EMS 243 Cardiovascular

Prerequisite: Successful completion of EMS 241 and EMS 242 with a grade of “C” or better. Current/active National or State License as an EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate.
5 lecture hours, 2 lab hours: 6 credit hours
This 6-credit hour course introduces the student to basic cardiology and electrocardiography, with an emphasis on the pre-hospital setting. Electrophysiology will be reviewed, along with the electrical conduction system of the heart and normal impulse generation. Disease processes of the myocardium will be introduced to the student. The primary role of the class shall be proficiency in the interpretation of the standard limb lead ECG tracing, to include normal-parameters, and dysrhythmias originating in the SA node, AV node and the ventricular tissue. Heart dysrhythmias will be discussed. The student will become proficient in reading standard limb lead ECG tracings and twelve lead electrocardiograms will be introduced and practiced. Cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning is used during this course. Emergency department and fast track clinical rotations continue. Cardiac Cath lab, Coronary intensive Care Unit clinical rotations will be introduced. Provisional field calls begin, as per policy.