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Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic** - Certificate (E95)

**This certificate is not currently offered.

Emergency Medical Training for both Basic and Paramedic levels is available through Mercy Medical Center or OSF St. Anthony's accredited programs. Contact the Emergency Departments of CGH Medical Center in Sterling or KSB Hospital in Dixon to register and coordinate the necessary clinical and field experience. Your local fire department also may have accredited training available. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to take the Illinois or national licensure exams.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) courses provide the opportunity to earn up to two certificates and the eligibility to become a licensed EMT in Illinois.

Individuals in Emergency Medical Services provide immediate care to critically ill or injured persons and may transport them to the hospital. They determine the nature and extent of the patient's condition. Following strict procedures, they give appropriate critical intervention and transport the patient. They administer drugs, lift and carry the patient on a stretcher to the ambulance and radio the patient's condition to medical personnel at the hospital. Other duties may include replacing supplies and inspecting and maintaining the ambulance and medical equipment.

Beyond these general duties, the specific responsibilities of EMTs and paramedics depend on their level of qualification and training. To determine this, the national Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) registers emergency medical service (EMS) providers at two levels: First Responder, EMT-Basic, and EMT - Paramedic. The EMT - Basic represents the first component of the emergency medical technician system. An EMT-B is trained to care for patients on accident scenes and on transport by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-B has the emergency skills to assess a patient's condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. EMT-Paramedics provide care already described, in addition they may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), and use monitors and other complex equipment.

Work and Employment

Emergency Medical Personnel work for private ambulance services, hospitals, and municipal fire, police or rescue squad departments. Click here for further career information; 

Special Considerations

Formal training and certification is needed to become an EMT or paramedic. All 50 states possess a certification/licensure procedure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Public Health approves Sauk's program. To maintain certification/ licensure, EMTs and Paramedics must renew their license every 4 years. In order to maintain certification/ licensure an individual must be working and meet a continuing education requirement. Desirable personal qualities include responsibility, dependability, enjoyment in working with people and ability to work as a team member. It is essential to be able to make quick and levelheaded reactions to life-or-death situations. Emergency medical personnel are required to do considerable kneeling, bending and heavy lifting. The work is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. The work is challenging, but offers an opportunity to help others.

Admission Requirements

EMT-B/EMS 101

1. Complete the College general admission procedure
2. Provide prior to or on the first day of class:
   1. High School diploma or GED.
   2. Proof of age 18
   3. Copy of current Health Care Provider CPR card/CPR for Professional Rescuer card.

EMT-P/EMS 106

1. Complete the College general admission procedure.
2. Contact EMS office at 285-5560 or 285-5561
3. Provide the following:
   1. Copy of current EMT-B or EMT-I license.
   2. Documented permission from a paramedic level ambulance service to provide precepted field experience.
   3. Health and immunization requirements will be detailed at the first class session.

Failure to meet admission requirements may result in dismissal.

Application Deadline

Before the first day of class.

Out-of-District Application

Sauk Valley Community College is required by law to give preference to in-district resident candidates. Out-of-district applicants will be considered if space is available.

Follow this link for career information.

Total Hours Required - 45 Hours

Major Field Requirements

• EMS101 - Emergency Medical Training ( 7 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the roles of the EMT-B in providing emergency care under the direct supervision of a physician. Topics will include the medical/legal issues of emergency care, assessment techniques and procedures to assist with airway management, medical emergencies, traumas and protocols for communication about the transportation of emergency patients. The course includes clinical experience in the Emergency Room. This course has been approved by the National Highway Safety Bureau, US Department of Transportation. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to take the Illinois EMT-B exam. Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 7 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 5 lec, 4 lab/week NOTES: ** THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED

• EMS106 - Paramedic I ( 7.5 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the roles and responsibilities of the EMT-Paramedic in addition to the medical/legal and ethical aspects of the Emergency Medical Services System. Pathophysiology, pharmacology, medication administration and communication skills will also be studied as well as skill development. Specific clinical experiences will be required correlating with course content. Advanced airway management and skills will also be included. This course has been approved by the National Highway Safety Bureau, U.S. Department of Transportation. Prerequisites: Students must possess a current Illinois EMT-B license and submit documentation that an EMS System vehicle will be available to accommodate field experience. 7.5 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 5 lec, 5 lab/week NOTES: **THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED

• EMS111 - Paramedic II ( 8.5 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to patient assessment including history taking, assessment skills, clinical decision making, and communication/ documentation. Care of the trauma patient will be included covering the effects of trauma on all body systems. Specific clinical experiences will be required correlating to course content. This course has been approved by the National Highway Safety Bureau, U.S. Department of Transportation. Prerequisites: Completion of EMS 106 with a grade of C or better. 8.5 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec, 9 lab/week NOTES: **THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED.

• EMS116 - Paramedic III ( 10 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the pathophysiology, assessment findings, and treatment plans for the patient experiencing cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, endocrine problems, allergy/anaphylactic conditions, gastroenterology, urology, and toxicological problems as well as effect of environmental conditions. Prerequisite: Completion of EMS 111 Paramedic II with a grade of C or better or licensed RN. 10 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 5 lec, 2 lab, 8 practicum hours/week NOTES: **THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED.

• EMS121 - Paramedic IV ( 12 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the pathophysiology, assessment findings, and treatment plans for the patient experiencing infectious/communicable diseases, behavioral emergencies, gynecological emergencies, normal or abnormal labor, neonatal conditions, pediatric illness, geriatric situations, abuse or assault. They will also be able to adapt assessment and treatment for those experiencing various challenges as well as the chronic care patient. Common complaints will also be evaluated as well as learning to deal with the multiple aspects of the emergency scene. Prerequisite: Completion of EMS 116 with a grade of ""C"" or better. 12 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 18 lab/week NOTES: **THIS COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED.

Program Recommendation

BIO 108 should be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to certification. "C" grade is required in major field requirements.