2007-2008 Academic Catalog

Course descriptions


Course descriptions index


Emergency Medical Services

A $75 fee per semester for equipment upgrade will be assessed for one or more ARSK, EMS or FIRE courses. This fee is in addition to any lab/materials fees.


EMS 152      3 Credits
Emergency Trauma Training First Responder
Basic emergency care knowledge and skills for the student who will provide the first emergency care. The objective of the first person on the emergency scene is to recognize the needs of the victim and deliver quality care to the patient, minimizing discomfort and preventing further complications. Laboratory fee: $75. (2 + 2) Offered Fall, Spring


EMS 154      1 Credit
Emergency Trauma Training Refresher
For individuals who have been previously certified in Emergency Trauma Training (40 hrs.). Certification is valid for two years. (Prerequisite: EMS 152 or ETT Certification which may not be expired more than one calendar year.) (1 + 0) Offered Fall


EMS 160      1 Credit
Basic Trauma Life Support (B.T.L.S.)
Provides the first line of life support to the trauma patient as encountered in situ and to maintain life until the patient is handed off to the next level of medical help. (1 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 168      3 Credits
ETT to EMT Bridge Course
Allow certified emergency trauma technician (ETT) to progress to the emergency medical technician in an efficient manner. Credits the ETT with the knowledge and skills learned in primary training. Course fee: $75. (Prerequisites: Current Emergency Trauma Technician certificate.) (0.5 + 5) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 170      6 Credits
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician I
(Cross-listed with ARSK 170)
Basic life support such as splinting, hemorrhage control, oxygen therapy, suction, CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). EMT I is the foundation of all emergency medical training. Mastering of EMT I level knowledge and techniques must occur before moving on to advanced levels. Laboratory fee: $150. (4 + 4) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 172      1 Credit
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician I Refresher
Review of basic skills and emergency medical procedures at the Basic EMT I level. Covers emergency medical care procedural changes, newly developed equipment and its use, changes in state licensure or other medical-legal requirements. Laboratory fee: $75. (Prerequisite: EMT I certification.) (.5 + 1) Offered Fall


EMS 173      6 Credits
EMT I Internship
Synthesize cognitive and psychomotor skills from the EMT I course and observe skills performed by Advanced Care Providers. Designed for individuals planning to participate in the TVC paramedic program in the fall semester. Interns will perform all aspects of emergency care for an Alaska certified EMT-I under the guidance of an Advanced Care Provider. (Prerequisite: EMS 170, current EMT I certification and permission of instructor.) (0 + 16) Offered Spring


EMS 176      1 Credit
Aeromedical Evacuations in Alaska
History of Alaska aeromedical transport; physiological aspects of pressure and atmosphere; physical effects of flight on the patient and escort; aircraft and equipment considerations; legal aspects of air transport; effects of aeromedical transport on specific medical situations. Laboratory fee: $45. (Prerequisite: EMT I certification or permission of instructor.) (1 + 0) Offered Fall


EMS 181      4 Credits
Clinical Rotation I
Perform paramedic skills in the hospital setting under the guidance of a clinical preceptor. Rotations include the emergency department, ICU, operating room, respiratory therapy and mental health units. Provides an in-depth look at the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. Includes interpretation of cardiac rhythms and advanced cardiac life support. (Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator. Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.) (0 + 4 + 4) Offered Fall, As Demand Warrants


EMS 183      4 Credits
Clinical Rotation II
Perform paramedic skills in the hospital setting under the guidance of a clinical preceptor. Rotations include the emergency department, ICU, OR, labor and delivery, pediatrics and geriatrics. (Prerequisites: EMS 181; Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.) (0 + 4 + 4) Offered Spring, As Demand Warrants


EMS 251      1 Credit
Basic Life Support Instructor
The American Heart Association Basic Life Support instructor's course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to instruct and evaluate potential BLS providers. Balances what information to teach with how to teach BLS. The BLS instructor student will be monitored during the first class she/he teaches by the BLS instructor trainer. Laboratory fee: $45. (Prerequisite: Basic Life Support certified and permission of program coordinator.) (1 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 253      3 Credits
Alaska EMT Instructor Orientation
Adult education and learning environment, as well as regulations governing the teaching of EMTs in the state of Alaska. This course is designed to be an intensive learning experience with extensive out-of-class preparation. Proficiency with EMT skills and knowledge prior to entering this training program is expected as there will be no review of EMT skills or knowledge during this class. Graded Pass/Fail. (Recommended: FIRE 216. Prerequisites: Current EMT I, II, III or MICP certification and three years of experience; evidence of successful completion of state of Alaska practical exam and written exam with a score of 90% within the last 12 months.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 257      3 Credits
Arctic Survival
(Cross-listed with ATVY 231)
Principles, procedures, techniques and equipment necessary to survive extreme arctic conditions and to assist in safe recovery. Lab required. Laboratory fee: $50. (3 + arranged) Offered Spring


EMS 261      3 Credits
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician II
Advancement of EMT I skills and knowledge through advanced techniques in fluid therapy and advance airway management. Includes  use of specific drug therapy. Laboratory fee: $250. (Prerequisite: EMT I certification and proof of 10 patient contacts as an EMT I.) (2 + 2) Offered Spring


EMS 265      2 Credits
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician III
Introduction to basic cardiac anatomy and physiology, cardiac electrophysiology, recognition and treatment of basic lethal arrhythmias, use of monitor, defibrillator and pharmacological management. Materials fee: $200. (Prerequisite: EMT II certification and proof of 10 patient contacts and 10 venipunctures as an EMT II.) (.5 + 3) Offered Fall


EMS 267      1 Credit
Advanced Medical Procedures
State requirements for recertification at the EMT II or III levels. Reviews advanced medical skills and emergency medical procedures at the EMT II and III levels. Emergency medical care procedural changes, newly developed equipment and its use, changes in state certification and other medical-legal requirements. Course may be repeated ten times but not for credit. Graded Pass/Fail. (Prerequisites: Current EMT II or III certification.) (0.5 + 1) Offered As Demand Warrants


EMS 280      12 Credits
Paramedicine I
Introduction to emergency medical services, the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic and medical/legal/ethical issues. Basic pathophysiology, pharmacology, venous access and advanced airway management techniques. Also includes an in-depth look at the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems which includes interpretation of cardiac rhythms, pharmacology and advanced cardiac life support. Materials fee: $410. (Prerequisite: EMS 170. Recommended: HLTH 114 or equivalent. Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic. Student must apply for admission into the Paramedic Academy. Applications are reviewed by the Paramedic Advisory board.) (8 + 8) Offered Fall, As Demand Warrants


EMS 282      12 Credits
Paramedicine II
Assessment and management of medical emergencies, geriatrics, pediatrics and traumatic injuries. Includes pediatric advanced life support and basic trauma life support certifications. Materials fee: $500. (Prerequisite: EMS 280. Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.) (8 + 8) Offered Spring, As Demand Warrants


EMS 283      12 Credits
Paramedic Internship
Prehospital field experience under the guidance of a paramedic preceptor on an advanced life support ambulance. Interns perform all aspects of paramedic care. Materials fee: $480. (Prerequisites: EMS 183 and 277. Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.) (0 + 24) Offered Spring


EMS 287      3 Credits
Paramedic Refresher
Integration of paramedicine knowledge and techniques with evaluation of applied skills. Materials fee: $60. (Prerequisite: Current state of Alaska or National Registry paramedic license. Note: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.) (2 + 2) Offered As Demand Warrants