In this course, you will get a thorough introduction to the emergency medical services system, and learn the foundation components to how it works as a whole. You will also learn the nuts and bolts of becoming a healthcare provider, and gain some basic knowledge about the human body. By the end of the course, you will be able to 1) understand the history and components of the EMS system, 2) speak the language of medicine with basic medical terminology, as well as have an understanding of basic human anatomy, 3) understand the different types of communications and how they are specific to EMS, 4) take vital signs and master the normal from the abnormal, and 5) master personal and scene safety, and begin the process of patient assessment.
EMT Foundations
EMT Foundations
This course is part of Become an EMT Specialization
Instructors: Angela Wright, MD
Sponsored by Coursera Learning Team
50,764 already enrolled
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(1,076 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 14 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
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Assessments
7 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Become an EMT Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course
In this module, you will learn about the nuts and bolts of the emergency medical services system. We will cover some brief history of EMS, as well as breakdown the different components of the system. There will be discussion about some of the medical and legal issues that are persistent in the practice of prehospital medicine. We will also address workplace safety and provider wellness, because you cannot take care of other people unless you are learning to take care of yourself!
What's included
8 videos7 readings2 assignments
In this module, we will learn a new language. This module will cover basic medical terminology and some tips and tricks for “talking the talk.” This is also where we will cover the basics of anatomy of the human body! We will teach you the basics of human anatomy of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurologic and endocrine system.
What's included
11 videos2 readings1 assignment
Essential to emergency medical services is communication. This module will discuss the various parts of the job that require communication and the different strategies to employ clear and concise communication. You will learn about the SBAR method of hand off reports, learn how to successfully communicate with patients, and we will cover some pearls and pitfalls to communicating within the EMS system.
What's included
10 videos3 readings1 assignment
Here we will cover vital signs, and learn about why they are vital! We will be teaching you how to take a blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, and assess a patient’s skin. We will also learn about taking a history during a patient encounter, and learn some standard approaches to this including the OPQRST and AMPLE templates of history taking.
What's included
10 videos5 readings1 assignment
In this last module, we will be discussing some bread and butter components of EMS. The first is scene safety and assessment of a scene. Then we will cover the complete assessment of a medical patient, and a trauma patient, using the national registry as our guideline. By the end of this, you will know how to communicate with patients and how to perform a thorough assessment of any patient you may encounter.
What's included
14 videos3 readings2 assignments
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.9 (373 ratings)Offered by
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Learner reviews
4.8
1,076 reviews
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KN
5
Reviewed on Jun 7, 2020
I'm very grateful this program is allowing me to renew my EMT license online while my medical school testing is on hold due to COVID, great way to review skills and make my time productive
AJ
5
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2020
Thank you so much for developing this course. It is comprehensive and a must learn, not only for EMS providers but for lay responders who doesn't have any medical background.
SI
5
Reviewed on Dec 27, 2019
Very thorough debrief of basic skills needed before indulging into the course further. While also providing the necessary tools and vocabulary to help the learner become successful.
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