ObjectivesThis program is designed to prepare Primary Care Paramedics with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgement necessary to practice advanced emergency prehospital medical care within the scope of practice of their role as Advanced Care Paramedics and to function as important team members within the health care delivery system in accordance with the National Occupational Competency Profile for the Advanced Care Paramedic set out by the Paramedic Association of Canada (June 2001).
Practical experienceThere is a field placement component associated with this program.
Entry requirementsPrimary Care Paramedics
Academic titleAdvanced Care Paramedic Graduate Certificate
Course descriptionAdvanced Care ParamedicPARA8010 Advanced Airway Management (Theory/Lab)
Description: Admission: Must be registered in Advanced Care Paramedic Program. This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skill sets related to advanced airway management. Adult and pediatric respiratory physiology and pathology will be included. Critical thinking related to assessment, interpretation of assessment findings and implications for patient airway management will be emphasized. The student will acquire basic and advanced airway management skills including oral/nasal intubation, cricothyroidotomy and needle thoracotomy. During the course, the student will demonstrate and be evaluated on selected airway management skill sets in various simulated laboratory situations.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
PARA8030 Intravenous Access And Fluid Administration (Theory/Lab)
Description: This course will familiarize the student with peripheral intravenous therapy principles, techniques and equipment. Anatomy and physiology, risk management, quality assurance and asepsis relating to intravenous cannulation in the adult and pediatric patient will also be addressed. Calculating infusion rates and medication administration through an intravenous line will also be presented. During the course, the student will demonstrate and be evaluated on the related skill sets in various simulated laboratory situations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA8010
PARA8040 Clinical Practicum (Advanced Care Paramedic)
Description: During this course the student will apply the theory and skill sets of advanced airway management and intravenous access and fluid administration in hospital/clinical situations. Eighty hours of Practical experience will be provided in the operating room working with anesthetists as well as 80 hours of practical exposure initiating and managing peripheral intravenous therapy in a variety of hospital units with a qualified health care professional. The aim is to perform as many skills and assessments as possible in the ACP's scope of practice.
Hours: 160
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: PARA8060
PARA8050 Advanced Cardiology (Theory/Lab)
Description: This course will provide the student with proficiency in basic ECG interpretation, 12 lead ECG interpretation, cardiac arrest protocols and advanced level care of pediatric and adult cardiac emergencies. A review of cardiac entities will be addressed and the student will acquire skills of manual defibrillation, cardioversion and transcutaneous pacing. Students will have an opportunity to apply, in a variety of practical scenario situations, acquired advanced life support skills and knowledge and to demonstrate efficient patient and scene management.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PARA8090
PARA8060 Advanced Life Support Integration (Theory/Lab)
Description: This course will cover medical, legal and ethical issues, including field pronouncement of death and notification of family members; triage and major incidents; stress; working relationships between Primary Care and Advanced Care Paramedics; advanced life support management in the field and related patching, reporting and documentation. During this course, the student will become proficient in managing all aspects of patient care at a level consistent with that of an Advanced Care Paramedic. The student is expected to blend their total knowledge and experience base in providing patient care in simulated laboratory scenarios as well as in written and oral tesing.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PARA8070
PARA8070 Advanced Medical And Trauma Assessment (Theory/Lab)
Description: This course will provide the student with proficiency in the advanced assessment and treatment of patients presenting with medical and traumatic emergencies. Theory will include pediatric and adult trauma, pediatric advanced life support, geriatric assessment, special patient groups, psychiatric disorders, obstetrical and neonatal resuscitation, mass casualty incidents and triage, as well as illnesses and injuries pertaining to the endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, multi-system and eyes.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PARA8050
PARA8080 Field Practicum (Advanced Care Paramedic)
Description: In this course the student will integrate theory, critical thinking, clincal decision making and advanced skills sets in a 480 hour field placement experience under the supervision of a certified Advanced Care Paramedic Preceptor. The student will be expected to apply the knowledge and skill sets at a level of performance consistant with that expected of an Advanced Care Paramedic. The aim is to successfully perform all of the 'P' (preceptorship) competencies specified in the National Occupational Competency profile for Advanced Care Paramedics as set out by the Paramedic Association of Canada (June 2001) Evaluation and feedback regarding performance will be on-going throughout the duration of the experience.
Hours: 480
Credits: 16
Pre-Requisites: PARA8040
PARA8090 Advanced Pharmacology (Theory/Lab)
Description: This course will present the student with an understanding of emergency prehospital medications and common prescription drugs. It will include routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, pharmacokinetics and drug receptors. This course also emphasizes dosage calculations and the administration of emergency medications. Toxicology and toxidromes will also be discussed. During this course the student will be evaluated on the related skill sets in various simulated laboratory situations.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PARA8030