NPHS 202 - Emergency Medical Services and Health Services Orientation

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive knowledge of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, hospital disaster response and supplemental resources including the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT). This program includes EMS development, training and educational requirements, medical care advances, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), medical response priorities, and an introduction to disaster medical operations. Appropriate clearances may be required. 

Note Fall semester only.

Text
Ledlow, Gerald. Leadership for Health Professionals: Theories, Skills and Applications. 3rd ed. Jones and Bartlett, 2018. 

Objectives
The student will be able to 

A. Develop a medical response plan based on realistic expectations of public safety capabilities. 

B. Describe the function of various levels of EMS responder. 

C. Differentiate between basic and advanced care capabilities.  

D. Explain the role and function of EMS in the NIMS-based response plan. 

E. Appraise hospital disaster response capabilities. 

F. Identify the role of public health agencies in pandemic illness response. 

G. Compare the various hazardous materials that can be used as WMD and the effects on health and safety. 

H. Summarize how medical resources are allocated during a disaster.   

I. Observe EMS stations and emergency rooms in hospitals.  

Content
A. The evolution of organized EMS 

B. Hospital disaster capabilities 

C. Overview of NIMS-based resource coordination 

D. Overview of WMD & medical response considerations  

E. Practical experience labs (EMS/Hospital Emergency Rooms) 

Student Evaluation
Student evaluation will be based on written projects, examinations, quizzes, and other assignments as required by the instructor. 

Bibliography
Page, James.  The Magic of 3AM. Carlsbad, CA:  JEMS, 2001.  Print.  

Pollack, Andrew. Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured.  10th ed. Sudbury, MA:  Jones & Bartlett, 2010.  Print.   

UPMC Biological Incident Response training module