s) and care provided by Certified First Responders and EMT-Basic personnel prior to EMT-Paramedic arrival on scene) to emergency department staff and assists staff as required.

Complies with regulations in handling deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at scene.

Replaces supplies, properly disposes of medical waste. Properly cleans contaminated equipment according to established guidelines. Checks all equipment for future readiness. Maintains ambulance in operable condition. Ensures cleanliness and organization of ambulance, its equipment and supplies. Determines vehicle readiness by checking operator maintainable fluid, fuel and air pressure levels. Maintains familiarity with all specialized equipment.