Module 1 – Foundations of Paramedicine

In this module, the content is focused on a look at the development of EMS nationally as well as in Nova Scotia from the early days of the Napoleonic Wars to present day.  It provides the student with the ability to apply relevant Provincial and Federal legislation and regulations.  The student will focus on the accountability and responsibility of his/her own behaviors, by concentrating upon the legalities governing his/her professional duties.  The student will understand their role as an advocate for patient rights to dignity, privacy, confidentiality and consent/non-consent to treatment.

Study and research along with leadership and communication skills are covered during this module as well.

This module is also designed to develop the student’s critical thinking skills in identifying issues surrounding the paramedic profession.  Issues include medical ethics, professionalism, management/union relations, and the development of new technology, shift work, and continuing education, to name a few.  The student will gain an understanding of the importance of an integrated emergency response system and will be introduced to related professions such as fire, police, air ambulance and various community services.

With the highly stressful pace of emergency health care, this course is designed to develop the student’s skills in identifying issues surrounding stress and the difficulties it may cause. The student is familiarized with common techniques to control stress through diet, extra-curricular activities and the resources available to them in the daily activities of the job.

Module 2 – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This course on anatomy and physiology examines the structure and function of the human body as an integrated whole.  The content provides an overview of basic body chemistry, cell structure, and organ systems.  The course provides the basis of subsequent study of pathophysiology. This is a basic introduction and is used to build on material throughout the course as the student learns more about each individual body system.

Module 3 – Patient Assessment

In this course, the student learns selected theory behind assessment and intervention skills required for the provision of pre-hospital emergency care.  It also covers the theoretical basis and application of equipment found in an ambulance.

In this practical lab course, students acquire the skills necessary to provide advanced assessment and intervention for both trauma and critically ill patients.  This includes starting and monitoring IV’s; Semi-Automatic Defibrillation; and administering Symptom Relief drugs such as epinephrine, glucagon, ASA, nitroglycerine, and ventolin.  Students will also become familiar with equipment used by Advanced Paramedics.

Students will also deepen their knowledge and understanding of airway anatomy.  They will learn how to properly support and control the airway of a patient who is unable to maintain their own. This course prepares the student to enter the clinical setting to perform airway management on patients.

Module 4 – Pathophysiology and Fluid Balance

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic knowledge of how diseases manifest. Other sections covered with include pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics; drug categories and classification; drug interactions and adverse reactions; medications in geriatric patients; pediatric medications; and intravenous therapy.  The student will also become familiar with drugs employed by Advanced Paramedics.

Another focus of this module is on shock and its management.  Vascular anatomy is covered so students can learn how to perform intravenous cannulation.  The human body’s fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balances are covered during this module with the aim of having the student understanding and applying the appropriate use of IV fluids.

Lastly, this module will touch on Infectious Diseases and safety for the health care provider.  Immunology, infectious diseases and how to be safe in the pre-hospital and hospital settings are the focus of this module.

Module 5 – Principles of Trauma and MCI

Appropriate pre-hospital care for the trauma patient is covered during this module.  Kinetics and principles of trauma care are covered as they relate to head, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic trauma.  Students will also learn more about MCI, triage and critical incident stress debriefing during this module.

Module 6 – MSK and Soft-Tissue Trauma

This module focuses on musculoskeletal, soft tissue and burn related injuries.  Students have the opportunity in both the classroom and practical labs to complete musculoskeletal and integumentary assessments and the management for related injuries.

Module 7 – Neurological Disease

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the neurological system.

Module 8 – Respiratory Disease

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the respiratory system.

Module 9 – Cardiovascular Disease

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the cardiovascular system.  Students will learn how to perform 3 and 12 Lead ECG’s.

Module 10 – Medical 1

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the abdominal system and endocrine systems.

Module 11 – Medical 2

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the genitourinary system.

It also covers off the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the senses (hearing, vision, smell).

This module also focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the environment.  Topics would include hypothermia, hyperthermia, drowning and burns.

Module 12 – Special Considerations

This module focuses on the etiology, pathophysiological processes, resulting features, complications, and patient management for various diseases and injuries commonly seen in emergency medicine involving the reproductive system.  Topics would include pregnancy, the delivery of and care provided for a neonatal patient.

Also covered will be special patient populations that the student may encounter in the emergency setting.  Populations covered during this module include the pediatric patients, geriatric patients, terminally ill and patients with mental or physical disabilities. Hematology and oncology emergencies are presented.

Module 13 Clinical/Practicum Experience (Hospital and Ambulance)

Practical experience will be provided in clinical settings (Hospitals, VON, Nursing Homes, Communications center).  Students will be expected to apply the knowledge and skills they have obtained in the didactic and lab settings to the various practical settings.  This is a great opportunity for the students to interact with other health care professionals as they continue their journey to becoming paramedics.

Practical experience will be provided in the ambulance setting as well.  During this training the student is provided with a concentrated period of field experience to further develop the ability to assess and meet the needs of the patient.  Under the direct supervision of a paramedic preceptor, the student will progressively acquire more responsibility in patient care.  This experience is designed to help the student to make the transition from study to practice.

 Module 14 – Short Course Offerings

While enrolled in the Primary Care Paramedicine program the student will take several mandatory short courses.  Those courses include the following:

  • Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course 3 (Ambulance) – CEVO4
  • Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale – CTAS
  • Medical Terminology and Documentation
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – Heart and Stroke
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 – WHMIS 2015
  • Harassment Workshop
  • CBRNE
  • Incident Command System 100 – ICS100
  • Air Medical Transport – Scene Landing
  • Paramedic Evidence Based Practice (PEBP) Program