We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Angela Wright, MD,
Whitney Barrett, MD,
Arthur Pliaconis,
and
Kathrine Lopez
In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) assess a basic medical patient 2) describe general pharmacologic principles and the skills associated with medication administration, 3) explain airway physiology, the assessment of the airway and available interventions for airway management, 4) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a respiratory emergency for transport, and 5) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a cardiovascular emergency for transport. 6) describe the most common neurologic and endocrine emergencies and what you can do for them as an EMT.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/hxi7c9/medical
What's inside
Syllabus
Pharmacology Basics
At the end of this module, you will be able to: 1) apply a systematic approach of patient assessment specifically to a patient with a medical complaint, 2) explain the basic principles of pharmacology including forms of medications, routes of medication administration, and to define the basic components of a drug profile and, 3) organize the appropriate steps when administering any medication including the five rights, premedication evaluation and post administration evaluation.
Read more
Syllabus
Pharmacology Basics
At the end of this module, you will be able to: 1) apply a systematic approach of patient assessment specifically to a patient with a medical complaint, 2) explain the basic principles of pharmacology including forms of medications, routes of medication administration, and to define the basic components of a drug profile and, 3) organize the appropriate steps when administering any medication including the five rights, premedication evaluation and post administration evaluation.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for those starting out in emergency medical services
Taught by experienced medical professionals
Covers the core skills and knowledge needed to assess and stabilize patients for transport
Includes modules on pharmacology, airway and breathing, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, and neurological and endocrine emergencies
Provides a comprehensive overview of emergency medical services for beginners
Does not explicitly require that students have extensive background knowledge in emergency medical services
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Essential abcs for emergency response
According to students, this course on Medical Emergencies provides a clear and logical structure for understanding critical topics like Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Learners consistently highlight its direct practical application, finding the content highly relevant and useful for real-world scenarios, especially for those in or entering the EMT field. The instructors are frequently praised for their knowledge and ability to explain complex concepts simply. While some find the pace ideal for beginners, others with more experience suggest it might be slow at times or that it lacks advanced depth on certain complex cases. Overall, students report that the quizzes are helpful for reinforcing learning and solidifying understanding of key principles.
Pace suits beginners, potentially slow for experienced.
"As a beginner, the pace was perfect for me."
"Someone with prior medical knowledge might find some parts a bit slow."
"I felt some topics could have been covered quicker, but it's good for reviewing basics."
Quizzes effectively test understanding of material.
"The quizzes after each module helped me check my understanding."
"I found the assessments were fair and reinforced key points."
"The quizzes were a useful tool for reviewing the lectures and preparing."
"The quiz questions seemed relevant to the course content."
Instructors explain concepts clearly and effectively.
"The instructors were experts and explained difficult concepts simply."
"I found the lectures engaging and easy to understand thanks to the teachers."
"Their real-world examples made the material much more relatable and useful."
The course structure is logical and easy to follow.
"The modules were broken down logically, making it easy to follow complex topics."
"I appreciated the step-by-step approach, starting with basics and building up."
"Each section flowed well into the next, reinforcing the learning objectives."
Content is highly relevant to real-world scenarios.
"Everything I learned felt directly applicable to patient assessment in the field."
"This course gave me practical skills I can use right away in emergency situations."
"The focus on assessment and stabilization is exactly what I needed for my training."
"I learned strategies that I could apply immediately to my work as an EMT."
May not cover complex or rare scenarios in detail.
"While great for basics, I was hoping for more in-depth discussion on complex cases."
"The course provides a solid foundation but doesn't go deep into advanced emergency management."
"Good overview, but don't expect highly specialized or niche information here."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation with these
activities:
Connect with experienced EMTs or medical professionals
Show steps
Expand your professional network by seeking out mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights into the field of emergency medical services.
Show steps
-
Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential mentors
-
Reach out to EMTs or medical professionals in your community via email or social media
-
Explain your career goals and interests and ask if they would be willing to mentor you
-
Set up regular meetings or communication channels to connect with your mentor
Gather resources on neurology and endocrinology
Show steps
Build your reference library by compiling a collection of resources that cover neurological and endocrine emergencies, providing you with easy access to valuable information.
Browse courses on
Neurology
Show steps
-
Search for online articles, textbooks, and videos on neurology and endocrinology
-
Identify reputable sources and organizations that provide reliable information
-
Organize the resources into categories or topics for easy reference
-
Share your compilation with classmates or colleagues for their benefit
Compile PDF of Course LMS Modules
Show steps
Create a central location for your course notes, assignments, and practice problems
Show steps
-
Access the course learning management system (LMS).
-
Navigate to the modules section.
-
Select all modules.
-
Export the selected modules.
-
Download or save the PDF to your personal device.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Review and practice medication administration techniques
Show steps
Solidify your confidence in administering medications safely and effectively by practicing different techniques and reviewing key principles.
Browse courses on
Medication Administration
Show steps
-
Review the different routes of medication administration, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous
-
Practice calculating medication dosages based on patient weight and condition
-
Practice preparing and administering medications using simulation equipment or online tools
-
Review the potential side effects and interactions of common medications
Create an Emergency Treatment Plan
Show steps
Further develop the skills you learn in the pharmacology and stabilization techniques sections
Show steps
-
Choose a specific emergency situation to focus on, such as a respiratory or cardiovascular emergency.
-
Research the emergency situation and gather information about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
-
Develop a step-by-step plan outlining the actions you would take to assess and stabilize a patient in this emergency.
-
Include details about the medications you would administer, the equipment you would use, and the interventions you would perform.
-
Share your plan with a classmate or instructor for feedback.
Create an infographic on neurological and endocrine emergencies
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge of neurological and endocrine emergencies by creating a visual representation that summarizes key assessment findings, interventions, and differentials.
Show steps
-
Gather information about the signs, symptoms, and management of common neurological and endocrine emergencies
-
Design an infographic that visually presents the information in a clear and concise manner
-
Use graphics, charts, or illustrations to make the information more engaging and memorable
-
Share your infographic with peers or classmates for feedback and discussion
Watch tutorials on airway management techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of airway management by watching video demonstrations and explanations from experts, reinforcing the techniques covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Airway Management
Show steps
-
Search for reputable online resources or platforms that offer tutorials on airway management
-
Choose a specific technique or skill that you want to improve
-
Watch the tutorial and pay attention to the steps, demonstrations, and explanations
-
Practice the technique yourself if possible, using a simulation mannequin or other appropriate equipment
Conduct a Mock Assessment and Stabilization of a Patient
Show steps
Apply your assessment and stabilization skills in a simulated environment, receiving feedback from peers
Show steps
-
Form a group of 3-4 classmates.
-
Choose a patient scenario from the course materials or create your own.
-
One person takes the role of the patient and provides symptoms and a medical history.
-
Another person takes the role of the EMT and conducts a patient assessment and stabilization.
-
The remaining members observe and provide constructive feedback.
Simulate respiratory emergencies and practice interventions
Show steps
Develop your skills in managing respiratory emergencies by actively participating in realistic simulations, applying your knowledge and decision-making abilities in a controlled environment.
Show steps
-
Gather a group of classmates or colleagues to participate in the simulation
-
Assign roles and responsibilities to each participant
-
Create a realistic scenario involving a respiratory emergency
-
Act out the scenario and perform the necessary interventions, including airway management, ventilation, and medication administration
-
Debrief after the simulation to discuss the actions taken, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce key concepts
Develop a patient care plan for a cardiovascular emergency
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of cardiovascular emergencies and their management by creating a comprehensive patient care plan that outlines the necessary interventions and monitoring strategies.
Show steps
-
Select a specific type of cardiovascular emergency, such as acute coronary syndrome or cardiac arrhythmia
-
Gather information about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and vital signs
-
Develop a plan of care that includes appropriate interventions, medications, and monitoring parameters
-
Present your care plan to a peer or instructor for review and feedback
Assist at a Local First Aid Event
Show steps
Gain real-world experience in providing emergency medical care under the supervision of experienced professionals
Show steps
-
Contact local organizations such as the Red Cross or community health centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend a training session to learn about the organization's protocols and procedures.
-
Assist at a first aid event, such as a sporting event or community festival.
-
Provide basic first aid care to attendees under the guidance of a certified EMT or paramedic.
Connect with experienced EMTs or medical professionals
Show steps
Expand your professional network by seeking out mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights into the field of emergency medical services.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential mentors
- Reach out to EMTs or medical professionals in your community via email or social media
- Explain your career goals and interests and ask if they would be willing to mentor you
- Set up regular meetings or communication channels to connect with your mentor
Gather resources on neurology and endocrinology
Show steps
Build your reference library by compiling a collection of resources that cover neurological and endocrine emergencies, providing you with easy access to valuable information.
Browse courses on
Neurology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online articles, textbooks, and videos on neurology and endocrinology
- Identify reputable sources and organizations that provide reliable information
- Organize the resources into categories or topics for easy reference
- Share your compilation with classmates or colleagues for their benefit
Compile PDF of Course LMS Modules
Show steps
Create a central location for your course notes, assignments, and practice problems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the course learning management system (LMS).
- Navigate to the modules section.
- Select all modules.
- Export the selected modules.
- Download or save the PDF to your personal device.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Review and practice medication administration techniques
Show steps
Solidify your confidence in administering medications safely and effectively by practicing different techniques and reviewing key principles.
Browse courses on
Medication Administration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the different routes of medication administration, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous
- Practice calculating medication dosages based on patient weight and condition
- Practice preparing and administering medications using simulation equipment or online tools
- Review the potential side effects and interactions of common medications
Create an Emergency Treatment Plan
Show steps
Further develop the skills you learn in the pharmacology and stabilization techniques sections
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific emergency situation to focus on, such as a respiratory or cardiovascular emergency.
- Research the emergency situation and gather information about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
- Develop a step-by-step plan outlining the actions you would take to assess and stabilize a patient in this emergency.
- Include details about the medications you would administer, the equipment you would use, and the interventions you would perform.
- Share your plan with a classmate or instructor for feedback.
Create an infographic on neurological and endocrine emergencies
Show steps
Reinforce your knowledge of neurological and endocrine emergencies by creating a visual representation that summarizes key assessment findings, interventions, and differentials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the signs, symptoms, and management of common neurological and endocrine emergencies
- Design an infographic that visually presents the information in a clear and concise manner
- Use graphics, charts, or illustrations to make the information more engaging and memorable
- Share your infographic with peers or classmates for feedback and discussion
Watch tutorials on airway management techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of airway management by watching video demonstrations and explanations from experts, reinforcing the techniques covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Airway Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable online resources or platforms that offer tutorials on airway management
- Choose a specific technique or skill that you want to improve
- Watch the tutorial and pay attention to the steps, demonstrations, and explanations
- Practice the technique yourself if possible, using a simulation mannequin or other appropriate equipment
Conduct a Mock Assessment and Stabilization of a Patient
Show steps
Apply your assessment and stabilization skills in a simulated environment, receiving feedback from peers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a group of 3-4 classmates.
- Choose a patient scenario from the course materials or create your own.
- One person takes the role of the patient and provides symptoms and a medical history.
- Another person takes the role of the EMT and conducts a patient assessment and stabilization.
- The remaining members observe and provide constructive feedback.
Simulate respiratory emergencies and practice interventions
Show steps
Develop your skills in managing respiratory emergencies by actively participating in realistic simulations, applying your knowledge and decision-making abilities in a controlled environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a group of classmates or colleagues to participate in the simulation
- Assign roles and responsibilities to each participant
- Create a realistic scenario involving a respiratory emergency
- Act out the scenario and perform the necessary interventions, including airway management, ventilation, and medication administration
- Debrief after the simulation to discuss the actions taken, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce key concepts
Develop a patient care plan for a cardiovascular emergency
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of cardiovascular emergencies and their management by creating a comprehensive patient care plan that outlines the necessary interventions and monitoring strategies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a specific type of cardiovascular emergency, such as acute coronary syndrome or cardiac arrhythmia
- Gather information about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and vital signs
- Develop a plan of care that includes appropriate interventions, medications, and monitoring parameters
- Present your care plan to a peer or instructor for review and feedback
Assist at a Local First Aid Event
Show steps
Gain real-world experience in providing emergency medical care under the supervision of experienced professionals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local organizations such as the Red Cross or community health centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend a training session to learn about the organization's protocols and procedures.
- Assist at a first aid event, such as a sporting event or community festival.
- Provide basic first aid care to attendees under the guidance of a certified EMT or paramedic.
Career center
Learners who complete Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency medical technicians respond to emergencies and provide medical care to patients in need. They may work in a variety of settings, including ambulances, fire trucks, and emergency rooms. The course teaches the basics of medical emergencies, including airway, breathing, and circulation, which are essential for EMTs.
Paramedic
Paramedic
Paramedics are advanced EMTs who are trained to provide more advanced medical care to patients. They may work in a variety of settings, including ambulances, fire trucks, and emergency rooms. This course may be useful for paramedics who wish to refresh their knowledge of medical emergencies, including airway, breathing, and circulation.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse administers medications and provides other treatments to patients, such as managing IVs, administering medications, taking blood samples, and providing wound care. This course assists by teaching the basics of pharmacology, airway management, respiratory therapies, and cardiovascular therapies. Completing this course can help to build a foundation for the pharmacology and anatomy and physiology knowledge needed as a nurse.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks to support physicians and other healthcare professionals. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of medical emergencies needed as a medical assistant.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of respiratory emergencies needed as a respiratory therapist.
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists perform tests and procedures to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of cardiovascular emergencies needed as a cardiovascular technologist.
Neurological Technician
Neurological Technician
Neurological technicians perform tests and procedures to diagnose and treat nervous system problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. This course can help build a foundation for the knowledge of neurological emergencies needed as a neurological technician.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They may perform a variety of tasks, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. This course may be useful for physician assistants who wish to refresh their knowledge of medical emergencies, including airway, breathing, and circulation.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform minor surgeries. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. This course may be useful for nurse practitioners who wish to refresh their knowledge of medical emergencies, including airway, breathing, and circulation.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. This course may be useful for doctors who wish to refresh their knowledge of medical emergencies, including airway, breathing, and circulation.
Medical Researcher
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers conduct studies to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of medical emergencies needed as a medical researcher.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of healthcare services. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of medical emergencies needed as a healthcare administrator.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health educators promote health and wellness by teaching people about healthy behaviors. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and workplaces. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of medical emergencies needed as a health educator.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
Medical writers create and edit medical content for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of medical emergencies needed as a medical writer.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide other healthcare services to patients. They may work in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course can help to build a foundation for the knowledge of pharmacology needed as a pharmacist.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hxi7c9/medical
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.
Provides comprehensive coverage of prehospital emergency medical care for EMTs, including relevant topics from the course, such as pharmacology, airway management, respiratory emergencies, and cardiovascular emergencies. It serves as an excellent reference guide for EMTs and students.
This valuable resource provides step-by-step instructions for providing first aid and performing CPR, including the use of an AED. It serves as an excellent supplementary resource to this course.
This comprehensive guide to neurology will help learners understand neurological emergencies, how to recognize them, and how to stabilize patients.
Provides a comprehensive overview of emergency medical care and transportation for EMTs, including topics covered in the course, such as airway management, respiratory emergencies, and cardiovascular emergencies. It valuable reference guide for EMTs and students.
Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured is another textbook applicable as a supplemental resource to this course. EMTs and Paramedics frequently use this book as a reference.
For EMTs who are interested in working with pediatric populations, this book would be a valuable resource. It provides detailed information on the care of infants and children.
May be useful to have on hand if students plan on going on to become EMTs or Paramedics. It would be a good reference for advanced airway and breathing techniques.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hxi7c9/medical
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructors
Angela Wright, MD
Whitney Barrett, MD
Arthur Pliaconis
Kathrine Lopez
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Become an EMT. It's comprised of six courses:
- Medical Emergencies: CPR, Toxicology, and Wilderness
- Trauma Emergencies and Care
- EMT Foundations
- Prepare for the EMT Certification Test
- Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children
- Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (viewing)
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser