This semester-long program is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the emergency medical services profession, and the treatment of the sick and injured. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Standard Curriculum for the EMT-Basic, and the Illinois Department of Public Health, this program focuses on honing the knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow students to properly assess and treat a wide variety of medical emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. Topics include: cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies, shock and bleeding, trauma care, emergency childbirth, fracture splinting, wound care, diabetic emergencies, basic anatomy and physiology, lifting and moving techniques, basic pharmacology, ambulance operations, scene safety, and personal protection strategies. This course is taught to prepare students to successfully challenge the National Registry Examination for the EMT-Basic and/or the Illinois Department of Public Health Licensing Examination for the EMT-Basic. Prerequisite: Completion of a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course.

The Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program is a fully accredited, thirteen month-long course of study based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Standard Curriculum for paramedic instruction. The program is designed to provide students with the cognitive and psychomotor skills necessary to perform advanced-level medical care in the pre-hospital setting, and to assume leadership positions in the various emergency medical services professions. Classes incorporate a variety of teaching methods, including lecture, small group activities, student teaching sessions, and skills laboratories. Dynamic didactic sessions, along with comprehensive clinical and field internships will prepare students to successfully challenge the National Registry Examination for Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics and receive state licensure as a paramedic from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible to receive up to 30 credit hours towards an Associates of Science in Emergency Medical Services Leadership from Triton College. Prerequisites: Current EMT-B Licensure, High School Diploma or Equivalency, Pre-admission Testing, Minimum Age of 18.

Taught according to the American Heart Association curriculum, this course is designed to give healthcare providers advanced-level skills in the management of life-threatening cardiac emergencies, stroke, and sudden death. Topics include: risk factors for cardiac disease, prudent heart living, etiology of Coronary Artery Disease and stroke, anatomy and physiology of the heart, electrophysiology, cardiac pharmacology, cardiac dysrhythmia recognition, advanced airway techniques and cardiac defibrillation. Prerequisite: Current healthcare provider level CPR/Basic life support education.

This course, endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of EMS Physicians, offers a focused perspective on the pre-hospital treatment of traumatic injuries. Course participants at all levels (EMT-B, EMT-P, RN, etc.) will benefit from learning new skills to quickly assess, resuscitate, prepare and transport critically wounded patients. Emphasis is placed on early recognition of life threatening injuries and very rapid in-field stabilization, with the main goal of getting a patient definitive care in the hospital setting.

The Critical Care EMT-P course is an intensive, two-week program that will prepare the experienced paramedic, nurse or respiratory technician to become a critical care transport specialist. In conjunction with Loyola LIFESTAR and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, expert Loyola paramedics, nurses and physicians will discuss a variety of topics, including: ventilators, 12-lead ECGs, IV pumps, advanced pharmacology, invasive lines, intra-aortic balloon pumps, aeromedical transport, and complications of critical care transports. Prerequisites: Current EMT-P, RN or RRT license with a minimum of two years of experience. ACLS, PALS and BTLS/PHTLS recognition.

The Emergency Communications Registered Nurse monitors EMS telecommunications from pre-hospital providers, and acts as a designee of the EMS System Medical Director to collaborate with EMTs and Paramedics in the field. This ECRN course provides the experienced Emergency Department nurse with the necessary information to perform this extended role competently and confidently. The course will also prepare candidates for the written examination required by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety. Prerequisites: RN license with two years of Emergency Department experience (or equivalent), ACLS or ECG Interpretation, recommendation of Emergency Department Director or Nurse Coordinator.

The Emergency Medical Dispatcher is trained to offer adult and pediatric pre-arrival medical instructions to individuals calling 911. As one of the earliest links in the chain of survival, and the first step in initiating and coordinating an EMS response, EMDs provide a vital service to the general public. This 24-hour EMD course is taught in accordance with the National Standard Curriculum of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The The EMS Lead Instructor Certification process assures that any educational program sponsored by the System is delivered professionally, competently, and is in line with the standards and philosophy of the Loyola EMS System. The Lead Instructor course sponsored and presented by the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) serves as the foundation of the approval process for LEMSS. Additionally we require that individuals are practicing EMS professionals and have classroom and/or small group teaching experience. Applicants must also be observed and evaluated while teaching in a classroom setting by a member of the EMS Office Staff. Finally each applicant will meet with the Medical Director, EMS Coordinator or a designate from the System to review procedures for approval of site codes and to discuss the philosophy and methodology of the Loyola EMS System. Lead Instructors need to recertify every 4 years. They are required to keep up their skills and earn CE by attending instructor workshops that are offered several times a year

This course is an intensive and dynamic review of the knowledge, skills and abilities that are required to perform the role of an EMT-Paramedic, as outlined by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Taught by expert paramedic instructors, physicians and nurses, this program offers paramedics a chance to refresh and practice their skills in a challenging and supportive environment. The combination of 40 hours of interactive presentations and 8 hours of clinical skills practice is meant to prepare course participants to successfully challenge the National Registry Examination for Intermediate and Paramedic EMTs.

The Paramedic Field Instructor Course is designed to provide practicing EMS personnel with a specific body of knowledge related to field education of paramedic candidates. This course, conveniently presented in a one-day format, combines lecture and role-play scenarios that are intended to examine field instructor roles and responsibilities. Also discussed are practical applications of adult education, communication techniques, inter-personal skills and principles of effective evaluation. Prerequisites: Candidates must be currently practicing EMT-Paramedics with a minimum of one year of pre-hospital experience. Candidates must also be willing to serve as a Field Instructor for students enrolled in the Loyola EMS Program for Pre-hospital Medicine.

This program, developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is designed as a comprehensive source of pre-hospital medical information for the emergent care of infants and children. PEPP teaches EMS personnel at all levels (First Responder, EMT-B, EMT-Paramedic) how to assess and manage ill and/or injured children with greater insight into the special needs of this population. The PEPP course incorporates lectures, case studies and skills stations into a two-day (16 hour) course for ALS providers and a one-day (8 hour) course for BLS providers. Note: PEPP Course Coordinator Courses are also presented at various times throughout the academic year.

Supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Brain Trauma Foundation, this course is specifically designed to encourage the optimal management of traumatic brain-injured patients in the pre-hospital environment. Aimed at all levels of pre-hospital providers, this 4-hour course focuses on enhancing the assessment, triage, treatment and hospital transport of brain injured patients. Participants will learn to rapidly identify and treat brain injured patients, with a specific focus on adult and pediatric patients with a Glasgow Coma Score between 3 and 8. Note: Train-the-trainer courses are also offered throughout the academic year.

This unique and dynamic course is designed to enhance the assessment and appropriate triaging skills of school-based nurses who might encounter acutely ill or injured children. The SNEC course is meant to support and enhance the school nurse’s core knowledge, while also presenting new materials to help school nurses deal with the increasing number of urgent health-related conditions seen within the school setting. Sponsored by Illinois EMSC, this three-day SNEC course is open to all Registered Nurses within the State of Illinois, and provides 23.4 continuing education credit hours through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.