EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING

Online Training Catalog

Vector Solutions offers a comprehensive catalog of online EMS continuing education courses that are accepted in most states. Our courses allow first responders, EMT-Basics, EMT-Intermediates and EMT-Paramedics to complete their continuing education requirements in an engaging and easy-to-use format. These courses are available to PRISM members at an exclusive, discounted rate. For more information about these courses, or to add them to your course catalog, please contact Vector Solutions at 800.840.8048.

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PREPARATORY

Bloodborne Pathogens Safety

Bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposures occur every day, and you may not even notice. Workers who frequently handle blood, bodily fluids, materials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids, and medical waste are exposed to BBP infections at a higher rate than the general working population.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Clinical Decision-Making

Not only does treating patients in the prehospital environment have an air of uncertainty to it, but it also requires EMS personnel to work quickly and under a lot of pressure. EMS providers must be able to rapidly gather, weigh, and synthesize information pertaining to their patients. They must also be able to develop and apply patient management plans as fast as possible.

Essentially, EMS personnel must have strong clinical decision-making skills in order to properly do their jobs.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Common Infectious Pathogens

This course is meant to serve as an extension of EMS Infectious Disease Control, which focuses mainly on bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), e.g., HIV, HBV, and HCV. EMS personnel are at risk of contracting a number of infectious diseases apart from BBPs. This course discusses other infectious diseases which may be encountered by healthcare workers, such as Hepatitis A, Tuberculosis, and Meningitis. This course also discusses the appropriate precautions to prevent disease transmission in the pre-hospital setting.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Communication and Documentation

Communication is an essential component of prehospital care. Both verbal and written communication will be used during every response. Patient care includes assessment, treatment, and the ability to effectively and efficiently communicate findings to other health care providers.

Communication occurs from the pre-dispatch phase, throughout the call, and well after the completion of the transport. Various individuals will be involved in the verbal communication process and vital information will be discussed. EMS providers must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure accurate information is delivered to the appropriate individuals. The continuum of patient care is based upon effective and efficient communication skills.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Controlled Substance Compliance

This course is designed to provide an overview of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) compliance considerations for agencies that store and dispense controlled substances used during the provision of emergency medical care and transportation. The course will review the DEA requirements set forth in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 1300 to the end. These requirements are universally applied to all DEA registrants and are relevant to EMS organizations that are registered as either Mid-Level Practitioners (MLP)–Ambulance Service or Practitioners.

Course Duration: 0.5 Hour(s)

Cultural Diversity for EMS Providers

EMS agencies are often at the forefront of meeting this healthcare challenge, placing unique demands on personnel in trying to provide the same high-quality care for all patients irrespective of cultural backgrounds. Differences in language, cultural expectations, and access to primary care services require EMS providers to demonstrate cross-cultural competence in the field.

This course provides an overview of practical strategies for developing cross-cultural competence and providing culturally diverse patients with the best possible care.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Diet & Nutrition

Because providing emergency medical care is physically demanding, taking care of yourself by incorporating proper nutrition and regular exercise into your lifestyle ensures you have the strength and energy to do your job. This training course is designed to provide you with basic information on nutrition, weight control, and physical fitness to help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent disease such as heart disease and diabetes, and fuel your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay strong. This training program has 14 learning modules with a ten-question exam.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Responder Rehabilitation for the EMT

Rehab is a place, an action, and an outcome. The goal of emergency operations rehab is to minimize stress and heat related illness and death with medical monitoring, rapid response, as well as rest, food, and fluid interventions. In this course, learn about need for medical monitoring and rehab, common injuries during emergency incidents and training events, rehab practices, and key components of a rehab protocol.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to: Understand the need for medical monitoring and rehabilitation during emergency operations and training exercises, identify common injuries and their causes during emergency operations, assess emergency responders for illness or injury in the rehab area, treat emergency responders in the rehab area, and discuss key components of a protocol for EMS support of emergency operations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Responder Rehabilitation for the Paramedic Advanced

This course, which is guided by NFPA Standard 1584, provides a detailed approach to the roles and responsibilities of all parties during EMS Emergency Responder Rehabilitation, whether during training drills or live incidents.

A well-planned rehab operation is discussed and includes size, location, supplies, and areas within the assessment and treatment of response personnel. Common mechanisms of injury and illness during fireground operations and practice scenarios are also covered; as well as indications of certain treatments and further transport per local protocol.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Ethics for the EMS Providers

Have you ever found yourself in situations where you had to make critical decisions about patient care, determine what can or cannot be done, or weigh the ethical considerations of your actions? In the fast-paced world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), these dilemmas are all too common. This interactive online course covers essential skills to navigate complex ethical challenges. Topics include understanding ethics terminology, identifying personal and professional codes of ethics, recognizing ethical dilemmas, and implementing effective problem-solving strategies. As EMS technology evolves rapidly, this course empowers providers to make sound ethical judgments, even in the absence of specific laws or rules.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Functional Approach to Physical Fitness

​​A recent study showed that, in one year alone, there were over 65,000 injuries to Fire and EMS personnel while on duty. This interactive online course delves into the critical importance of functional fitness for first responders, highlighting its role in injury prevention amidst the physically demanding nature of emergency response work. By exploring the distinction between functional training and traditional fitness regimens, you will gain insights into how to tailor exercise routines to better prepare for the practical challenges encountered on the job. Through demonstrations of core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and functional fitness techniques tailored to emergency responder tasks, attendees will emerge equipped with the knowledge and tools to enhance their physical preparedness for the rigors of duty, ultimately reducing the risk of line-of-duty injuries and fatalities.​

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Functional Communication for EMS Providers

Communicating with patients can be difficult, even in the best of circumstances. The challenge of gaining critical information quickly and efficiently is one of the hardest tasks for EMS providers. When a patient is in crisis, this task becomes all that more difficult. Understanding the role of effective communication in the patient interview is a crucial skill for all EMS providers. EMS providers must have a firm grasp on the communication process. EMS providers must be able to interview their patients to obtain information relevant to their medical history and course of treatment.

This course discusses therapeutic communication with patients and ways to effectively communicate with patients in a variety of special situations. Furthermore, it provides an overview of practical strategies for developing cross-cultural competence and providing culturally diverse patients with the best possible care.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Health & Wellness

Providing emergency medical care is a physically and emotionally demanding career. Over time, these demands can wear you down and tire you out. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle you can ensure you have the strength and energy to do your job safely and efficiently and can tackle stressful situations. This training course was designed to introduce you to the basic concepts of health and wellness to help you improve your quality of life and overall wellness.

Topics include the components of wellness such as mental health, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. This training course has 11 learning modules with a ten-question exam.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

HIPAA Awareness

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1996 and aims to protect patients’ health information from being improperly used or disclosed. Since 2003, when enforcement of the Privacy Rule began, over 77,000 complaints have been received by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Nearly 20,000 of these were investigated, and the organizations that had violated HIPAA were required to make changes to their privacy practices, or take other corrective actions. Some were also forced to pay fines and penalties.

This course reviews the federal HIPAA regulations and discusses the duties and responsibilities that are required of EMS personnel and agencies. It also explains the various rights that HIPAA provides to patients and the safeguards that are required when dealing with patient health information. By complying with HIPAA, you will protect patients’ confidentiality and ensure that any use or disclosure of their information protects you and your organization from legal liability.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Immunology and Immunological Emergencies

This interactive online course offers a comprehensive overview of immunology, emphasizing the functions of the immune system and their critical role in health and disease. You will learn to recognize and manage immunodeficiency and infectious diseases, understand the mechanisms of immune responses, and address immune-related conditions like anaphylaxis and autoimmune disorders. The course will cover the distinction between various pathogens, the anatomy involved in immune function, and the implications for treatment and safety in prehospital care. By the end, you will be equipped to identify immune-related symptoms and make informed treatment decisions.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Infectious Disease Control

​​This interactive online course addresses the inevitable exposure to infectious diseases EMS providers face, from basic first aid to inserting an IV catheter, focusing on bloodborne pathogens like HBV, HCV, and HIV. You will learn to recognize, prevent, and protect against the spread of these pathogens and viral hemorrhagic fevers through the proper use of PPE and understanding national standards. Additionally, the course covers preventing needlestick injuries, exposure therapies, and the role of EMS in public health initiatives to control infectious outbreaks.​ (CAPCE CEH Category – Basic/Advanced/Operational)

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

The Human Body Part 1: Critical Systems

Part 1 of the series examined the structure, function, and common problems of the critical body systems, which included the circulatory system, respiratory system, and nervous system. It explored anatomy and physiology from a historic perspective, and addressed the medical terminology used to describe basic anatomical landmarks.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

The Human Body Part 1: Critical Systems Advanced

Part 1 of the series examined the structure, function, and common problems of the critical body systems, which included the circulatory system, respiratory system, and nervous system. It explored anatomy and physiology from a historic perspective, and addressed the medical terminology used to describe basic anatomical landmarks.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

The Human Body Part 2: Other Systems

This course is the second offering in the two-part series: The Human Body. Both EMTs and paramedics must understand anatomy and physiology to varying degrees. Using accurate medical terminology is an absolute requirement in every verbal or written report. Furthermore, forming an impression on a patient requires an understanding of the body systems and processes that are affected by disease or traumatic injury.

Part 2 of the series reviews the structure, function and common problems of the other body systems, which include the musculoskeletal, integumentary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Medical terminology from Part 1 is reviewed.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

The Human Body Part 2: Other Systems Advanced

This course is the second offering in the two-part series: The Human Body. Both EMTs and paramedics must understand anatomy and physiology to varying degrees. Using accurate medical terminology is an absolute requirement in every verbal or written report. Furthermore, forming an impression on a patient requires an understanding of the body systems and processes that are affected by disease or traumatic injury.

Part 2 of the series reviews the structure, function and common problems of the other body systems, which include the musculoskeletal, integumentary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Medical terminology from Part 1 is reviewed.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Infectious Disease Control

​​This interactive online course addresses the inevitable exposure to infectious diseases EMS providers face, from basic first aid to inserting an IV catheter, focusing on bloodborne pathogens like HBV, HCV, and HIV. You will learn to recognize, prevent, and protect against the spread of these pathogens and viral hemorrhagic fevers through the proper use of PPE and understanding national standards. Additionally, the course covers preventing needlestick injuries, exposure therapies, and the role of EMS in public health initiatives to control infectious outbreaks.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Medical, Ethical, and Legal Issues

There are a variety of ethical and legal issues you will encounter on the job. Awareness of these issues is the first step in protecting yourself from both civil and criminal actions. One of your guiding principles as a provider of emergency medical care is to do no further harm. If you follow this principle, act in good faith, and according to appropriate standards of care, you should avoid legal exposure. This course provides an overview of the key legal and ethical issues you will encounter on the job, including scope of practice, standards of care, negligence, consent, and documentation. Because each state is different, and protocols vary from county to county, seek competent legal advice if you have any questions regarding these issues.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Mental Health for Emergency Responders

Emergency responders work at a high level of uncertainty, a high potential for interpersonal tension, and a high frequency of seeing human tragedy. All of these are stressors that can take a toll on your mental health. This interactive online course provides a realistic exploration of life as an EMS provider, challenging the common media portrayal of constant heroic and adrenaline-filled events. You will dive into the beliefs and stereotypes surrounding EMS providers that may hinder them from seeking necessary support, along with strategies to change or reframe these beliefs. The course also addresses the signs and symptoms of stress in EMS providers, offering resources and methods to protect mental health and obtain help when needed. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped to navigate the unique aspects of an EMS career and foster a supportive workplace culture. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patient Refusal

Understanding patient refusal in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is critical for balancing patient rights with the legal and ethical responsibilities of EMS providers. While it can be concerning when patients decline care, adhering to your scope of practice, local protocols, and state laws helps mitigate the risk of legal action. This interactive online course explores key aspects of patient refusal, including informed consent, mental competence versus mental capacity, and the legal duty to act. It also covers best practices for assessing a patient’s ability to refuse care, the steps EMS providers should take in such situations, and the importance of thorough documentation. By building knowledge in these areas, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate patient refusals effectively and ensure compliance with regulations while respecting patient autonomy.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Prehospital Considerations for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in EMS

In the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), professionals often encounter patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. This course equips EMS clinicians and agencies with the knowledge and strategies needed to provide high-quality care to culturally diverse patients, while addressing topics such as implicit bias, systemic racism, and the unique needs of traditionally marginalized groups. Upon completion, participants will be better prepared to deliver equitable and inclusive care in a culturally diverse society.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Protecting Yourself from Influenza

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

As an emergency medical provider you will likely be exposed to the influenza virus on the job. This course highlights the signs and symptoms of the flu, as well as the steps you can take to avoid the illness.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls can happen in any workplace. But the consequences of emergency response personnel falling on the job can be much greater than those in the rest of the workforce. Slips, trips and falls include any injuries that cause lost work time. Slips, trips and falls may result in trivial injuries to catastrophic injuries. In this course learn common causes, hazards, and injuries. As well as safety techniques and prevention practices for EMTs and firefighters.

This training course has a learning module with a 15-question exam.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Therapeutic Communications

Inspired air has an oxygen concentration of approximately 21%. However, when the available atmospheric oxygen is not sufficient or accessible to the patient, a supplemental source of oxygen is required. The supplemental oxygen functions to increase oxygen to the cells and increase the patient’s ability to compensate with breathing difficulties. Several kinds of oxygen delivery devices are available and EMTs need to be familiar with their respective uses.

This course provides an overview of supplemental oxygen delivery. Beginning with a brief look at how to recognize airway problems, this course discusses various topics associated with oxygen delivery, including cylinder safety, methods for calculating oxygen flow duration, types of regulators, as well as differences in the various kinds of delivery devices.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Workplace Stress

Stress is a physical and psychological reaction to the increasing demands of life. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your response. This is called the fight-or-flight response. Once the threat is gone, your body should return to a relaxed state. However, the nonstop stress of modern life means your alarm system rarely shuts off.

Stress is one of the leading causes of reduced productivity in the workplace. And stress-related illnesses lead to absenteeism. EMS employers need to be aware of the impact of stress on their providers, so they can help employees manage their stress and minimize the impact of stress on the agency.

This course highlights some typical sources of stress, as well as methods of dealing with and reducing stress in your daily life. It is impossible to completely avoid stress, so learning to deal with it is necessary to your health and well-being. This training course has 9 learning modules with a 10-question exam.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)


AIRWAY

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome course provides essential knowledge and skills for healthcare providers in identifying and managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Participants will learn to distinguish ARDS from other conditions, recognize its symptoms in patients, and effectively manage ARDS cases in the field. Given the critical nature of ARDS, this training is crucial for improving patient outcomes and increasing the chances of survival.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Advanced Airways: Intubation and Beyond

Every patient must have a patent airway to survive. As a result, airway management and ventilation are the most critical skills in the prehospital environment.

This course is aimed at the advanced emergency responder and discusses only advanced airway procedures, from endotracheal intubation to surgical cricothyrotomy.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Airway Management Advanced

Every patient must have a patent airway to survive. As a result, airway management and ventilation are the most critical skills in the prehospital environment. During the initial assessment of every patient, the EMS responder must first determine if the patient has a patent airway. Always use basic techniques and maneuvers to maintain the airway before progressing to more advanced interventions.

This course highlights basic airway management techniques, such as manual airway maneuvers, basic mechanical airways, suctioning, and oxygenation. In addition, the course reviews advanced airway management techniques, such as tracheobronchial suctioning, endotracheal intubation, and gastric decompression.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Basic Airway Skills and Adjuncts

First responders need to know how to manage a patient’s airway, no matter what level of training they have. This interactive online course provides comprehensive training for first responders in managing patient airways. Focusing on airway physiology, oxygenation principles, and assessment skills, you will learn to swiftly identify and address airway issues, distinguishing between ventilation and oxygenation problems. By delving into airway anatomy, basic adjuncts, suctioning techniques, and supraglottic airway devices, you will gain the expertise needed to rapidly secure and maintain a patent airway, ensuring proper oxygenation for patients in critical situations. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Capnography

Due to the increased use of capnography in the EMS community over the past decade, understanding this tool has become even more important. Capnography is the measurement of carbon dioxide concentrations in exhaled air. It is an essential diagnostic instrument in the prehospital setting. Not only does it provide valuable information for EMTs, such as the evaluation of treatment response, but it is also a noninvasive measurement. This course discusses capnography, the use of capnograms in the EMS industry, and a variety of conditions that benefit from a capnographic reading.

A thorough knowledge of capnography is essential in prehospital patient care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Mechanics of Breathing

Understanding how breathing works is critical to identifying and assessing respiratory pathologies. A proper understanding of the respiratory system and how O2, CO2, and other respiratory measurements should be assessed can help EMS personnel determine the point at which the respiratory cycle may be breaking down. Is the patient receiving enough oxygen? Is that oxygen being used efficiently by the body? These kinds of questions can help guide treatment to ensure that the interventions provided are the most effective and appropriate to the patient’s condition.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Respiratory Emergencies

Respiratory emergencies are among the most critical scenarios EMS providers face, requiring rapid assessment and intervention to prevent life-threatening outcomes. This interactive online course aims to strengthen your knowledge and skills in managing respiratory distress by providing a comprehensive understanding of respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. You will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of common respiratory emergencies, distinguish between upper and lower airway obstructions, and develop a systematic approach to evaluating and managing respiratory distress. The course also covers assessment techniques, including the use of diagnostic tools such as pulse oximetry and capnography, along with evidence-based protocols for airway management, medication administration, and ventilatory support. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the confidence and expertise to effectively manage respiratory emergencies and improve patient outcomes.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Respiratory System A&P Review

The process of breathing and respiration is a primary bodily function required to sustain life. A thorough understanding of the anatomical and physiological function of the structures of the respiratory system will assist EMS personnel in providing adequate medical care to those in need. This course will describe the basic components and functions of the respiratory system and how to differentiate between adequate and inadequate respiration.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Supplemental Oxygen

Inspired air has an oxygen concentration of approximately 21%. However, when the available atmospheric oxygen is not sufficient or accessible to the patient, a supplemental source of oxygen is required. The supplemental oxygen functions to increase oxygen to the cells and increase the patient’s ability to compensate with breathing difficulties. Several kinds of oxygen delivery devices are available and EMTs need to be familiar with their respective uses.

This course provides an overview of supplemental oxygen delivery. Beginning with a brief look at how to recognize airway problems, this course discusses various topics associated with oxygen delivery, including cylinder safety, methods for calculating oxygen flow duration, types of regulators, as well as differences in the various kinds of delivery devices. Additionally, the course reviews conditions for using oxygen humidifiers, and special considerations and procedures for patients with stomas, for pediatric patients, and for patients with facial trauma or dental appliances.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Tracheostomies

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a tracheal stoma to facilitate respiration. In hospital settings, it is among the most common surgical procedures performed on critically ill patients. This means paramedics need to be prepared to respond to assist patients with tracheostomies by understanding the unique features of tracheostomy care so that they can provide effective suctioning, tube replacement, and ventilation when needed.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)


PATIENT ASSESSMENT

An organized, well- developed patient assessment is a valuable tool for providing patient care. Courses in this series cover the basics and advanced tactics of patient assessment and its unique challenges.

Assessing the Patient with Major Trauma

Proper assessment of a patient with a major traumatic injury is crucial. Not only does this assessment determine the extent of the patient’s injuries, but it also aids in determining patient care priorities. EMS providers face unique challenges when assessing a patient with a major trauma injury because not only do they have to determine any immediate life-threatening injuries, but they also have to consider any threats that may leave the patient with any long-term disabilities. This course discusses assessment techniques for making the initial impression of patients as well as assessment elements specific to certain types of trauma injuries.

Quick and thorough assessment of a trauma patient is the cornerstone for providing proper treatment and may ad in preventing death or permanent disability.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Detailed Physical Exam

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in the United States for individuals under age 50. Excessive forces applied to the body cause traumatic injuries, but, not all forces break the skin and cause bleeding. Some leave no signs at all initially, but cause damage beneath the surface that can be just as severe. The detailed physical exam is an integral part of competent and complete patient care. Sometimes called the focused physical exam or rapid trauma scan, it is typically performed after the initial assessment, usually while en-route to the most appropriate receiving medical facility. This course focuses on the steps necessary to perform a complete detailed physical exam. The properly conducted detailed physical exam provides considerable information about the patient’s injuries or medical condition but can be time consuming. This detailed physical exam is performed only after an initial assessment is completed and all life threats are controlled.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Grey Area Calls

Patient assessment is a structured method of evaluating a patient’s condition. An organized and well- developed patient assessment serves as a valuable tool for the provision of patient care. Patient assessment is the process of looking for, asking about, and recognizing the symptoms and signs of an abnormal condition. Because a patient’s condition can change quickly, the assessment process continues throughout the time spent with a patient.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patient Assessment

Emergency scenes can be calm or chaotic. Developing an efficient system for analyzing a scene and patient in the prehospital setting ensures critical issues are not overlooked. This interactive online course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with a structured and efficient method for patient assessment in prehospital settings. You will learn key components such as scene size-up, ensuring scene safety, forming a general patient impression, and mastering the crucial elements of airway, breathing, and circulation. The course covers primary and secondary assessments, gathering pertinent patient history, and ongoing assessments, providing a comprehensive foundation for making informed decisions in the field and contributing to the definitive management of patients in various healthcare settings.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Rapid Secondary Assessment

Accidental injuries are the leading cause of death for children and adults under 44 years of age, and patients with severe trauma pose a significant challenge in the prehospital environment. Rapid secondary assessment plays a critical role in the care of such patients. For trauma patients with a significant mechanism of injury, it provides a more thorough means of assessing the patients’ injuries and condition. When performed properly, rapid trauma assessment is both thorough and quick, and provides the EMS provider with a better understanding of the patient’s injuries and their severity so that he or she can make better informed decision about patient care.

This course provides an overview of rapid secondary assessment. It aims to give EMS providers a better understanding of the importance and method of performing a rapid secondary assessment over each major body section, from head to toe.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Special Challenges in Patient Assessment

Assessment of a patient is extremely important and performing a thorough and accurate assessment can be the key to saving a patient’s life. In some cases, however, the difficulty of providing an accurate assessment and taking a thorough patient history increases. For example, the emergency provider may face challenges such as language barriers, intoxication, refusal to talk, and mental illness. The emergency provider must learn the skills to effectively work around these situations to initiate and complete an appropriate patient assessment to ensure successful care and positive outcomes.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)


MEDICAL

Advanced Allergic Reaction Management

The Advanced Allergic Reaction Management course provides EMS providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening emergencies. Participants will learn about the physiology of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, enabling them to recognize the signs and symptoms across various levels of severity. The course emphasizes the procedures for emergency medical treatment, equipping providers to intervene promptly and appropriately to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients experiencing allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Advanced Allergic Reaction Management

The Advanced Allergic Reaction Management course provides EMS providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening emergencies. Participants will learn about the physiology of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, enabling them to recognize the signs and symptoms across various levels of severity. The course emphasizes the procedures for emergency medical treatment, equipping providers to intervene promptly and appropriately to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients experiencing allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Altitude Emergencies

Altitude can endanger the patient in several ways. The decrease in oxygen availability puts the patient at risk for acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high altitude cerebral edema. Additionally, the often-extreme temperature drops can put the patient at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. To increase the difficulty, symptoms of both altitude illness and hypothermia are similar and resemble those of dehydration and low blood pressure. Successful rescue requires prompt recognition of symptoms, careful and rapid management, and immediate transport.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Aquatic Emergencies

Aquatic emergencies present high-pressure situations for the emergency responder. In many cases, the victim will be a young child, which may present unique challenges to the rescuer. Drowning emergencies can also confuse rescuers as some victims can survive prolonged immersion and cardiac arrest while appearing lifeless. Emergency services personnel must possess an acute awareness of the pathophysiology of drowning and diving emergencies and the proper care for a patient in an aquatic emergency.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Assessment and Treatment of Altered Mental Status

Patients with altered mental status are a common encounter for EMS clinicians, and a wide range of underlying conditions can contribute to these changes, some of which may not be immediately obvious. While certain causes, like hypoglycemia, can be quickly reversed in the field, others, such as sepsis, require immediate intervention as part of a larger continuum of care. This interactive online course explores the meaning and causes of altered mental status, the frequency of common etiologies, and strategies for assessment and treatment in the prehospital setting. By the end, participants will be equipped to effectively assess and manage patients presenting with altered mental status.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Asthma Advanced

Asthma, otherwise known as reactive airway disease affects between 10-15 million in the U.S., and it leads to the deaths of over 4000 people a year. Approximately 50% of patients suffering from a prehospital asthma attack die before arrival to the hospital. Therefore, prompt recognition and appropriate treatment on the part of the EMS provider are vital. Asthma attacks need to be managed aggressively.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Basic Allergic Reaction Management

​​The Basic Allergic Reaction Management course provides EMS providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening emergencies. Participants will learn about the physiology of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, enabling them to recognize the signs and symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe cases. The course emphasizes the importance of emergency medical treatment for these conditions, equipping providers to respond swiftly and appropriately to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.​

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Basics of Arrhythmias: Tachyarrhythmias and Fibrillation

​​Understanding tachy-arrhythmias and fibrillation rhythms is a critical skill for EMS and/or fire rescue professionals. For the more than 350,000 people each year who suffer from cardiac arrest, 911 providers are the first line of defense against brain and heart damage or fatality. Tachy-arrhythmias are also associated with a range of heart diseases and conditions. Understanding how these rhythms develop and what etiologically significant events may have triggered them prepares EMS and/or fire rescue providers to respond to cardiac emergencies and give patients the treatment they require.​

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Basics of Cardiac Arrhythmias and Premature Complex Rhythms

​​Every year, thousands of patients are brought to emergency departments across the country for treatment for rhythm disturbances and the health complications with which they are associated. Additionally, over 800,000 patients are admitted to hospitals each year for treatment for arrhythmias. Yet countless more individuals in apparently good health also experience irregular heart rhythms and suffer no apparent adverse health effects.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Behavioral Emergencies

Emergency services personnel frequently encounter patients experiencing behavioral emergencies, which can stem from mental health issues, substance use, acute illnesses, or injuries. Mental health disorders are among the most common causes of incapacitation, affecting 1 in 5 American adults annually, with underlying mental illness contributing to up to 80% of frequent EMS calls. However, it is critical to approach these situations without bias, as behavioral symptoms may mask other medical emergencies, such as strokes or hypoglycemia. Proper assessment and de-escalation techniques are key to ensuring safe and effective care. This interactive online course emphasizes the importance of calm, respectful interactions, ongoing training, and individualized approaches when managing behavioral emergencies. Participants will learn to recognize medical conditions that mimic mental health crises, assess risks for suicide or violence, and apply legal and ethical considerations in care delivery, preparing them to handle these complex and often high-risk situations with confidence and professionalism.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is one of the most inhaled toxins. Because of this, treating patients with carbon monoxide poisoning is an emergency situation EMS providers often face, and because of its common symptoms, carbon monoxide is often misdiagnosed. EMS providers need to have a thorough comprehension of assessing and treating patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning while protecting themselves in the process.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Cardiac Emergencies

More than 600,000 patients die each year from cardiovascular diseases. Half of these deaths occur before the patient reaches the hospital. Many times, collapse and sudden death is the first sign of cardiac disease. Although chest pain is common in cardiovascular emergencies, not all chest pain will result in cardiac arrest. This course highlights the signs and symptoms and the emergency medical care for patients experiencing angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac tamponade, hypertensive emergency, and cardiogenic shock.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology

For over 80 years, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 80 million people in America suffer from some cardiovascular disease. Of these, coronary heart disease is the most prevalent. It remains the leading cause of death nationwide. Because of the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, it is essential for EMS personnel to understand the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the vascular system.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Common Infectious Pathogens

Infection can occur with just one exposure, making it crucial for emergency medical care providers to take necessary precautions to prevent disease transmission. This interactive online course covers essential knowledge about infectious diseases and emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself from exposure in the field. Participants will learn about common diseases such as Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Meningitis, and MRSA, as well as the role of PPE in preventing the spread of infections. Additionally, the course covers proper decontamination techniques for both individuals and equipment to ensure safety in emergency situations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a collection of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are used by millions of Americans to treat or lessen disease. This course explores common CAM treatments, their impact on EMS, and the adverse effects of some CAM treatments and supplements.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

CPR Academic

Each year approximately 250,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood, blood pressure falls to zero, and the pulse stops. Within 10 seconds a victim may lose consciousness and become unresponsive. CPR helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to the brain and other vital organs and can help “buy time” until help arrives. This course highlights how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, how and when to perform CPR, and how to use an AED to help a person in cardiac arrest. This course is meant to supplement CPR training conducted by the American Heart Association. It is not to be used as the primary guide for patient care. Please contact the American Heart Association for the hands-on class information.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Death and Dying

The Death and Dying course prepares EMS personnel to navigate emotionally charged situations involving death and dying. It addresses the implications of patient death, provides insights into the reactions of survivors and patients, and explores comfort measures for both. The course also covers considerations for termination of care, the application of DNR orders, and the decision not to transport a patient. By completing this course, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to handle these sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Dementia: Overview, Assessment, and Care

Dementia is not actually a specific disease. It is a collection of symptoms and can be caused by a number of disorders that affect the brain. The true incidence of dementia is not known because many patients with early dementia avoid medical assessment and cover their symptoms well. Additionally, early behaviors or memory loss may be considered normal for aging or due to other conditions. This interactive online course provides comprehensive insights into dementia, covering its definition, symptoms, prevalence, and impact on daily life. You will gain an understanding of the various types of dementia and conditions that may mimic its symptoms, equipping you with the knowledge needed for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Additionally, the course explores techniques for assessing and caring for dementia patients, including medication management strategies, ensuring that you are well-prepared to provide optimal support to this vulnerable population.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Endocrine System Emergencies

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating growth, development, and metabolism through hormone secretion. Issues with the endocrine system, including hormonal imbalances, can have major health consequences. This interactive online course provides essential knowledge and skills for EMS responders to effectively assess and manage patients experiencing endocrine emergencies. You will learn to recognize and respond to various endocrinologic conditions, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema, Cushing’s syndrome, and adrenal insufficiency, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the associated risk factors, anatomy, physiology, and appropriate management strategies. Upon successful completion, participants will be well-equipped to make informed decisions that prioritize their patients’ well-being and deliver effective care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Epilepsy

This course covers the recognition, assessment, and management of patients with seizures, with a focus on the challenges faced by EMS personnel. It covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and different types of seizures, as well as the approach to patient assessment and management priorities. Additionally, the course discusses the importance of discerning a patient’s medical history and medications when responding to seizure incidents.
Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders

This interactive online course provides essential knowledge for recognizing, assessing, and managing seizure patients in the prehospital setting. You will learn about seizure epidemiology, pathophysiology, and the different types and phases of seizures. The course also covers patient behavior, restraint considerations, and high-priority interventions, including the management of status epilepticus. Understanding proper assessment and treatment strategies will help responders minimize risks and improve patient outcomes.
Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Fundamentals of 12 Lead ECG Operation and Interpretation

Operation and interpretation of 12 lead ECGs is increasingly becoming a skill that is demanded in the prehospital environment. Use of 12 lead ECGs can give providers a much clearer picture of a patient’s condition and can favorably increase patient outcomes. For example, prehospital 12 leads have been shown to increase EMS-to-balloon times in STEMI patients. A 2002 study of the attitudes of cardiologists and emergency physicians toward prehospital ECGs found that most cardiologists and EPs found them to be beneficial.

This course will serve as an introduction in to the interpretation of an ECG and will include the following aspects: electrode placement and ECG leads, the Autonomic Nervous System, automaticity, methods of determining the heart rate, and regularity of rhythm on an ECG.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

HazMat Medical Emergencies

In the HazMat Medical Emergencies course, ALS personnel will explore advanced concepts and care related to hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents. This course serves as both an introduction and a refresher for ALS-trained individuals working in the HazMat specialty. Prior knowledge of Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical terminology and a basic understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives (CBRNE) concepts are prerequisites for this course. By the end, participants will have the ability to discuss advanced concepts of care, recall essential terminology and historical data, identify toxidromes, describe the physiological effects of toxic agents, and discuss pharmacology in HazMat medical emergencies.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Heat Illness and Emergencies

EMS responders are often called upon to treat patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 1,700 people die in the U.S. each year as a result of heat stroke during hot, humid weather. Not only is this ailment common, but EMS responders also face unique challenges when caring for patients suffering from heat illness because high body temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs. Prompt and skilled action is necessary when treating patients suffering from heat illness emergencies.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Hematology

Hematology is the study of blood and the organs that form blood. Hematological disorders include anemia, hemophilia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease, among others. Rescuers who understand how hematology and hematological dysfunction affect the body’s systems can perform more studied assessments and provide better treatment to patients.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

HIV/AIDS Awareness

When providing emergency medical care, there is a strong possibility that you will contact blood and other bodily fluids. Exposure to such fluids or materials could result in transmission of pathogens which can lead to disease or death. One such potentially infectious pathogen includes the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.

The AIDS epidemic continues to be a serious public health problem with profound consequences for our society. Between 650,000 and 900,000 people in the United States have been infected with HIV, and the disease continues to spread. There is no vaccine or cure for this disease. Now, more than ever before, all our communities face the challenge of working together to stop the epidemic. This course highlights how HIV is spread and what to do if you are exposed.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Hypothermia Assessment and Treatment

Hypothermia is a medical illness which has impacted the condition of people’s health for several centuries. Advancements in assessments, treatments, education, and technology have dramatically improved and now provide modern medical professionals with the ability to accurately and effectively treat patients diagnosed with a hypothermic condition. This interactive online course delves into the complexities of hypothermia and its various medical implications, providing a comprehensive understanding of terminology, historical context, and contemporary EMS practices. You will explore anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment techniques, treatment modalities, and transportation protocols relevant to hypothermia cases. By examining patient statistics and case studies from reputable agencies like the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you will gain valuable insights to enhance their problem-solving skills and confidence in managing hypothermic patients effectively. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Immunology and Immunological Emergencies

This interactive online course offers a comprehensive overview of immunology, emphasizing the functions of the immune system and their critical role in health and disease. You will learn to recognize and manage immunodeficiency and infectious diseases, understand the mechanisms of immune responses, and address immune-related conditions like anaphylaxis and autoimmune disorders. The course will cover the distinction between various pathogens, the anatomy involved in immune function, and the implications for treatment and safety in prehospital care. By the end, you will be equipped to identify immune-related symptoms and make informed treatment decisions.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Immunology and Immunological Emergencies

This interactive online course offers a comprehensive overview of immunology, emphasizing the functions of the immune system and their critical role in health and disease. You will learn to recognize and manage immunodeficiency and infectious diseases, understand the mechanisms of immune responses, and address immune-related conditions like anaphylaxis and autoimmune disorders. The course will cover the distinction between various pathogens, the anatomy involved in immune function, and the implications for treatment and safety in prehospital care. By the end, you will be equipped to identify immune-related symptoms and make informed treatment decisions.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Managing Cardiac Arrest: During and After Resuscitation

As a professional rescuer, you need to prepare for an emergency in advance. In addition, you need to be physically and mentally prepared to provide emergency care. Managing cardiac arrest requires skill and knowledge on the part of the emergency responder. A patient suffering from cardiac arrest has a very small window of time before brain damage occurs, and responders have an equally small window of time in which resuscitation will be successful. Therefore, it is essential for EMS responders to have a firm grasp on cardiac arrest and management techniques for this emergency situation. Coronary artery disease (or CAD) is a common trigger for out of hospital cardiac arrest, especially in the case of shockable rhythms (which will be discussed later in this course). Teamwork is key: you need to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate the care of a cardiac arrest patient. This course discusses the appropriate care for patients suffering from cardiac arrest, including post-resuscitation management techniques.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Maternal Considerations and Emergencies

This interactive online course explores the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and the complications that can arise, leading to emergencies and potential maternal or fetal death if not properly managed. It examines how these changes can mimic or conceal serious conditions, challenging advanced providers in diagnosis and treatment. The course also addresses socio-economic factors impacting maternal health, particularly in urban areas with high emergency service usage. Participants will learn to anticipate diagnostic changes, prioritize patient management, and apply the latest treatment modalities for optimal maternal and newborn care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine abuse is a serious problem. According to one national survey, approximately 10 million people in the U.S. have tried methamphetamine at least once. And due to its highly addictive nature, the number of these who have become addicted is likely significant. The consequences of meth abuse are devastating and wide-ranging, affecting the medical, psychological, and social arenas. The societal burdens of the drug, such as addiction, premature death, and drug treatment, cost the U.S. an estimated $23.4 billion (RAND, 2005). Not surprisingly, first responders often find themselves on the front lines, confronting the most severe symptoms and effects of the methamphetamine problem.

This course aims to provide EMS personnel with an understanding of the methamphetamine problem, its impact on users, and its associated hazards for EMS workers.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

MRSA Infections

This course provides an overview of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and discusses key topics of concern to emergency providers.

Through this course, EMTs will gain a better understanding of the risks of MRSA, how it is transmitted, how to identify infection, how MRSA patients are managed, and how transmission can be prevented. Additionally, the course discusses the importance of cleaning and disinfection and post-exposure procedures.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Narcotics Overdose

Narcotics overdose deaths have been on the rise in the U.S. for the last several years. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of prehospital considerations for narcotic overdose and misuse, tracing the historical evolution from natural sources to the modern era’s potent synthetics. Delving into the mechanisms of narcotics, it explores their diverse routes of administration, effects on the body, and the nuanced dynamics of tolerance, dependence, andNarcotics overdose deaths have been on the rise in the U.S. for the last several years. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of prehospital considerations for narcotic overdose and misuse, tracing the historical evolution from natural sources to the modern era’s potent synthetics. Delving into the mechanisms of narcotics, it explores their diverse routes of administration, effects on the body, and the nuanced dynamics of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. Through this, you will gain crucial insights into recognizing signs, implementing safety measures, and delivering appropriate responses as an EMS clinician. By course completion, you will have the knowledge to explain narcotics’ historical progression, comprehend their physiological impacts, and employ effective treatment methods, including accessing available resources for addiction management. withdrawal. Through this, you will gain crucial insights into recognizing signs, implementing safety measures, and delivering appropriate responses as an EMS clinician. By course completion, you will have the knowledge to explain narcotics’ historical progression, comprehend their physiological impacts, and employ effective treatment methods, including accessing available resources for addiction management.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Non-Traumatic Chest Pain

Chest pain is a symptom of potentially serious underlying complications. It can indicate the presence of life-threatening respiratory or myocardial dysfunctions requiring immediate medical care. Unfortunately, prehospital interventions are not always effective. More than half of deaths associated with STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) occur in the prehospital environment, and one third of STEMI patients die within 24 hours after ischemia begins.

This course provides a review of assessment and care considerations unique to patients presenting with non-traumatic chest pain. Topics discussed include the prevalence and significance of chest pain and the underlying conditions that can cause it. Specific common conditions such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure are also covered as well as general principles and procedures of ECG monitoring.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Obstetrical Emergencies

Have you encountered an emergency involving a pregnant person or even had to deliver an infant in an ambulance? Although childbirth usually occurs in the hospital setting, there are instances where EMS personnel may need to assist with delivering an infant in the prehospital setting. This interactive online course covers the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system and the body’s changes during pregnancy that will help you provide the best care for a patient who is pregnant. You will also see the specific signs and symptoms of labor and delivery and what constitutes an abnormal delivery. This course also covers maternal trauma emergencies and medical conditions that complicate pregnancy. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Operating an AED

Every year, approximately 350,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest, a condition often marked by sudden and unexpected collapse. In these dire moments, rapid defibrillation can be the difference between life and death. In this course, we address the critical importance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in increasing survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. This interactive online course will provide a comprehensive understanding of AED technology, proper usage procedures, special considerations, and maintenance practices. It also highlights how advancements have made AEDs accessible to EMS providers and citizen rescuers through public access defibrillation initiatives.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration

Opioid overdoses have risen to epidemic proportions in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. As a common and life-threatening emergency, EMS providers of all levels must be prepared to recognize and effectively treat patients experiencing an opioid overdose.

This course describes assessments and interventions that may be authorized at different provider levels in different jurisdictions. Providers must operate within the scope of practice and protocols established by their jurisdiction and medical director.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Poisoning and Overdose

Thousands of children are poisoned every year as they explore their environments. Many adults also overdose on medication, either accidentally or deliberately. With early prehospital management, the vast majority of these patients have better outcomes.

This course highlights how poisons enter the body, the emergency care of poisoning or overdose, and the administration of activated charcoal for patients with poisoning or overdose.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Prehospital Considerations for Burn Treatment

Burn care is a specialty, in and of itself, and presents many difficulties for any age of the patient, but particularly for pediatric patients where weight ranges can easily change the care necessary. This interactive online course provides a comprehensive overview of prehospital considerations for burn treatment, catering to both BLS and ALS personnel. You will delve into the complexities of burn care, with a focus on pediatric patients, gaining insights into skin anatomy, burn depth assessment, and TBSA categorization. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped to assess and treat burn injuries effectively in the field and hospital settings, with a focus on understanding mechanisms of injury and implementing appropriate interventions for pediatric emergencies.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Prehospital Pulmonary Embolism Care

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in one of the pulmonary arteries. It is a fairly common disorder, affecting about 650,000 people in the United States a year. Urgent care of victims of a pulmonary embolism is essential as about 11% of victims of this artery blockage die within the first hour of onset, and approximately 38% succumb within the second hour.

Like most emergency response incidents, a pulmonary embolism is a time-sensitive ailment; rapid transport is essential.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Sepsis

This interactive online course provides essential knowledge on identifying, managing, and treating sepsis, a critical condition in emergency medical care. It covers the pathophysiology of sepsis, early recognition, and current treatment protocols, along with prevention and patient education strategies. The course is designed to improve patient outcomes and is valuable for both new and seasoned professionals in the field. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to recognize at-risk populations, understand infection pathways, and implement effective sepsis management

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Shock and Shock Management

This interactive online course provides essential knowledge on identifying, managing, and treating sepsis, a critical condition in emergency medical care. It covers the pathophysiology of sepsis, early recognition, and current treatment protocols, along with prevention and patient education strategies. The course is designed to improve patient outcomes and is valuable for both new and seasoned professionals in the field. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to recognize at-risk populations, understand infection pathways, and implement effective sepsis management

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Stroke Assessments & Treatment

Over half of stroke patients fail to recognize their symptoms or activate EMS in time, making early intervention crucial for effective stroke management. The American Heart Association emphasizes the need for clear guidelines in emergent stroke care to improve outcomes. This interactive online course provides updated information on stroke assessment and treatment, based on the latest AHA guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiac care. By the end, participants will understand stroke epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment findings, and treatment planning.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Toxicology and Substance Abuse Advanced

Toxicological emergencies, especially those related to substance abuse, are being encountered in the field with increasingly greater frequency. Unintentional poisoning death rates have been rising steadily since 1992; it is now second only to motor vehicle crashes as a cause of unintentional injury death (CDC 2008), and among people 35 to 54 years old, unintentional poisoning caused more deaths than motor vehicle crashes.

This course reviews the toxin exposure problem and discusses the various kinds of toxicological emergencies that are commonly encountered along with assessment findings and patient management procedures unique to each type of toxin exposure. Special emphasis is placed on substance abuse and those substances that are most likely to be encountered in the field.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) Overdose

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used for depression treatment for over 60 years and, despite newer drugs, remain in use today for various conditions. Due to their narrow therapeutic index, TCAs pose a higher risk for overdose, which can result in life-threatening situations such as serotonin syndrome. This interactive online course covers the pharmacology of TCAs, the recognition and treatment of serotonin syndrome, and the critical assessment and management of TCA overdose. By the end of the course, participants will understand the signs and symptoms of TCA toxicity and the appropriate interventions.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Understanding the Basics of ECGs

The ECG Fundamentals course provides EMS personnel with essential knowledge and skills related to electrocardiogram (ECG) operation. ECGs are vital tools for diagnosing and treating various heart conditions, and both ALS and BLS providers must be proficient in their use. This course covers topics such as the principles of electrical conduction in the heart, the purpose and components of an ECG, interpretation of ECG graph paper, identification of ECG waves and leads, determination of heart rate, and the basics of recognizing arrhythmias. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in ECG fundamentals and be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of patient situations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)


TRAUMA

Abdominal Trauma

Abdominal trauma patients make up a significant volume of emergencies presented to the prehospital healthcare provider and are associated with significantly high morbidity and mortality when delays in surgical interventions arise. The goal of this course is to increase knowledge and awareness, as well as to present concepts and care for all Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel. This course provides an ideal refresher for trained individuals currently working in the field of prehospital care and in location-based settings. The details provided in this course revolve around the abdominal trauma patient population and incidents, management, and care of those conditions and situations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Abdominal Trauma Advanced

Abdominal trauma is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency. The abdominal cavity houses organs vital for normal bodily functioning, such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. When injuries affect this area of the body, it is easy to understand how they could put the patient’s life in jeopardy. Statistics confirm this, revealing that injuries affecting the abdominal cavity are associated with an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality, especially if there is a delay in surgical intervention.

This course covers both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma injuries and aims to equip EMS providers to provide accurate assessment and management for patients suffering either or both such injuries. Before launching into a full discussion of patient assessment and management, however, the course reviews foundational material covering abdominal anatomy and pathophysiology. As patient assessment and management of abdominal trauma involves skills that require real-world training, this course is best used as a complement and not a substitute to such training.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Abdominal Trauma Basic

Abdominal trauma is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency. The abdominal cavity houses organs vital for normal bodily functioning, such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. When injuries affect this area of the body, it is easy to understand how they could put the patient’s life in jeopardy. Statistics confirm this, revealing that injuries affecting the abdominal cavity are associated with an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality, especially if there is a delay in surgical intervention.

This course covers both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma injuries and aims to equip EMS providers with the knowledge to provide accurate assessment and management for patients suffering either or both such injuries. Before launching into a full discussion of patient assessment and management, however, the course reviews foundational material covering abdominal anatomy and pathophysiology.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Advanced Cervical Spinal Injuries: Special Considerations for Athletics

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to: Review C-spine anatomy, discuss mechanisms of C-spine injury, review signs and symptoms of C-spine injury, and explore guidelines for injury evaluation and treatment, including life threats.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Amputation Injuries

Every year over 30,000 traumatic amputations take place, and 75% of pediatric amputations are due to traumatic accidents. In traumatic amputations, the potential for success in reattaching the amputated body part is highly contingent upon the quality of the prehospital care provided. For this reason, EMS providers play a significant role in the survival and recovery of patients who experience traumatic amputations. This course provides a general overview of amputation injuries and discusses assessment strategies and patient management considerations. The course also surveys the various types of amputation injuries that may be encountered, the pathophysiology of such injuries and strategies for hemorrhage control and for providing the optimal chance for survival and for successful reattachment.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment and Treatment of Foot Injuries

The Assessment and Treatment of Foot Injuries course provides essential knowledge for clinicians and responders to effectively evaluate and treat foot injuries. With a focus on maintaining mobility and overall health, this course emphasizes the significance of proper foot care. Participants will gain insights into foot anatomy, injury patterns, risk factors, and evidence-based treatment approaches, ultimately enabling them to better address foot injuries and promote overall well-being. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment and Treatment of Submersion Injuries

This interactive online course provides essential knowledge for pre-hospital care personnel on the assessment and treatment of submersion injuries, which are a major cause of accidental death globally, especially in children. You will learn the latest science and evidence-based guidelines, following current NHTSA standards, to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with drowning incidents. The course covers definitions and classifications of drowning, the pathophysiology of drowning and submersion injuries, and modern prevention methods. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify factors leading to drowning, apply effective treatment and prevention strategies, and mitigate personal risk during rescue operations. (CAPCE CEH Category Basic/Advanced)

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Bleeding and Shock

Time is critical when responding to patients suffering from blood loss or shock. This course focuses on the importance of the circulatory system in relation to blood loss and shock. You will learn how to identify and treat various forms of external and internal bleeding, as well as recognize the signs and symptoms of shock. The course covers the structures and functions of the circulatory system, how to take a blood pressure measurement, and the steps for controlling bleeding. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the different forms of shock, the emergency medical care required, and the distinction between Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) interventions. 

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Bomb Blast Injuries Advanced

Bomb blasts can result in a large number of victims with a broad range of combined injuries. While statistics suggest that many of these are usually non-critical soft-tissue injuries, a significant number can be life-threatening. Because of the widespread devastation caused by such incidents and the unique injury patterns involved, caring for patients at these kinds of emergencies can be a challenge. EMS providers must be able to quickly perform triage, using their knowledge of the physics of bomb blasts both to locate the patients in greatest need of treatment and to assess them for the kinds of injuries resulting from explosions.

* (Dec. 2006). Bombings: Injury Patterns and Care. Blast Injuries Module.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Burn Management

Nearly half a million severe burn injuries are treated each year at hospitals throughout the United States. Burn injuries are a form of trauma that can be very distracting to you as an EMS provider because of the look and smell of the burn. These injuries have high mortality rates and can result in lengthy rehabilitation, cosmetic disfigurement, psychosocial problems, and permanent physical disabilities for the patient. When providing emergency care for these types of injuries, it is vital to focus on the treatment of life-threatening injuries, if they are present, even though the burn may consume your attention. In the interactive online course you will learn how about the classifications and characteristics of burns and how to identify the severity will aid in your medical care of the burns.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Central Nervous System (CNS) Injuries

The Central Nervous System (CNS) Injuries course offers a comprehensive understanding of brain, skull, and spinal cord injuries, which are critical concerns in emergency medical services. With insights into the anatomy of the spine and the central nervous system, participants will learn to assess and provide medical care for patients with CNS injuries effectively. Special emphasis is placed on minimizing the risk of further injury by mastering spinal-motion restriction techniques using short and long backboards. This course is essential for EMS providers, helping them navigate the complexities of CNS injury assessment and care while adhering to the latest EMS education standards.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Cervical Spine Injuries Part 1 Advanced

A 1995 survey reported that 39% of high school varsity football players sustained injuries. Of those injuries only 39% occurred during competition. 93% of football injuries were “new” or first time injuries. Due to advances in athletic equipment and rule changes there has been a 3% decline in serious injuries since the 1995 survey. Spinal cord injuries do still occur however, often leading to serious injuries, so emergency responders need to have a good base of knowledge in the proper management of c-spine injuries.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to: Review C-spine anatomy, discuss mechanisms of C-spine injury, review signs and symptoms of C-spine injury, and explore guidelines for injury evaluation and treatment, including life threats

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

CNS Injuries Advanced

Every year, brain, skull, and spinal cord injuries contribute to numerous patient fatalities at accident scenes. In the United States, approximately 12,000 patients survive their spinal cord injuries, many of whom will suffer severe, debilitating effects that can last throughout their lives. EMS providers play a critical role in assessing injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) and minimizing the chance of further injury by providing effective spinal-motion restriction. Errors can be devastating. It has been estimated that up to one-quarter of spinal cord injuries may be made significantly worse during extrication or early treatment after a motor vehicle accident.

This course provides an overview of the anatomy of the spine and CNS and highlights the signs of spinal injury, assessment and medical care of patients with CNS injuries, and the use of short and long backboards. It has recently been updated to include the latest education standards for EMS personnel.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

CNS Injuries Basic

Head and spinal trauma can result in severe, debilitating injuries. These kinds of injuries can have a significant effect on a person’s lifestyle and finances. Over the course of a lifetime, a patient aged 25 at the time of injury will incur over $4.6 million in expenses, as well as lost income due to job loss.

By providing accurate injury assessment and adequate spinal motion restriction, EMS providers can prevent these patients’ injuries from becoming worse. Packaging and transporting the patients quickly and safely can be a challenge. If the injury is not identified during assessment and the patient is not properly immobilized, permanent disability or even fatality can result.

This course provides an overview of the anatomy of the spine and central nervous system and highlights the signs of spinal injury, assessment and medical care of patients with CNS injuries, and the use of short and long backboards.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Prehospital Considerations for Burn Treatment

Burn care is a specialty, in and of itself, and presents many difficulties for any age of the patient, but particularly for pediatric patients where weight ranges can easily change the care necessary. This interactive online course provides a comprehensive overview of prehospital considerations for burn treatment, catering to both BLS and ALS personnel. You will delve into the complexities of burn care, including in pediatric patients, gaining insights into skin anatomy, burn depth assessment, and TBSA categorization. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped to assess and treat burn injuries effectively in the field and hospital settings, with a focus on understanding mechanisms of injury and implementing appropriate interventions for pediatric emergencies.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Care for Lightning Strike Victims Advanced

The lifetime chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 3000. Lightning is the second leading cause of weather related fatalities. This course explores how lightning strikes, where it strikes, and the effect it has on the body. It will challenge several lightning myths that delay critical patient care, define types of injuries, and explore tactics to increase rescuer safety.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Environmental Emergencies Advanced

Environmental emergencies include exposure to both heat and cold. Regulation of body temperature, which is an important physiological function, can be impaired under temperature extremes and result in heat or cold related illness. The key to effective management is recognizing the signs and symptoms and providing prompt emergency medical care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Environmental Emergencies Basic

Environmental emergencies include exposure to both heat and cold. Regulation of body temperature, which is an important physiological function, can be impaired under temperature extremes and result in heat or cold related illness. The key to effective management is recognizing the signs and symptoms and providing prompt emergency medical care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Femur Fractures

The femur, the thigh bone located between the knee and hip joints, is an extremely strong and large bone and is not usually fractured unless subjected to significant force, such as in a motor vehicle collision. Fracture of this bone can be extremely painful for the patient and may be life-threatening due to associated blood loss. Rapid splinting of the fracture and management of hemorrhage and shock are vital components of successful care of femoral fractures.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Fetal Trauma from Motor Vehicle Collisions (ALS)

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of maternal and fetal injury during pregnancy. This course reviews pregnancy anatomy and physiology, describes fetal injuries from trauma and the importance of assessing and stabilizing mom first.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Gunshot Wounds and Bomb Blast Injuries

EMS providers at all levels are often faced with the challenge of responding to scenes of targeted violence and treating patients with gunshot wounds or blast injuries. Penetrating trauma caused by firearms presents a unique challenge for EMS personnel due to potential severity of gunshot injuries to the human body, complex implications in patient care, and the unpredictability of the scene during and after a violent incident has taken place. These dynamic and often volatile scenes create new and unique challenges for the responder. This course will help prepare you for this response, by providing insight into the unique attributes of a bomb blast situation, and the injuries you might encounter.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Head & Facial Injuries Advanced

The head and neck contain many structures critical to the airway, central nervous system, and sensation. Injuries to these areas can cause serious and permanent damage if improperly treated or missed in the patient assessment. This course reviews the pathophysiology and management of common injuries to the head, face, and neck, including injuries to the face, ears, eyes, and throat and soft tissue of the neck. Prompt identification and treatment of these injuries is crucial in reducing pain, preventing further injury, and minimizing permanent damage.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Hip and Pelvic Injuries

The Hip and Pelvic Injuries course equips emergency care providers with essential assessment tools and contemporary treatment strategies for effectively managing hip and pelvic injuries. With a focus on recognizing key anatomical features, understanding injury mechanisms, and identifying risk factors, participants will gain the skills to assess and treat these injuries more effectively. Given the significant impact of hip and pelvic injuries, particularly among the elderly and younger population, this course emphasizes early recognition and evidence-based treatment, preparing healthcare providers to address these challenges in the field.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Injuries and Infections of the Eye

The human eye is an extremely fragile organ, and injury or infection of this organ can both cause extreme pain and lead to lifelong vision problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2 million people go to the emergency department for eye injuries in the U.S., and eye trauma is the number one cause of blindness in individuals under 25 years of age. Fast, appropriate care for eye injuries can mean the difference between short-term pain and long-term disability. EMS providers must treat patients with infection or injury to the eye with care and with consideration of the patient’s comfort. This course provides an overview of the eye’s anatomy, as well as both traumatic injuries to the eye and common infections and diseases of the eye.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Kinematics of Trauma

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death to Americans, causing 140,000 deaths ever year. It is estimated that one-third of these deaths are preventable. The EMT can help to prevent trauma-related deaths by predicting the type and degree of a patient’s injury based on the mechanism of injury and forces involved in an accident. Basically, the EMT must consider the scene as well as the apparent condition of the patient.

This course will discuss the methods of predicting injury based on the type of motion and the forces involved in an accident. This method of predicting injury is referred to as “kinematics,” or the physics of trauma. Some basic principles of physics as they relate to traumatic injury, as well as the mechanism of injury, will be discussed in the course.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Management of Cervical Spine Injuries on Athletics Part 2 Advanced

In 2001 guidelines from an inter-association task force of professional organizations representing emergency medical services, sports medicine, and physicians were released. The guidelines outlined standardized procedures for proper handling of athletes with C-spine injuries in the pre-hospital setting. This course explores the task force recommendations for equipment removal, patient movement, and patient packaging.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to: Explore recommendations for treatment and transport of the spine injured athlete, describe tools and techniques for helmet facemask removal, and discuss proper technique for equipment removal and preparation for transport

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common types of injuries encountered by EMS professionals. These injuries are largely not life-threatening in nature; however, there may be some instances where the injury can be life-threatening. Prompt identification and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries are crucial in reducing pain, preventing further injury, and minimizing permanent damage. This course covers musculoskeletal injuries as they apply to fractures, strains, sprains, and dislocations. It also covers specific types of injuries, patient treatment, and splinting procedures.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Nose Bleeds

The nose is a gateway to airway. It assists in critical airway and breathing functions. In this course, learn about the structure of the nose, its functions, what can go wrong with the nose and treatments for nosebleeds.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Nose Bleeds Advanced

The nose is a gateway to airway. It assists in critical airway and breathing functions. In this course, learn about the structure of the nose, its functions, what can go wrong with the nose and treatments for nosebleeds.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries with potential for severe hemorrhage and exsanguination. Up to 4 liters of blood can be drained into the pelvic and retroperitoneal cavities in a pelvic fracture injury.

Pelvic fracture patients also face a heightened risk of mortality from likely multisystem trauma due to the significant force required to cause such fractures and a significant mechanism of injury (MOI). In motor vehicle crashes, pelvic ring fractures are the third most frequent cause of mortality.

This course provides a general overview of pelvic fractures and discusses assessment strategies and patient management considerations. The various types of pelvic fractures that may be encountered, and the anatomical and physiological impacts such fractures may have, will also be covered.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pelvic Fractures Advanced

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries with potential for severe hemorrhage and exsanguination. Up to 4 liters of blood can be drained into the pelvic and retroperitoneal cavities in a pelvic fracture injury. Pelvic fracture patients also face a heightened risk of mortality from likely multisystem trauma due to the significant force required to cause such fractures and the likely significant mechanism of injury. In motor vehicle accidents, pelvic ring fractures are the third most frequent cause of mortality.

This course provides a general overview of pelvic fractures and discusses assessment strategies and patient management considerations. The course also surveys the various types of pelvic fractures that may be encountered and the anatomical and physiological impacts such fractures may have.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Recognition and Treatment of Foot Injuries Advanced

We use our feet in nearly every daily activity and subject our feet to continual abuse. The average person walks about 1,000 miles per year. However, because of improper foot wear, lack of conditioning, traumatic events, and overuse 43.1 million Americans have foot problems. This course discusses assessment and treatment of common foot injuries seen by prehospital providers.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Sepsis

Each year over 750,000 patients are diagnosed with severe sepsis in the United States. Although most common in the hospital, sepsis often strikes patients in the out-of-hospital setting. There are many reasons for the frequency increase—an aging population, increasing frequency of immunosuppressant diseases, and an increase of drug-resistant bacteria. This training discusses the physiology and treatment of sepsis.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Sepsis Advanced

Each year over 750,000 patients are diagnosed with severe sepsis in the United States. Although most common in the hospital, sepsis often strikes patients in the out-of-hospital setting. There are many reasons for the frequency increase—an aging population, increasing frequency of immunosuppressant diseases, and an increase of drug-resistant bacteria. This training discusses the physiology and treatment of sepsis.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Shock and Shock Management

Shock is a crucial concept in healthcare and understanding the patient’s health. Shock is a true emergency and, simply put, is the process of dying. This online interactive course delves into the critical concept of shock in healthcare. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the body utilizes and transports oxygen to cells, exploring compensatory mechanisms designed to address oxygen delivery issues. By identifying the stages and types of shock, assessing patients for shock, and developing treatment plans, you will be well-equipped to anticipate the clinical progression of shock and effectively manage this life-threatening condition.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Spinal Cord Injuries

On average, there are between 12,000 to 20,000 new spinal cord injuries every year in the U.S., and these are a leading cause of paralysis and many other short- and long-term effects. Some of these injuries, however, are incurred during patient care and could be prevented. In fact, it is estimated that a quarter of all spinal cord injuries are caused by improper handling. A greater understanding of the risks of spinal cord injuries and the need for proper immobilization and patient handling techniques is important for reducing the frequency of such injuries.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Stroke Assessment & Treatment

Strokes kill more than 150,000 people per year making it the third leading cause of death. Unfortunately, less than half of stroke patients access EMS for help. In this course, learners will review stroke types, important assessment findings, and appropriate treatment.
This course includes the updated information on stroke assessment and treatment from the 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care. It also discusses the recently released Give Me 5 for Stroke public awareness campaign.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Stroke Assessment & Treatment Advanced

Strokes kill more than 150,000 people per year making it the third leading cause of death. Unfortunately, less than half of stroke patients access EMS for help. In this course, learners will review stroke types, important assessment findings, and appropriate treatment.

This course includes the updated information on stroke assessment and treatment from the 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care. It also discusses the recently released Give Me 5 for Stroke public awareness campaign.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Thoracic Emergencies

Understanding thoracic injuries is crucial for EMS professionals due to the chest’s vital organs and the potential for life-threatening conditions. This interactive online course delves into the mechanisms, signs, and symptoms of both blunt and penetrating thoracic injuries, emphasizing their high fatality rates and the importance of timely, effective treatment. You will learn to identify and manage common and severe chest injuries, improving their ability to deliver the traumatized patient to definitive care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Traumatic Brain Injuries

This course focuses on educating first responders about head, brain, and neck injuries that may occur in traumatic events such as falls and sports injuries. The course covers the identification and treatment of these injuries, as well as potential complications and shocks that may occur. The course also emphasizes the importance of recognizing differences in populations when dealing with head/brain and neck injuries. By the end of the course, the learner will be able to identify different types of injuries and provide appropriate treatment while recognizing and managing potential complications.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Trauma Assessment for Head and Neck Injuries

This course covers how to recognize and treat head, facial, and neck trauma using a rapid trauma assessment approach. The course reviews the identification of various injuries that may occur in a traumatic event, starting from the top of the head to the neck. Students will learn when and how to perform a focused physical examination on a patient after completing a rapid trauma assessment. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize different head, neck, and facial injuries and identify the necessary treatments for each injury.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Understanding and Restraining Patients with Excited Delirium

EMS providers encounter patients who are combative or violent but require medical treatment and transportation. Frequently, these types of situations include a component of alcohol or substance, mental health issues, or some combination of those factors. This interactive online course delves into the complexities of patient restraint for EMS providers when encountering combative or violent patients requiring medical attention. Emphasizing the importance of empathy, composure, and careful decision-making, participants will learn about the various types of restraint, indications for their use, and ongoing care for restrained patients. Additionally, legal and ethical considerations surrounding patient restraint, including potential negative outcomes and liability issues, are explored to ensure patients’ and providers’ safety and well-being.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Unstable Pelvic Fractures

Patients with unstable pelvic fractures are at a high risk of fatality from major blood loss. Understanding the anatomy of the pelvis and surrounding structures and the types of pelvic fractures that can occur helps the EMT recognize and provide in-field stabilization of a pelvic fracture. There are several methods to stabilize a fractured pelvis, but all share the goal of circumferential compression and reduction.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Assault Patients

This course focuses on preparing EMS workers to effectively respond to incidents of drug-facilitated sexual assault, which can pose numerous challenges for responders. The course covers the incidence, effects, and characteristics of these types of emergencies, as well as patient management procedures and treatment interventions. Through this course, EMS workers will gain cultural competence for victims of sexual assault, and learn how to approach these types of calls with empathy and respect.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment and Treatment of Submersion Injuries

This interactive online course provides essential knowledge for pre-hospital care personnel on the assessment and treatment of submersion injuries, which are a major cause of accidental death globally, especially in children. You will learn the latest science and evidence-based guidelines, following current NHTSA standards, to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with drowning incidents. The course covers definitions and classifications of drowning, the pathophysiology of drowning and submersion injuries, and modern prevention methods. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify factors leading to drowning, apply effective treatment and prevention strategies, and mitigate personal risk during rescue operations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment and Treatment of Submersion Injuries Advanced

Emergency responders are called to assist with dangerous water rescue situations, such as a child that has fallen through the ice. But most submersion injuries occur a short distance from safety, in places like a bathtub or home swimming pool. This presentation focuses on the submersion injuries of drowning and near drowning. In this course learn causes, extrication considerations, and assessment and treatment of submersion injuries.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment, Treatment and Transport of Morbidly Obese Patients

Sixty-four percent of Americans are overweight or obese. One in 80 men weighs more than 300 pounds and one in 200 women weighs more than 300 pounds. Obesity the second leading cause of preventable death kills more than 300,000 Americans per year. This presentation defines overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity and strategies to assess, treat, and transport these patients with respect while maintaining the standard of care and protecting prehospital personnel.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Assessment, Treatment and Transport of Morbidly Obese Patients Advanced

Sixty-four percent of Americans are overweight or obese. One in 80 men weighs more than 300 pounds and one in 200 women weighs more than 300 pounds. Obesity the second leading cause of preventable death kills more than 300,000 Americans per year. This presentation defines overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity and strategies to assess, treat, and transport these patients with respect while maintaining the standard of care and protecting prehospital personnel.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Bariatric Patients

Nearly 70% of American adults are overweight and over one-third are obese, and current trends suggest these numbers are likely to increase. In the past three decades, obesity has more than tripled among adolescents. This means EMT providers will encounter an increasingly higher incidence of emergency runs involving bariatric patients. EMS personnel need to be prepared to respond to such incidents, to be able to recognize and manage the high number of known comorbidities of obesity, and to mitigate the risks of injury posed by moving and transporting such patients.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Child Abuse: An EMS Professionals Role & Responsibilities

In this course the role of EMS professional related to assessing, suspecting, and reporting child abuse is reviewed. The course explains several types of abuse and neglect and discusses general principles for treatment and assessment. The course concludes with a short discussion of prevention programs. Since the course focuses on general principles it is important to know and understand specific state or local guidelines applicable to your practice as an EMT or paramedic.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Child Abuse: An EMS Professionals Role & Responsibilities Advanced

Properly caring for children is a key aspect of emergency response. Sometimes, you’ll find that you’re role as a typical emergency responder becomes blurred when the child’s welfare comes into account. When you think a child you are responding to may be a victim of child abuse, how do you address your concerns while remaining a patient advocate? How can you be fair and impartial while also providing proper care? This course will describe the EMS professional’s role related to possible child abuse, explain types of abuse and syndromes, and discuss assessment and management of a pediatric patient who has been abused while also examining child abuse programs.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

General Science Advanced

The study of the human body cannot be accomplished without a discussion of the most basic level of organization, that of individual atoms and molecules. The characteristics of everything in the universe are determined by atoms and the way they interact with each other. This course will help you to understand the general science needed to begin study of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Geriatric Assessment Challenges

More than 12% of the US population is over age 65 and that number is expected to rise to 25% by the year 2050. Many seniors live with at least one chronic medical condition. This course will review the factors that complicate geriatric patient assessment and techniques to conduct efficient geriatric patient interviews.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Geriatric Behavioral Emergencies

Understanding geriatric behavioral emergencies is crucial for EMS responders to ensure that these incidents are not dismissed as normal age-related changes, leading to a lack of essential care. This interactive online course equips responders with the knowledge to recognize and properly treat behavioral emergencies in elderly patients. By covering the causes of behavioral changes, differentiating between disorders, and discussing medical and legal considerations, the course prepares responders to manage these emergencies effectively. Techniques for assessing, calming, and treating geriatric patients with behavioral issues, including handling potentially suicidal or violent situations, are also emphasized.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Geriatric Emergencies

It is estimated that by 2030, geriatric patients will comprise 22% of the population and account for 70% of ambulance transports. As the geriatric population continues to expand, understanding the nuances and subtleties of geriatric care is crucial for achieving successful patient outcomes. The interactive online course is designed to equip EMS personnel with the knowledge and skills required to provide effective care to the aging population. The course delves into the physiological and psychological changes that occur with aging and how they affect the assessment and treatment of geriatric patients. You will learn about the unique challenges of caring for the elderly, such as the impact of aging on various body systems, complications that can arise during assessment, and management techniques tailored to older patients with both medical conditions and traumatic injuries.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Geriatric Hip Injuries

Hip injuries can lead to life-threatening complications for elderly patients, who can have numerous underlying or subsequent conditions that increase their risk of severe injury and even fatality. One out of five hip fracture patients dies within a year of their injury.

The most common reason for hip injury due to a fall is osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bone structure. Because of underlying conditions like this, a fall involving a geriatric patient has the potential to cause more extensive injury and health complications than in younger patients. Among those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury death.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Hypothermia Assessment and Treatment

Hypothermia is not just an “up north—cold and snow” problem. Hypothermia can onset quickly from recreational exposure, trauma or can gradually worsen due to illness. Learn assessment guidelines to differentiate mild and severe hypothermia. Also, the course reviews treatment guidelines for mild hypothermia and specific ALS and BLS considerations for severe hypothermia.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Hypothermia Assessment and Treatment Advanced

Hypothermia is not just an “up north—cold and snow” problem. Hypothermia can onset quickly from recreational exposure, trauma or can gradually worsen due to illness. Learn assessment guidelines to differentiate mild and severe hypothermia. Also, the course reviews treatment guidelines for mild hypothermia and specific ALS and BLS considerations for severe hypothermia.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Managing Chronic Care Patients

Emergencies involving chronic care patients can be particularly stressful for patients and their caregivers. Such patients often have extensive medical histories, many have weakened immunological resistance to disease and infection, and others are frail due to the onset of age. Nearly 70% of chronic care patients are aged 65 or older. Additionally, as nearly half of all adults in the US have at least one chronic illness (2005), chronic care is likely to become even more common in the future.

This course provides a general overview of the issues and considerations relevant to managing chronic care patients. Topics discussed include the various kinds of medical devices that may be encountered, the specific complications most commonly found in such patients, and the unique assessment and management strategies involved in caring for chronic care patients.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Myths and Realities of Drug-Seeking Behavior

The motivations behind drug-seeking behavior are intricate, arising from an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. This interactive online course aims to dispel common myths surrounding drug-seeking behavior through contemporary research, empowering EMS providers to assess and treat patients exhibiting such behavior with compassion and non-judgmental care. In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of substance use disorders and drug-seeking behaviors. Key concepts such as drug dependence, tolerance, and addiction will be defined, and commonly abused medications sought by drug seekers will be explored. By the course’s conclusion, you will be well-equipped to navigate challenging encounters and reduce the stigma associated with drug-seeking behavior in the prehospital setting.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Neonatology

This is a critical course for personnel who must understand and manage emergency care for newborns in their first 28 days of life. This comprehensive training covers essential topics including neonatal physiology, assessment techniques, common complications, and proper resuscitation procedures that can mean the difference between life and death for these tiny patients. Modern neonatal care requires specialized knowledge of equipment, medication dosing, and rapid intervention techniques that differ significantly from adult emergency care. This interactive course provides detailed instruction through case studies, practical applications, and emergency scenarios, enabling healthcare providers to deliver professional, competent care while effectively managing both the neonate and concerned family members in high-stress situations.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Obstetrical Emergencies Advanced

You may encounter a number of pregnancy-related complications in the field. Some are minor, but some may be serious and life-threatening. While childbirth normally occurs in a hospital, it does occur in the prehospital setting on rare occasions. Because of the infrequency, taking care of an anxious mother and newborn infant is a stressful emergency call for the EMT. Knowledge and practice can decrease stress and lead to better mother and child care.

The goal of this course is to provide you the information you need to understand and begin management of most common obstetrical and gynecological emergencies.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Obstetrical Emergencies Basic

Gynecology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the female reproductive system. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that deals specifically with the care of women during pregnancy. Although gynecological and obstetrical emergencies are not the most common types of emergencies you will encounter, when you are called to one, it will require fast, effective, and professional care.

Childbirth usually occurs in the hospital setting, but you may have to assist with the delivery of an infant in the prehospital setting. You may also encounter pregnancy-related emergencies, both major and minor. During your initial assessment, an expectant mother’s condition can appear to be minor, but in mere seconds it can turn life-threatening. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and physiology of the female reproduction system and the body’s changes during pregnancy will help you best care for a patient.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patient Abuse and Assault

The prevalence of abuse and assault coupled with the deep physical and psychological impacts of such incidents on victims and their loved ones makes it imperative that emergency responders be familiar with the unique patient care considerations and characteristics inherent in these situations. Topics covered in the course include the cyclical nature of abuse, the legal aspects of sexual assault cases, and the community resources available for helping victims beyond the prehospital environment.

This course aims to equip paramedics to respond professionally, caringly, and effectively to incidences of abuse and assault, including partner abuse, elder abuse, child abuse, and sexual assaults involving adults and/or children.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Patient Lifting, Moving and Transport

A 2018 study done by NIOSH showed that more than 28% of injured EMS workers were injured while transferring, carrying, or lifting a patient. This interactive online course addresses the increasing demands and challenges faced by EMS personnel in responding to emergency calls and providing patient care. With a focus on patient lifting, moving, and transportation, the course emphasizes the need for continuous training in these critical areas. You will learn about scene safety considerations, standard precautions, and PPE recommendations. The course delves into hazards associated with patient handling, identifies various assistive devices and equipment, and provides essential principles and safety considerations for lifting, moving, and transporting patients. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex patient lifts and moves, ensuring consistent and successful outcomes in every patient encounter.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patients with Special Challenges

When called to the scene of an emergency, you may encounter patients with a variety of special challenges. From physical impairments to mental challenges to pathological conditions, these patients vary from the norm and may require special considerations for communications, care, and transport. Being aware of these challenges will ensure you treat these patients in a professional, courteous manner and provide the best possible care.

The course highlights the special needs of patients with hearing impairments, visual impairments, speech impairments, obesity, paraplegia/quadriplegia, mental illness, developmental disabilities, arthritis, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, poliomyelitis, spina bifida, and patients with a previous head injury.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Airway Management

Airway management is a critical skill for EMS personnel. A patient without a patent airway will suffer hypoxia, which can cause permanent brain damage after four minutes. After ten minutes, the patient has only a one percent chance of survival.

Respiratory difficulties are among the most common types of pediatric emergencies in many EMS systems. Because of the frequency and severity of respiratory incidents with pediatric patients, EMS personnel need to keep their skills sharp and remain prepared to provide immediate and effective interventions.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Airway Management Advanced

Airway management is a critical skill for EMS personnel. A patient without a patent airway will suffer hypoxia, which can cause permanent brain damage after four minutes. After ten minutes, the patient has only a one percent chance of survival.

Respiratory difficulties are among the most common types of pediatric emergencies in many EMS systems. Because of the frequency and severity of respiratory incidents with pediatric patients, EMS personnel need to keep their skills sharp and remain prepared to provide immediate and effective interventions.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Pediatric Assessment Part 1

While most EMS calls are for adults, it’s important to properly identify pediatric patient traits, anatomy and physiology. This course helps EMS personnel understand causes of pediatric injury and death, traits of pediatric patient age groups, and important differences in pediatric anatomy to help keep pediatric patient assessment skills sharp.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Assessment Part 2

Pediatric patients cause anxiety for many prehospital care providers. An excellent assessment is the key to understanding the patient’s problems and reducing anxiety. In this course, explore pediatric patient assessment techniques, principles for immobilizing pediatric patients, and issues in pediatric patient transport.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Prehospital Considerations for Burn Treatment

Burn care is a specialty, in and of itself, and presents many difficulties for any age of the patient, but particularly for pediatric patients where weight ranges can easily change the care necessary. This interactive online course provides a comprehensive overview of prehospital considerations for burn treatment, catering to both BLS and ALS personnel. You will delve into the complexities of burn care, including in pediatric patients, gaining insights into skin anatomy, burn depth assessment, and TBSA categorization. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped to assess and treat burn injuries effectively in the field and hospital settings, with a focus on understanding mechanisms of injury and implementing appropriate interventions for pediatric emergencies.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Advanced

Pediatric cardiac arrest is one of the most serious and stressful incidents EMS providers face. Care for victims of cardiac arrest must be provided immediately because their window of survival is very limited. During cardiac arrest, the pumping action of the heart stops, and the body’s cells begin to die within 4-6 minutes of onset. Bystanders trained in CPR and EMS providers must act quickly to improve a patient’s chances of survival from cardiac arrest.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Pediatric Cardiac Emergencies

​​Children’s hearts are structurally and physiologically different from adults, resulting in distinct presentations, risk factors, and treatment considerations. Rapid recognition and appropriate management of these time-sensitive conditions are crucial to improving outcomes and preventing devastating consequences. This interactive course delves into the intricacies of managing cardiac emergencies in the pediatric population. You will gain insights into the epidemiology, anatomical variations, and congenital cardiac defects affecting pediatric patients, enabling you to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide timely interventions. By the course’s conclusion, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, manage, and facilitate optimal care for pediatric cardiac emergencies in the prehospital setting, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and seamless transition of care.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Emergencies Advanced

Pediatric patients can cause anxiety for the prehospital care provider due to lack of experience dealing with this special population as well as a fear of failure. Infants and children are not just small adults. Their body size, differing developmental changes, and differing ranges of vital signs require that the EMS provider modify his approach accordingly.

This course will cover the key differences in pediatric patients and common emergencies EMS providers may face with this patient population.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Pediatric Emergencies Basic

Infant and child patients can cause anxiety for the prehospital care provider due to lack of experience dealing with this special population as well as a fear of failure. Infants and children are not just small adults. Their body size, differing developmental changes, and differing ranges of vital signs require that the EMS provider modify his approach accordingly.

In addition, the EMS provider must recognize that the child must be cared for in the presence of the family, which can cause additional challenges for the emergency medical care provider. A calm, professional, and reassuring EMS provider can help to minimize the psychological impact of the transport on the parent and the child.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Pediatric Fever for the EMT

Fever is a symptom of an illness but concerns about fever cause inaction and mistreatment by parents and healthcare providers alike. In this course, learn the definition and causes of fever, as well as techniques to assess and treat fever in the pediatric patient population.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Fever for the Paramedic Advanced

Fever is a symptom of an illness but concerns about fever cause inaction and mistreatment by parents and healthcare providers alike. In this course, learn the definition and causes of fever, as well as techniques to assess and treat fever in the pediatric patient population.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Fluid and Airways Advanced

Less than 10% of ambulance calls are for pediatric patients and only a small percentage of those pediatric patients have an immediate life-threatening problem. During the initial assessment, it’s crucial to quickly identify airway, breathing, and circulation problems. In this course, learn causes of fluid depletion, fluid resuscitation methods, causes of respiratory system compromise and pediatric airway management techniques.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Ingestions Advanced

In this video training program paramedic, pediatric patient expert, and educator Kyle David Bates teaches pediatric assessment principles, common accident medication ingestions and their symptoms, and treatment priorities for a child with a toxic ingestion. The video includes several cases and discussion with attendees of the live presentation.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies: Lower Airway for the Paramedic Advanced

Although pediatric patients typically make up only about ten percent of all EMS calls, breathing difficulty is a common chief complaint. Calls involving respiratory difficulty are often anxiety producing, but a younger patient in distress can create an even higher level of apprehension. This course explores the causes of, as well as the assessments and treatments for, pediatric respiratory emergencies in the lower airway.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies: Upper Airway for the EMT

Although pediatric patients typically make up only about ten percent of all EMS calls, breathing difficulty is a common chief complaint. Calls involving respiratory difficulty are often anxiety producing, but a younger patient in distress can create an even higher level of apprehension. This course explores the causes of, as well as the assessments and treatments for pediatric respiratory emergencies in the upper airway.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies: Upper Airway for the Paramedic Advanced

Although pediatric patients typically make up only about ten percent of all EMS calls, breathing difficulty is a common chief complaint. Calls involving respiratory difficulty are often anxiety producing, but a younger patient in distress can create an even higher level of apprehension. This course explores the causes of, as well as the assessments and treatments for pediatric respiratory emergencies in the upper airway.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies: Upper and Lower Airway for the First Responder

Although pediatric patients typically make up only about ten percent of all EMS calls, breathing difficulty is a common chief complaint. If you are like most EMS professionals, calls involving respiratory difficulty are anxiety producing to begin with, but a younger patient in this situation can create an even higher level of apprehension.

Regardless of our stress or worry, we have an obligation to be prepared. This course will look at upper and lower respiratory emergencies, their causes, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and assessment. It will provide a cognitive backdrop for your understanding of future training, and for your work in the field.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Pediatric Shock Advanced

Pediatric shock is a life-threatening condition. In fact, each year it accounts for about 20 million deaths of infants and children worldwide.

Delays in recognizing the type of shock a child is suffering from and beginning the proper treatment will result in a rapid progression from compensated reversible shock to irreversible shock, which ends in organ failure and eventually death. The earlier shock is recognized, and therapy is started, the better the child’s chance of survival will be.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Pediatric Trauma Advanced

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death in young children and adolescents. Children have unique medical needs. Therefore, it is essential that responders have a thorough understanding of pediatric traumatic injuries and the knowledge to manage these incidents.

This two-hour course discusses the types of pediatric trauma incidents and management methods of each.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Response for COVID-19 (PPE, Decon, and Transport)

As first responders continue to provide vital emergency medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic, they face unprecedented circumstances. EMS personnel must be able to safely handle the rapidly growing number of calls for possible cases of COVID-19 in a variety of settings, making vital decisions quickly, sometimes with limited information and resources. Being prepared to handle calls related to COVID-19 can keep first responders safe, flatten the curve that we have heard so much about, and help to break the chain of infection.

Course Duration: 0.5 Hour(s)

Special Needs Patients

In this presentation, we will introduce you to a number of chronic conditions or challenges which you may face when caring for special needs patients.

Additionally, we will review some of the common out-of-hospital care treatment plans and medical equipment you may encounter when responding to this category of patients. Finally, we’ll discuss prehospital assessment and treatment strategies which might work well with these complex patients.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder for First Responders

In the US, it is estimated that 1 in 36 children have autism and 1 in 45 adults have autism. This interactive online course is designed to equip first responders with crucial insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to facilitate safer and more effective interactions. The course focuses on identifying ASD traits, understanding associated mental and physical issues that may coexist, and addressing potential difficulties in communication and behavior. It provides tools and approaches to navigate encounters with individuals with ASD in various public safety roles. You will learn how to recognize signs of ASD, approach situations calmly, and tactically reposition yourself to ensure appropriate and non-threatening interactions, ultimately enhancing your ability to assist and support individuals with ASD in emergency situations.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected and sudden death of an apparently normal and seemingly healthy infant that occurs during sleep. It is considered one of the leading causes of death in the United States in infants under one year of age as it is responsible for more than 7000 deaths a year. Responding to a SIDS call can be both professionally and emotionally tolling on an EMS provider as not much can be done in terms of patient care and management. Providers will most likely be faced with consoling the parent or other caregiver as well as assessing and recording information about the death scene.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)


OPERATIONS

Back Injury Prevention

Providing emergency medical care is a physically demanding career. Lifting and moving patients, rescuing patients in awkward and dangerous positions, and carrying heavy medical equipment are all parts of the job that put you at risk for back injuries. Since once a back is injured, it is three to five times more likely to experience subsequent injury, this training course focuses on the knowledge and skills you need to prevent a back injury. Remember, your health and safety should be your primary concern on the job. Keeping this focus will ensure you are physically fit to continue in your rewarding career for years to come. This training course has 8 learning modules with a ten-question exam.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Basics of EMS Operations at a Mass Casualty Incident

Ask any EMS provider what type of call they fear the most and many will say “mass casualty.” Mass casualty incidents, commonly referred to as MCI’s, generally indicate that something really bad has happened, a significant number of people are injured or dead and the healthcare system is going to be stretched to its limits to provide rapid, high-quality care to a surge of patients. An even bigger concern for most EMS providers is the thought of having to be first on scene for an MCI and having to take charge.

While it may seem like a daunting task that should be reserved only for seasoned medics that arrive in a supervisor vehicle, the first few minutes of response will make a huge difference in how the rest of the event will go. All EMS responders must be prepared to be the first-in unit and know what steps to take.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Communication and Documentation

Communications is at the center of what and how, we, as emergency responders fulfill our professional responsibilities. How we listen and interact with 9-1-1 calling parties, dispatchers, co-responding agencies, allied health professionals, and others will determine whether those interactions are positive and successful or negative opportunities. Communications isn’t related solely to the verbal realm. There is also non-verbal and written communication that will also be a part of every response that we go to. When we assess and treat a patient, the care that was provided can potentially go for naught if we fail to communicate all that we saw, did, and why we did those things to the staff at the patient’s receiving facility. For fire rescue and EMS, communications begin when the call comes into the public safety access point or PSAP for 9-1-1. It continues during the pre-dispatch scripted questioning, during the dispatch/response phase and well after the call has actually ended. Therefore, knowing that communications lie at the heart of what we do professionally, fire rescue, EMS, and first responders of all stripes must have excellent communication skills now more than ever before. Communications link everything that we do. How we communicate has professional and potentially even personal outcomes. Helping you to be more effective and efficient in this vital skill is the goal of this course.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

Prepare yourself and your team to work safely with and around compressed gas cylinders. This course describes compressed gas cylinders and how they are commonly used. Use this course to raise awareness about potential hazards and learn best practices for storage, transport, installation, and use of compressed gas cylinders. Missile hazards and types of compressed gases are also discussed.

Course Duration: 0.5 Hour(s)

Confined Space Awareness

Your most important concern when approaching the scene of an emergency is safety – for you, your crew members, and others on the scene. There are a variety of hazards you may encounter, including crash scenes, hazardous materials, crime scenes, or unstable surfaces. This training course is focused on the hazards associated with confined space entry. Confined spaces may seem harmless but can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. According to NIOSH, 60% of all fatalities associated with confined spaces are would-be rescuers. Recognizing confined spaces and the hazards that may be encountered in them is the first step in avoiding serious injury and death. This course provides awareness level training for activities related to confined space entry. It is imperative that emergency medical service personnel recognize the potential hazards that may be encountered while working in and around confined spaces and to understand safe work procedures that will promote safe and efficient operations in confined spaces. Additional training at your job site is recommended in order to gain a better understanding of the confined space procedures in your organization.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Crime Scene Awareness

EMS providers can be affected by violence and crimes at any point in their careers. Therefore, it is essential that providers are always conscious of dangerous situations and have a complete understanding of how to handle them. If you are not aware of dangerous situations or how to respond to patients at a crime scene, you risk becoming a victim or hostage of a violent situation. And, not only does this put you at risk, but you also risk endangering your crew.

This course discusses crime scene awareness, and it offers suggestions on how to approach and manage scenes with potential violence. Always follow your local protocols where any discrepancy between the course content and your local protocols exist. It is essential to the well-being of a responder to be aware of how to proceed in dangerous situations and at crime scenes.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Distracted Driving for Emergency Vehicle Operators

A brief gaze at a vehicle accident, a turn of the neck to look into the backseat, a routine cell phone conversation — these all have the potential to cause a deadly motor vehicle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6 to 8.3 million drivers crashed in the past five years as a result of being distracted. Distracted driving is receiving increasing attention from both the media and legislators, but there is still a long way to go before drivers are fully aware of the hazards involved. On average, drivers require about 3/4 of a second to react. When a driver’s attention is diverted from the roadway ahead of the vehicle, that reaction time can be drastically increased, and traumatic injury or fatality can be the tragic end result. This course examines the problem of distracted driving and offers solutions and prevention measures for avoiding accidents due to distracted driving. Recent case studies are also presented along with a discussion of the lessons that can be learned from each.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Driving Safety

Roadways are a dangerous place for EMS personnel. According to the NFPA, in 2005 there were an estimated 15,885 collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles while departments were responding to or returning from incidents. And many more are injured annually from other emergency vehicle related accidents as well. Operating an emergency vehicle is a responsibility you should take seriously to minimize the risk of injury and death to yourself and others, as well as damage to expensive equipment. Since hands-on experience is a key element to operating an emergency vehicle safely, it is recommended that you attend an approved driving course if you are the driver of an emergency vehicle.

This training course reviews the principles of safe driving and highlights the risks you may encounter on the road as a driver and a passenger in an emergency vehicle and can help ensure you and your co- workers arrive safely on the scene.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Response to Terrorism (Modules 1-4)

This Introductory Guide for First Responders is essential for those employees who may be among the first to arrive at an incident of suspicious origin. It is intended to be a general introduction to the basic concepts for first-responder awareness at the scene of a potential terrorist incident.
NOTE: This training program consists of four learning modules. To maximize retention of the course material, all four modules must be completed within 365 days of starting the course to receive a certificate of completion.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Responder Rehabilitation

The Emergency Responder Rehabilitation course is designed to provide EMS personnel with a comprehensive understanding of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1584, which guides emergency responder rehabilitation protocols. This course emphasizes the requirements outlined in the standard from an EMS perspective, covering topics such as positional requirements, heat and cold stress, medical monitoring, common injuries, assessment and treatment in the rehab area, and the key components of an effective rehab sector. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement proper rehabilitation practices for emergency responders, ensuring their health and well-being during operations and training exercises.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Emergency Vehicle Operations

This course aims to review the fundamentals of emergency vehicle driving. Using contemporary examples and statistics, the need for training on this subject is emphasized. Factors to consider in route planning are also reviewed. Special attention is given as well to proper start-up procedures, fundamentals of safe driving, defensive driving, and positioning safely at the emergency scene.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Fatigue Management

Fatigue in the workplace is a dangerous condition in which an individual may not make good decisions or react quickly enough. This course will describe situations or conditions that lead to fatigue, and how employers and employees can take steps to minimize the possible negative effects of fatigue.
Course Duration: 0.5 Hour(s)

Fire & EMS Grant Writing

Funding is critical to Fire and EMS operations. Equipment, staffing, training all require funding, and the level they require can increase from year to year. This can be challenging when city, state, and other parent organization budgets are already strapped for cash or cutting back in difficult economic times. Yet without maintaining adequate funding, operations are less effective, the community is under served, and lives are put at risk–both those of personnel and of members of the community.

For these reasons, grant writing is an important skill to master. Skills such as research, organization, attention to detail, clear communication, and persistence are all key factors in successfully applying for, winning, and using grant assistance.

This course aims to educate Fire and EMS personnel on the skills and tasks necessary for successful grant writing, from the beginning stages of needs assessment and grant research to procuring resources with the allocated grant funds. Key emphasis is placed on federal grants and strategies are proposed for writing grants that successfully reach panel review.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

First Responder Operations Level Refresher (Modules 1-4)

This course is designed to be a refresher for the Operations Level Responder to Hazardous Materials Incidents, meeting the requirements of NFPA 472 and 29 CFR 1910.120(q). The course is divided into four modules. Each module should take approximately two hours to complete.

The first module covers how to survey a hazmat spill or incident; how to collect hazard and response information with MSDSs, labels, and markings; and how to identify the various transport containers and storage tanks used for hazardous materials.

The second module covers the chemical and physical properties of materials and their impact on storage and transport containers; response objectives, including how to assess the risk to a responder for each hazard class; and how to determine the suitability of SCBA and personal protective equipment.

The third module covers the principles of site management, how to establish and enforce control zones, and tactics for emergency decontamination. It will discuss common types of releases and how to deal with them, and how to conduct defensive operations such as damming and diking and air monitoring.

The fourth module covers incident management systems and the first responder’s role in a response plan. It will also cover the potential for terrorist attacks, typical agents used in a terrorist event, and the appropriate response tactics.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s) Each

Hazard Communication

Exposure to hazardous chemicals can present numerous dangers to workers. More than 30 million workers are exposed to one or more chemical hazards across various industrial sectors. Hundreds of new hazardous chemicals are being introduced annually, in addition to the approximately 389,000 chemical substances tracked by the Chemical Abstract Services database (2019). Knowing that chemical products may cause harm, the risk is increasing every year. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure that the information about these dangers is shared with those who need to know. This course covers OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard with an emphasis on what it is and how to comply. It also provides guidelines to help prevent chemical hazard incidents, and the adverse health effects that may result.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s) Each

Human Trafficking Basics for First Responders

Human trafficking is one of the world’s most appalling crimes against our social and moralistic beliefs, and it continues to degrade our society as it persists and spreads. In this course, we seek to discuss and analyze the topic of human trafficking and how you, the first responder, can assist in identifying and investigating such incidents.

Course Duration: 1 Hour

Incident Command System

The Incident Command System (ICS) has been designed, developed, and deployed for use by emergency management professionals and responder agencies. ICS is designed to create effective and efficient management of complex and emergency events with a simple, flexible, and adaptable system to organize, control, and direct response agencies and responders.

ICS utilizes a standardized approach to managing emergencies and complex events which has withstood the test of time. It is used both nationally and internationally and has been mandated by the U.S. Federal Government through the National Incident Management System (NIMS) at all levels of government, including public, private, and non-governmental organizations.

ICS is normally presented as an overarching system that should be used for effective emergency management. Any department that could be involved in responding to a mass-casualty and/or multiple agency response would benefit from this course.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Introduction to Hazardous Materials

Emergency medical service personnel face many risks and difficult tasks when dealing with patients involved in hazardous materials incidents. Therefore, it is essential that all personnel who come in contact with patients have a general awareness of the issues and concerns in dealing with hazardous materials incidents. This course is designed to prepare EMS personnel to understand hazardous materials terminology, basic safety strategies, the role of the EMS provider, specialized hazmat personal protective equipment, and the decontamination process.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Managing Multiple Casualty Incidents

As an EMS provider, you will respond to emergencies that require the involvement and cooperation of a large number of EMS and other specialized personnel. Such incidents may involve hazardous materials or the challenge of multiple patients. In these situations, you must recognize the need for additional resources and make appropriate notifications to an emergency communication center while maintaining a focus on the protecting yourself at all times.

Most communities have detailed plans for such emergencies. Your responsibility is to be familiar with those plans, the roles EMS providers, fire, law enforcement, and other agencies play, and your responsibilities when responding to this kind of emergency.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Medical Extrication & Rescue

Rescue and extrication operations, especially those relating to traffic incidents, represent a large number of EMS calls. These calls are often not only time-consuming but can be extremely technical, stressful and time-sensitive. Rescuers must have the skills to remain calm while determining the best method of rescuing the patient and subsequently executing their plan. This course will discuss the phases of a rescue operation, the hazards involved with the types of rescue operations, and the strategies for a successful operation.

Course Duration: 2 Hour(s)

Patient Care Report Essentials

The art of constructing an organized, coherent patient care report is as important in providing appropriate care as learning to perform effective CPR. It is important that it clearly contain all the information you want to communicate. By following 13 essentials described in this course, any EMS provider can improve the quality of their documentation.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Response to Mass Casualty Incidents

This course explores the ins and outs of EMS response to a mass casualty incident. Explore how EMS personnel can assess and transport a large number of patients by implementing incident command and using a triage system.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patient Lifting, Moving and Transportation

In today’s environment, responding to emergency calls and providing high-quality patient care has become increasingly more demanding and strenuous on EMS personnel than ever before. As a result of this systemic pressure for improved patient care, both EMS and healthcare industries are reflecting a rising need for continuous training on patient lifting, moving, and transportation. For the purpose of this course, the term EMS responder refers to all levels of emergency medical personnel involved in incident response, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and other personnel who perform similar duties. While many EMS responders are cross-trained as an EMT and firefighter, this specific course on patient lifting and transportation applies to these workers only when they are functioning as an EMS responder.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Patient Restraint for EMS Providers

EMS providers encounter patients who are combative or violent but require medical treatment and transportation. Frequently, these types of situations include a component of alcohol or substance, mental health issues, or some combination of those factors. This interactive online course delves into the complexities of patient restraint for EMS providers when encountering combative or violent patients requiring medical attention. Emphasizing the importance of empathy, composure, and careful decision-making, participants will learn about the various types of restraint, indications for their use, and ongoing care for restrained patients. Additionally, legal and ethical considerations surrounding patient restraint, including potential negative outcomes and liability issues, are explored to ensure patients’ and providers’ safety and well-being.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Right to Know (Hazard Communication)

Practical suggestions on how to implement the Hazard Communications Standard for the public sector, how to determine hazard classifications, how to interpret a Material Safety Data Sheet and procedures of Hazard Communications as presented in OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200 or 29CFR 1926.59. Contains three interactive scenarios, reference materials, case studies and hazardous communications forms.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Understanding Discrimination and Harassment in Fire and EMS

Discrimination and harassment have serious consequences for first responders as well as public safety and trust. Implicit biases and social norms perpetuate these behaviors as stereotypes subconsciously influence decision-making. This interactive online course addresses the critical issue of discrimination and harassment within Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire departments, recognizing the detrimental effects on team cohesion and individual well-being. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of various forms of discrimination, including systemic racism and microaggressions, along with their impact on workplace dynamics. Additionally, the course highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in these settings and provides strategies for creating an inclusive environment that fosters respect and equality for all personnel. Legal obligations and relevant laws are also discussed to guide Fire and EMS departments in preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment effectively.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)

Weapons of Mass Destruction

First responders who understand weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) can make better tactical decisions and potentially save more lives during high-acuity low-occurrence events. WMDs, which include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents, require specific response protocols and safety measures to protect both responders and civilians. This interactive online course covers essential topics, including harm agent identification, delivery methods, terrorist tactics, and critical response procedures such as establishing control zones, decontamination protocols, and patient care considerations. Through detailed scenarios and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to recognize WMD incidents, implement appropriate safety measures, and provide emergency care while coordinating with other agencies during these complex and challenging events.

Course Duration: 1 Hour(s)