EMS Course Descriptions
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
< Return to EMS Program Homepage
EMS 1003 – EMS First Responder
Previously 1005 (Prerequisite: RDG 0750; or appropriate placement scores, seepage 12. Pre- or corequisite: HLTH 1001)
This course provides the minimum level of training and certification for students wishing to assist in patient emergencies. Some EMS and fire services allow First Responder certification as a minimum requirement for employment; most prehospital services require EMT-Basic licensure. Students will be introduced to a variety of emergency skills and patient assessment strategies. This course is NOT a pre- or corequisite for any other level of EMS training at CNM.
EMS 1053 – EMT-Basic Theory
(Prerequisite: RDG 0950 + MATH 0930; or appropriate placement scores, seepage 12. Pre- or corequisite: HLTH 1001 + EMS 1093)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to begin a career in emergency medical services. Includes instruction on preparatory topics, airway management, patient assessment, medical emergencies, trauma emergencies, pediatric care and EMS operations. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Basic Scope of Practice.
EMS 1093 – EMT – Basic Lab
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 1053)
Students will practice simulated patient care exercises focused on splinting and bandaging, airway management, medication administration and patient assessment. Meets or exceeds the psychomotor objectives of the EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Basic Scope of Practice. At the completion of the EMT-Basic theory and lab courses, students are eligible to take the State of New Mexico EMT-Basic licensure examination.
EMS 1096, 1196...1996 – Special Topics 1-6
Previously EMS 296
Explores various topics of interest in the field of emergency medical services.
EMS 1413 – EMT-Intermediate Theory
(Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, seepage 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 1493)
Builds on material presented in the EMT-Basic course. Special emphasis is placed on teaching advanced assessment skills. In addition the course will expand significantly the number of medications a student can administer in an emergency setting as well as instruction on the theory IV fluid resuscitation. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Intermediate I-85 National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Intermediate Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053/1093.
EMS 1490 – EMT-Intermediate Hospital Clinical
Previously EMS 1290 (Prerequisite: department approval + EMS 1413 + EMS 1493)
Provides practice of intermediate skills in a hospital clinical setting. At the completion of the intermediate course series students are eligible to take the State of New Mexico EMT-Intermediate licensure examination. Current EMT-B New Mexico State license and current proof of professional CPR are required.
EMS 1493 – EMT-Intermediate Lab
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 1413)
Prepares students to participate in the clinical experience. Students will practice simulated patient care exercises focused on IV fluid therapy, medication administration and advanced patient assessment skills. Meets or exceeds the psychomotor objectives of the EMT-Intermediate I-85 National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Intermediate Scope of Practice.
EMS 1713 – ER Technician – Theory
(Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 1413 + EMS 1493 + EMS 1793)
Provides training to assist the staff of the emergency department in the care of critically ill and injured patients. Theory of wound care, suturing, splinting, IV therapy, catheter placement and other critical skills will be presented. A current EMT-I New Mexico State License or current EMT-I NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1413/1493.
EMS 1790 – ER Technician – Clinical
(Prerequisite: department approval + EMS 1713 + EMS 1793)
Provides practice of emergency room technician skills in the clinical setting. Current EMT-B/EMT-I New Mexico State license and current proof of professional CPR are required.
EMS 1793 – ER Technician – Lab
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 1413 + 1493 + 1713)
Prepares students to participate in the clinical experience. Students will practice simulated patient care exercises focused on wound care, suturing, splinting, IV therapy, catheter placement and other critical skills.
EMS 2096, 2196…2996 – Special Topics 1-6
(all courses ending in 96 are special topics)
Presents various topics. See Schedule of Classes.
EMS 2103 – Human Systems, Pathophysiology and Development
(Prerequisite: RDG 0950 or appropriate placement scores, see page 12. Pre- or corequisite: BIO 1410)
This course focuses on how common traumatic and medical emergencies affect normal anatomy and physiology for patients of all ages. This course complements other required EMS courses to show how both physical and drug intervention attempt to return a diseased or injured body to a normal physiologic state. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT Paramedic Scope of Practice.
EMS 2203 – Drug Calculations
Previously EMS 1012 (Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12. EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1415)
This course presents students with dosage calculation methods for enteral and parenteral medications, including intravenous therapy and pediatric dosages in the EMS environment. Focuses on those calculations used in an emergency situation in the prehospital setting. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053 + 1093.
EMS 2207 – Legal Issues and Report Writing
Previously EMS 1512 (Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: ENGL 1101 or ENG 1102 or ENG 1119; PHIL 2247)
Presents legal and ethical dilemmas for paramedic providers. The course will also review the aspects of documentation that can reduce the risk of legal litigation. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053 + 1093.
EMS 2213 – Endocrine and GI/GU Theory
Previously EMS 1515 (Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2103 or BIO 2310)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for patients with endocrine and GI/GU emergencies. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053 + 1093.
EMS 2217 – Pharmacology Theory
Previously EMS 1030 (Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2103 or BIO 2310)
Provides understanding of how chemical agents act upon the body and the theoretical base for administering medications in the emergency setting. Includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, precautions and contraindications of medications used in the prehospital setting. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT Paramedic Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053 + 1093.
EMS 2223 – Advanced Trauma Theory
(Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, seepage 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2103 or BIO 2310; EMS 2293)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for trauma patients. Includes instruction on the theory of advanced airway management and IV fluid resuscitation. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, Prehospital Trauma Life Support and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice. A current EMT-B New Mexico State License or current EMT-B NREMT certification will be accepted for EMS 1053 + 1093.
EMS 2293 – Advanced Trauma Lab
(Prerequisite: MATH 0930 + RDG 0950; or appropriate placement scores, see page 12; EMS 1053 + EMS 1093 or EMS 1010. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2103 or BIO 2310; EMS 2223)
Students will practice simulated trauma patient care. Provides training in the methods of vehicle extrication. Meets or exceeds the psychomotor objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, Prehospital Trauma Life Support and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice. Vehicle Extrication training also meets NFPA and IFSTA standards for Basic Vehicle Extrication. At the completion of the course students will receive PHTLS certification. Current EMT-B/EMT-I New Mexico State license or current EMT-B/EMT-I NREMT certification.
EMS 2303 – Cardiovascular Theory
(Prerequisite: EMS 2203 + 2207 + 2213 + 2217 + 2223 + 2293 + departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2307 + 2313 + 2390 + 2393 + 2490)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for cardiac patients. Includes instruction on the theory of 12-lead ECG interpretation. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and incorporates the NM EMT Paramedic Scope of Practice.
EMS 2307 – Respiratory Theory
(Prerequisite: departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2303 + 2313 + 2390 + 2393 + 2490)
Provides the paramedic student the skills to properly assess and treat a patient with various respiratory problems. The content will include anatomy and physiology from an EMS perspective.
EMS 2313 – Neurological Theory
(Prerequisite: departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2303 + 2307 + 2390 + 2393 + 2490)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for neurological patients. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice.
EMS 2390 - Hospital Clinical I
(Prerequisite: departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2303 + 2307 + 2313 + 2393 + 2490)
This course provides students with clinical time in local hospitals to administer medications, perform airway skills, perform venous access and assess patients of all age groups with various medical or traumatic conditions. This clinical will have an adult focus.
EMS 2393 – Paramedic Lab I
(Prerequisite: departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2303 + 2307 + 2313 + 2390 + 2490)
Students will practice simulated patient care related to second and third term semester paramedic courses. Students will develop treatment strategies to manage various medical and trauma emergencies. Meets or exceeds the psychomotor objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
EMS 2490 – Prehospital Field Clinical I
Previously EMS 1098 (Prerequisite: departmental approval. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2303 + 2307 + 2313 + 2390 + 2393)
Prepares the paramedic student to be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for patients with common complaints. Under the direction of a field preceptor, the student will learn to safely manage the scene of a prehospital emergency. The student will arrange EMS field time through the clinical coordinator.
EMS 2503 – Pediatric and Gynecology Theory
(Prerequisite: EMS 2303 + 2307 + 2313 + 2390 + 2393 + EMS 2490. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2507 + 2513 + 2590 + 2593 + 2690 + 2999)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for pediatric and obstetric patients. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Pediatric Emergencies for Prehospital Providers (PEPP) and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice.
EMS 2507 – Environmental Theory
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2513 + 2590 + 2593 + 2690 + 2999)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for patients with experiencing environmental emergencies. Includes instruction on toxicology, hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum.
EMS 2513 – Behavioral Emergencies and Communication
Previously EMS 2005 (Prerequisite: PSY 1105 or PSY 2289. Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2507 + 2590 + 2593 + 2690 + 2999)
Provides the level of classroom instruction needed to provide advanced care for patients experiencing behavioral emergencies. Includes instruction on effective communication with patients, coworkers and other healthcare professionals. Meets or exceeds the cognitive objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum and incorporates the NM EMT-Paramedic Scope of Practice.
EMS 2590 – Hospital Clinical II
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2507 + 2513 + 2593 + 2690 + 2999)
This course provides students with clinical time in local hospitals to administer medications, perform airway skills, perform venous access, and assess patients of all age groups with various medical or traumatic conditions. This clinical will have a pediatric focus.
EMS 2593 – Paramedic Lab II
(Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2507 + 2513 + 2590 + 2690 + 2999)
Students will practice simulated patient care related to second, third, and fourth term semester paramedic courses. Students will develop treatment strategies to manage various medical and trauma emergencies. Meets or exceeds the psychomotor objectives of the EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Pediatric Emergencies for Prehospital Providers (PEPP).
EMS 2690 – Prehospital Field Clinical II
Previously EMS 2198 (Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2507 + 2513 + 2590 + 2593 + 2999)
Prepares the paramedic student to be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for patients with common complaints. Under the direction of a field preceptor, the student will learn to safely manage the scene of a prehospital emergency. The student will arrange EMS field time through the clinical coordinator.
EMS 2999 – Paramedic Capstone
Previously EMS 2292 (Pre- or corequisite: EMS 2503 + 2507 + 2513 + 2590 + 2593 + 2690)
The final lab course is for the paramedic student to prepare for the State of New Mexico and National Registry paramedic exam. Successful completion of this course will allow the student to receive a paramedic completion certificate and take the paramedic exam. Knowledge and skills from the core curriculum courses will be incorporated into the review process to include skills testing, practice test review and scenario testing.
