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EMT Foundations

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Angela Wright, MD, Whitney Barrett, MD, Arthur Pliaconis, and Kathrine Lopez

Angela Wright, MD, Whitney Barrett, MD, Arthur Pliaconis, and Kathrine Lopez

In this course, you will get a thorough introduction to the emergency medical services system, and learn the foundation components to how it works as a whole. You will also learn the nuts and bolts of becoming a healthcare provider, and gain some basic knowledge about the human body. By the end of the course, you will be able to 1) understand the history and components of the EMS system, 2) speak the language of medicine with basic medical terminology, as well as have an understanding of basic human anatomy, 3) understand the different types of communications and how they are specific to EMS, 4) take vital signs and master the normal from the abnormal, and 5) master personal and scene safety, and begin the process of patient assessment.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

In this module, you will learn about the nuts and bolts of the emergency medical services system. We will cover some brief history of EMS, as well as breakdown the different components of the system. There will be discussion about some of the medical and legal issues that are persistent in the practice of prehospital medicine. We will also address workplace safety and provider wellness, because you cannot take care of other people unless you are learning to take care of yourself!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the emergency medical services system, providing a foundation for understanding its components and operations

Provides a comprehensive overview of basic human anatomy, covering the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological, and endocrine systems

Covers various communication strategies and methods used in prehospital medicine, including the SBAR method, patient communication, and system-specific communication

Discusses vital signs, their importance, and how to accurately measure blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse, as well as assessing skin

Teaches the procedures for arriving at the scene, including safety assessment, patient assessment, and history taking, following national registry guidelines

Emphasizes personal and scene safety, addressing essential workplace safety and provider wellness practices

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Reviews summary

Introduction to emergency medical services system

According to learners, this course provides a positive and solid foundation in emergency medical services, covering essential anatomy, medical terminology, communication techniques, vital signs, and patient assessment. Many appreciate the clarity and practical relevance of the lectures and materials, finding them helpful for beginners and those considering the EMT path. While it serves as a strong starting point, students understand this is a foundational course and often note the need for further in-depth study and hands-on training to prepare fully for EMT certification or practice.

Well-paced and logically structured.

"The modules flowed logically from one topic to the next, building knowledge step-by-step."

"I appreciated the bite-sized nature of the modules, making it easy to fit studying into my schedule."

"The course is well-organized and easy to navigate through the different sections."

"Content was divided into manageable chunks, which really helped with retention."

Excellent starting point for novices.

"As someone completely new to the medical field, this course was perfect for getting my feet wet."

"If you are considering a career in EMS but aren't sure, this course gives you a great overview without being overwhelming."

"It explains things in a way that someone with no prior medical knowledge can grasp."

"Perfect for exploring if EMT is the right path for you; it's accessible and informative."

Content is clear and relevant to EMT basics.

"The information is presented very clearly and concisely, making complex topics easy to understand."

"Loved how relevant the content was to actual pre-hospital care scenarios discussed."

"The lectures on vital signs and patient history taking were especially helpful and easy to follow."

"All the material was explained very well and I feel more comfortable learning the terminology and basics now."

"I found the module on communication very useful for understanding how to interact with patients and other providers."

Excellent introduction to EMS fundamentals.

"Overall, I feel that this course is a solid foundation for starting to understand the EMS system and basics of patient care."

"This is a great introductory course for those wanting to become an EMT. It helps set a foundation before jumping into a full EMT course."

"This is a good course giving a basic foundation about EMS history and basic concepts."

"I gained a good understanding of basic anatomy and physiology as it pertains to EMS and patient assessment."

"I feel I have a solid understanding of the EMS system and its components now."

Needs supplementation for certification.

"While a great intro, this course does not replace a full EMT program, nor does it claim to. It's just the foundations."

"This course is definitely not enough on its own for the NREMT or to start working. You need more hands-on and depth."

"Understand this is 'foundations'. You will need a comprehensive EMT program after this."

"It gives you the language and concepts, but practical skills and detailed knowledge require further, hands-on training."

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 EMT Foundations with these activities:

Review Your Basic Anatomy

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the body's anatomy before the course begins.

Browse courses on Human Anatomy

Show steps

Review notes from previous anatomy classes
Take a free online anatomy course
Use flashcards to memorize body parts

Watch Tutorials on Medical Terminology

Show steps

Supplement your understanding of medical terminology with online tutorials.

Browse courses on Medical Terminology

Show steps

Search for tutorials on medical terminology
Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your level of knowledge
Watch the tutorial and take notes
Test your understanding by completing quizzes or exercises

Create Mind Maps

Show steps

Create visual aids to help you memorize complex terms and concepts.

Browse courses on Anatomy

Show steps

Choose a topic to focus on
Write down the main topic in the center of a piece of paper
Draw branches off of the main topic for each subtopic
Add details and examples to each branch

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a First Aid and CPR Workshop

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Obtain practical skills in providing first aid and CPR in emergency situations.

Show steps

Identify a first aid and CPR workshop in your area
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the training
Practice your skills on mannequins and other participants
Obtain your first aid and CPR certification

Practice Taking Vital Signs

Show steps

Practice taking vital signs on friends or family members.

Browse courses on Vital Signs

Show steps

Find someone who is willing to let you practice taking their vital signs
Gather the necessary equipment
Follow the steps for taking each vital sign
Record the results

Form a Study Group with Classmates

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to review course materials and prepare for assessments.

Show steps

Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group
Choose a meeting time and location
Set a regular meeting schedule
Review course materials together
Discuss difficult concepts
Quiz each other to test your understanding

Volunteer at a Hospital or Clinic

Show steps

Gain practical experience in a healthcare setting.

Show steps

Contact local hospitals or clinics to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete the necessary paperwork and background checks
Attend a volunteer orientation
Shadow healthcare professionals and assist with tasks

Participate in EMS Skills Competitions

Show steps

Challenge yourself and demonstrate your skills in a competitive setting.

Show steps

Research EMS skills competitions in your area
Form a team or register as an individual
Practice your skills regularly
Compete in the competition
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete EMT Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Occupational Therapist

The EMT Foundations course can help you build a strong foundation for this role. The course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable to you as an occupational therapist, as it would help you to better understand the physical and cognitive needs of your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist

The EMT Foundations course can provide critical foundational knowledge for this role. The course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable in this role, as it would enable you to better understand the communication needs of your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Physician Assistant

The EMT Foundations course can be a helpful foundation for this role. The course covers basic medical terminology, anatomy, vital signs, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable to you in this role, as it would better prepare you for assisting with patient care and medical procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

The EMT Foundations course can provide foundational knowledge of the medical field. This course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge may be helpful in this role, as it would aid comprehension of technical information and enable more effective communication with healthcare providers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Medical Writer

The EMT Foundations course can help you build a strong foundation for this job. The course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable to you in this role because it would help you to write clear and accurate medical content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Health Educator

The EMT Foundations course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable to you in this role, as it would help you to better understand the health topics you are teaching and the needs of your audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Healthcare Administrator

The EMT Foundations course provides an overview of the healthcare system. The course covers topics such as the history of EMS, the different components of the EMS system, and the roles of different healthcare providers. This knowledge would be valuable to you in this role, as it would help you to better understand the healthcare system and how to manage it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Medical Device Sales Representative

The EMT Foundations course can provide you with foundational knowledge of the healthcare industry. This course covers basic medical terminology, human anatomy, and patient assessment. This knowledge would be valuable to you in this role, as it would help you to better understand the products you are selling and the needs of your customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Device Sales Representative

Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) role is a great choice for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The EMT Foundations course can help you build a foundation for this job by providing you with basic medical terminology, vital signs, and patient assessment knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Care Technician

Certified Nursing Assistant

The Certified Nursing Assistant role is a great option for those interested in providing direct patient care. The EMT Foundations course can help you build a foundation for this job by providing a basic understanding of the human body, medical terminology, and patient assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Nursing Assistant

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants are responsible for providing administrative and clinical support to healthcare providers, and they may also assist with patient care. The EMT Foundations course covers vital signs, medical terminology, and patient assessment, which could make you a more competitive candidate for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

The EMT Foundations course provides foundational knowledge of the EMS system. It can help one build a foundation for becoming a reliable Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Emergency Medical Dispatchers often rely on medical terminology to communicate with patients, and this course covers basic medical terminology and anatomy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Firefighter

Firefighters are often the first responders to emergency situations. The knowledge and skills provided by the EMT Foundations course, such as vital signs, patient assessment, and scene safety, can be an advantage. EMT training can be helpful in obtaining employment in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firefighter

Registered Nurse

The EMT Foundations course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Registered Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, you would provide medical care to patients of all ages, provide patient education, and administer medication. This course introduces you to the emergency medical services system, which would be helpful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Paramedic

The EMT Foundations course covers those medical terminology. With additional training and experience, you could become a paramedic. Some of the duties of a Paramedic include, assessing injuries, administering medication, and transporting patients to the hospital. This course may be useful in helping you build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paramedic

Reading list

We've selected six 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 EMT Foundations.

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Cover image

Sanders' Paramedic Textbook

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This textbook comprehensive and authoritative guide to paramedic training and practice, and is written by experts in the field.

Sanders' Paramedic Textbook

Sanders' Paramedic Textbook

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Cover image

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive...

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This textbook comprehensive and authoritative guide to emergency medicine, and is written by experts in the field. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis and management of medical emergencies, and valuable resource for EMTs and paramedics.

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive...

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive...

Cover image

Cover image

Advanced Emergency Care and Transportation of the...

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This textbook standard resource for EMT and paramedic training, and covers a wide range of topics related to emergency medical care, including patient assessment, treatment, and transportation.

AEMT: Advanced Emergency Care and Transportation of...

AEMT: Advanced Emergency Care and Transportation of...

Cover image

Cover image

EMS Quality Management and Research

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This textbook comprehensive guide to EMT training and practice, and covers a wide range of topics related to emergency medical care, including patient assessment, treatment, and transportation.

EMS Quality Management and Research (EMS Management)

EMS Quality Management and Research (EMS Management)

Cover image

Cover image

PHTLS 9E: Prehospital Trauma Life Support

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While this book goes beyond the scope of this course, it can be a useful reference for the assessment and treatment of trauma patients.

PHTLS: Prehospital Trauma Life Support: Prehospital...

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Cover image

Fire Protection Systems includes Navigate Advantage...

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Serves as a textbook for EMT training. While it might be redundant for portions of the course, it can be a useful reference.

Fire Protection Systems includes Navigate Advantage...

Fire Protection Systems includes Navigate Advantage...

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Course image

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:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the emergency medical services system, providing a foundation for understanding its components and operations

Provides a comprehensive overview of basic human anatomy, covering the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological, and endocrine systems

Covers various communication strategies and methods used in prehospital medicine, including the SBAR method, patient communication, and system-specific communication

Discusses vital signs, their importance, and how to accurately measure blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse, as well as assessing skin

Teaches the procedures for arriving at the scene, including safety assessment, patient assessment, and history taking, following national registry guidelines

Emphasizes personal and scene safety, addressing essential workplace safety and provider wellness practices

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