EMT Foundations course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to EMS Systems
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Understand the structure and components of emergency medical services (EMS)
- Learn the roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice of an EMT
- Explore ethical and legal considerations in pre-hospital care
- Develop foundational communication and teamwork skills in emergency response
Module 2: Patient Assessment
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Learn primary and secondary patient assessment techniques
- Understand how to obtain patient history using SAMPLE and OPQRST
- Measure and interpret vital signs
- Recognize signs of life-threatening conditions
- Apply systematic evaluation methods in emergency scenarios
Module 3: Airway and Breathing Emergencies
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Understand basic airway anatomy and physiology
- Learn principles of CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Recognize symptoms of respiratory distress and failure
- Apply oxygen therapy and airway management techniques
Module 4: Trauma Emergencies
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Study bleeding control methods including direct pressure and tourniquets
- Understand shock recognition and initial management
- Learn principles of spinal injury care and immobilization
- Apply trauma response protocols in case-based scenarios
Module 5: Medical Emergencies
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Recognize signs and symptoms of cardiac emergencies
- Understand stroke assessment and response
- Apply emergency decision-making frameworks for medical crises
- Learn basics of diabetic and allergic emergencies
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Deliverable 1: Complete a comprehensive case-based patient assessment simulation
- Deliverable 2: Apply appropriate emergency response protocols across multiple scenarios
- Deliverable 3: Submit a reflective summary on clinical reasoning and decision-making
Prerequisites
- Basic reading and comprehension skills in English
- No prior medical experience required
- Access to a reliable internet connection for course materials
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Describe the structure and function of emergency medical services (EMS)
- Perform systematic patient assessments using standardized techniques
- Recognize and respond to airway, breathing, and cardiac emergencies
- Apply trauma care principles including bleeding control and spinal precautions
- Prepare for entry into formal EMT certification and clinical training programs