NYS CME-Based Recertification Core Training Sessions from AMR
All Core Session material reflects current DOT curriculum, including expanded scope of practice. It is highly recommended that each student invest the necessary time reviewing course material prior to the scheduled session. The Core Sessions are designed to reinforce material that you should already be familiar with, while integrating new and expanded scope concepts.
The preferred course resource books are as follows:
- EMT-P: Brady - Paramedic Care: Principals and Practice OR
- Brady - Essentials of Paramedic Care
- EMT & AEMT: Brady - Emergency Care
Other programs available from AMR that may be applied toward and/or required for the NYS DOH BEMS Pilot Recertification process are:
- CPR Training (all levels)*
- ITLS (all levels)*
- PALS (EMT-P)*
- ACLS (EMT-P)*
* indicates required course
Our Course Schedule
Session 1: Patient Assessment
4-Hour Session. Required for EMTs, EMTs, and EMT-Ps. Topics covered are: Therapeutic Communication, Life Span Development, Physical Exam Techniques, Patient Assessment in the Field, and Musculoskeletal System.
Section One - Therapeutic Communications1
- Define "communication"
- Identify factors that effect the interview
- Define "open-ended" and "closed-ended questions"
- Identify the role of body language in communicating with a patient
- Address different styles of interviewing (hostile patients vs. child, for example)
- Discuss how cultural backgrounds affect your ability to interview a patient
- Discuss concerns and techniques for using an interpreter
Section Two - Life-Span Development
- Identify the average vital signs and physical differences between the following stages of development:
Infant, Toddler, Preschooler, School-aged, Adolescent, Early adult, Middle-aged adult, Late-aged adult
- Also be able to identify the age ranges and psycho-social characteristics of each
Section Three - Physical Exam Techniques
- Describe the following terms:
Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion
- Describe the specific methods of examining each region of the body
- Describe the evaluation of respiratory status
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal breath sounds and heart sounds; and present and absent bowel sounds
- Describe the methods used for evaluation of the cardiovascular system
- Discuss the differences between adult and pediatric assessment
- Describe the methods and guidelines for documenting your findings
Section Four - The Musculoskeletal System
- Review the basic anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
- Define the role of the musculoskeletal system
- Understand the roles of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones
- Define the sections of the skeleton
- Discuss the pathophysiology fo the system
Section Five - Patient Assessment in the Field
- NYS DOH Evaluation forms for Stations 1 (medical assessment) and 2 (trauma assessment)
- Recognize hazards and hazardous scenes
- Discuss methods for making scenes safe
- Discuss mechanism of injury
- Discuss scene size-up and its elements
- Organize response on scene
- Discuss methods for managing injuries by system and severity
- Define life threatening emergencies
- Discuss the elements of patient assessment
- Differentiate between the Detailed Physical Exam and the Rapid Trauma Survey
Session 2: Medical Emergencies
4-Hour Session. Required for EMTs, EMTs, and EMT-Ps. Topics covered are: Behavioral Emergencies, Endocrinology, Allergies and Anaphylaxis, Environmental Emergencies, and Toxicology.
Section One - Endocrine Emergencies
- Describe the morbidity and mortality of endocrinologic emergencies
- Identify the risk factors associated with such emergencies
- Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system
- Define "ductless" and "ducted" glands
- Discuss the assessment, transport and management of endocrinologic emergencies
- Discuss the relationship between osmotic diuresis and diabetes mellitus
- Distinguish between different types of diabetes mellitus
- Discuss the management of diabetic emergencies (HHNK, hypoglycemia, etc.)
- Discuss the difference between normal and diabetic glucose metabolism
Section Two - Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Describe the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis
- Describe the physiology of the immune system and its response to pathogens
- Define "pathogen"
- Discuss the common routes of substance entry into the body
- Describe the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions
Section Three - Behavioral Emergencies
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior
- Discuss the pathophysiology of behavioral and psychiatric disorders
- List the measures to take when faced with a dangerous situation
- Discuss restraints and the restraining of patients
- Discuss techniques for gathering information from the uncooperative patient
- Differentiate between various types of behavioral and psychiatric disorders
Section Four - Environmental Emergencies
- Identify risk factors
- Describe temperature monitoring
- Differentiate between hypothermia, hyperthermia, and their varying degrees of severity
- Discuss management of the hypo- or hyperthermic patient
- Discuss dehydration
- Differentiate between different types of drowning and their treatments
- Discuss diving emergencies
- Discuss the different considerations in implementing ACLS, BTLS, and PALS protocols when treating environmental emergencies
Section Five - Toxicological Emergencies and Substance Abuse
- Discuss the physiology of organs related to toxicological emergencies
- Discuss the pathophysiology, management, and treatment of different types of poisonous exposure
- Discuss commonly abused drugs and treatments for overdose
- Discuss routes of entry for poisons
- Discuss alcohol and drug withdrawal (delirium tremens)
Session 3: Obstetrical Emergencies / Neonatal / Pediatric / Child
4-Hour Session. Required for EMTs, EMTs, and EMT-Ps. Topics covered are: Obstetrics,Gynecology, Pediatric Pre-Hospital Care, Neonatal Resuscitation, and Child Abuse.
Section One - Gynecology
- Describe how to assess a patient with a gynecological complaint
- Describe the general care for any patient experiencing a gynecological emergency
- Describe the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of gynecological emergencies
- Describe the assessment, care and emotional support of the sexual assault patient
Section Two - Obstetrics
- Describe the female reproductive system
- Describe the general assessment and management of the obstetrical patient
- Identify and describe complications associated with pregnancy and delivery
- State the steps in the delivery and care of a newborn
- Describe the procedures for handling abnormal deliveries, complications of pregnancy, and maternal complications of labor
- Discuss the steps in the delivery of the placenta
- Describe the management of the mother post-delivery
- Describe special considerations when meconium is present in amniotic fluid or during delivery
- Describe special considerations of a premature baby
Section Three - Neonatal Resuscitation
- Define newborn and neonate
- Identify important intrapartum factors that can determine high-risk newborn patients
- Identify the factors that lead to premature birth and low birth-weight newborns
- Identify the primary signs utilized for evaluating a newborn during resuscitation
- Identify the appropriate use of the APGAR scale
- Identify the signs and symptoms of distress in the newborn and describe the resuscitation pyramid
Section Four - Pediatrics
- The role of the EMS responder in pediatric care
- Growth, development and assessment of the pediatric patient
- Identification and treatment of medical and traumatic injuries to the pediatric patient
- Determine appropriate airway adjuncts, ventilation devices, and endotracheal intubation equipment, their proper use, and complications of use for infants and children
- Describe the general approach to the treatment of children and parental interaction
- Describe the signs and symptoms of suspected child abuse and required reporting process
Session 4: Advanced Airway / Pulmonary / Fluid Resuscitation and Shock
4-Hour Session. Required for AEMT. Topics covered are: Advanced Airway Management, Pulmonology, and Shock Management/Fluid Resuscitation.
Section One - Pulmonology
- Idenfity and discuss the anatomy and physiology of the pulmonary system
- Discuss the pathophysiology of common pulmonary disorders
- Define and compare the various techniques used to manage pulmonary disorders
- Identify common pathological events that effect the pulmonary system
- Identify the signs, symptoms, and management of the following: ARDS, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary embolism, neoplasms, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, spontaneous pneumothorax, hyperventilation syndrome
Section Two - Advanced Airway Management
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the adult, infant, and child airways
- Describe the proper use of BLS airway adjuncts
- Review the use of oxygen therapy in patient management
- Identify the indications and contraindications for NG tube use
- Identify the indications and contraindications for endotracheal intubation
- Describe the methods for selecting the correct size for an ET tube
- Describe the technique for ET intubation (orotracheal) and for confirming ET tube placement
- Explain the rationale for assessing lung sounds
- Describe the different lung sounds (normal and pathological)
- Demonstrate the use of the following: Pharyngotracheal Lumen airways and esophageal obturator devices
Section Three - Shock Management and Fluid Resuscitation
- Assessment of the shock patient
- Identify the causes and types of shock and treatment modalities
- Determine and calculate fluid infusion rates
Session 5: Roles and Responsibilities / Medical-Legal / EMS System and Communications
4-Hour Session. Required for AEMT-CC's and EMT-Ps. Topics covered are: EMS Provider Roles and Responsibilities, Ethics, Medical Legal, EMS System, Documentation, and Well Being of the Provider.
Section One - Roles and Responsibilities
- Describe the EMT as a health-care professional
- Describe the elements of professional conduct
- Discuss the benefits of continuing education
- Differentiate between certification and licensure
- Discuss the primary role of the EMT as a patient advocate
- Identify the benefits of becoming an educator
- Discuss the benefits of actings as a primary-care provider in the field
Section Two - The Well-Being of the EMT
- Discuss the concept of wellness
- Describe the impact of circadian rhythms on shift work
- Define the necessary elements of healthy living
- Describe the impact of substance abuse on the EMT
- Describe the impact of addictive behaviors
- Differentiate between health and unhealthy methods of dealing with stress
- Describe how an EMT's stress effects patient care
- Discuss CISD
- Discuss BSI
Section Three - Ethics
- Define ethics and morals
- Identify the premise that should underlie every action of the EMT
- Analyze the relationship and differences between law and ethics
- Describe the methods of honoring an advance directive
- Identify ethical issues involving advance directives
Section Four - Medical/Legal Aspects of Care
- Describe the basic structure of the legal system
- Differentiate between tort, criminal, and civil law
- Define and discuss the following: assault, battery, abandonment, advance directives, breach of duty, confidentiality, HIPAA, duty to act, emancipated minor, liability, libel, negligence, scope of practice, standard of care, and slander
- Discuss the legal implications of medical direction
- Discuss the four elements which must be present to prove negligence
- Explain the importance of confidentiality
- Describe the EMT's role in resuscitating potential organ donors
- Explain liability
- Describe the legal implications of refusals of care
Section Five - EMS Systems
- Describe the different elements of EMS systems
- Define the levels of EMS providers
- Discuss the role of the EMS physician in providing medical direction
- Describe the process of developing protocols
- Describe the role of continuing education and quality assurance programs
- Describe the difference between on-line and off-line medical direction
Section Six - Documentation
- Describe the general importance of documentation and the ways in which EMS documents are used
- Identify the properly used acronyms and terminology which should be used on a PCR
- Define pertinent negatives and discuss their use
- Describe the special documentation considerations concerning refusals of care
- Define the differences in MCI documentation
Session 6: Neurology / Urology / Gastroenterology / Hematology
4-Hour Session. Required for ALL Providers. Topics covered are: Neurology, Urology, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology, Hematology, and Medication Administration.
Section One - Hematology
- Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the hematopoietic system
- Define the following: plasma, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets, clotting, fibrinolysis, and hemostasis
- Discuss cellular and humoral immunity
- Identify blood grouping
- List disorders of the: erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets
Section Two - Urology and Nephrology
- Discuss the anatomy and physiology of structures relating to the urinary system
- Define referred pain and visceral pain
- Define chronic and acute renal failure
- Discuss the management of renal failure by type
- Define and discuss dialysis
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and PID
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of renal calculi (kidney stones)
Section Three - Infectious Disease
- Discuss the anatomy and physiology of structures related to diseases and the pathophysiology of immune response
- Discuss the role of public health in disease management
- Discuss strategies for staying safe from infectious disease
- Discuss commonly encountered diseases in the field
- Define the following terms: seroconversion, virulence, viruses, bacteria, normal flora, and prion
- Discuss the signs, symptoms, and management of specific diseases
Section Four - Gastroenterology
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system
- Describe the signs, symptoms, and pathophysiology of commonly found GI emergencies
- Define "upper" and "lower" GI
- Define somatic, visceral, and referred pain
- Discuss the questioning and assessment techniques used to determine abdominal or GI distress
- Define: upper GI bleed, lower GI bleed, hemoptemesis, varices, diverticulitis
Section Five - Medication Administration
- Medication calculations
Concentration, drip rates, metric conversions, volume
- Routes of administration
- Review the "Four Rights" of medication administration
- Review the specific methods of administration for each route
- Discuss the necessity of sterile technique and the methods for assuring a sterile site
Session 7: General Pharmacology / Respiratory / Cardiology
4-Hour Session. Required for EMTs and AEMTs. Topics covered are: General Pharmacology/WREMS Epi and Albuterol in-service, Respiratory System, and Cardiology.
Section One - General Pharmacology / WREMS Epi & Albuterol In-Service
- Identify the indications and contraindications of Epinephrine administration
- Identify the indications and contraindications of Albuterol administration
- Review the WREMS protocol
Section Two - Airway/Pulmonology
- Identify the anatomical structures of the respiratory system
- Differentiate between pediatric vs. adult airway
- Describe the function of respiration and gas exchange
- Identify pulmonary disease process
Section Three - Cardiology
- Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the heart and major vessels
- Discuss the pathophysiology of common cardiac etiologies
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of the following: angina, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cornonary artery disease, atherosclerosis, angiology, stent, CABG, and congestive heart failure
- Identify the value of high-flow oxygen administration in the management of the acute cardiac emergency
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
International Trauma Life Support Courses give you the knowledge and hands-on skills to take better care of trauma patients. The ITLS framework is a global standard that enables you to master the latest techniques in rapid assessment, appropriate intervention and identification of immediate life-threatening injuries.
CME-Based Requirements for EMTs and Paramedics
EMT-B
Attendance at a 2 day ITLS:
This course will include the following Skills:
- Airway / Ventilation
- Hemorrhage Control & Splinting
- Spinal Immobilization (KED / LBB)
- Trauma Assessment
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 1 (Patient Assessment)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 2 (Medical Emergencies)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 3 (OB/Neonate/Infants/Child)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 6 (Neuro/Hemo)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 7 (General Pharmacology/Respiratory/Cardiac)
Attendance at the above sessions will provide you with the Core Training and 10 hours of Other CME. You will need to complete an additional 36 hours of documented CME. Other CME can come in the form of EMS related drills, articles summaries, seminars, etc. and are subject to the following limitations:
1) No more than 23-hours (50%) of self-study activity such as web-based courses, interactive CD’s, videos and magazine article summaries. If you wish to use self-study hours toward your Other CME then you must be able to substantiate the hour(s) claimed
2) No more than 12-hours in any one topic. NYS considers ALL non-patient care topics to be Operations i.e. auto extrication, WMD and Emergency Vehicle Operator courses are all considered “operations”.
AEMT
Attendance at a 2 day ITLS class.
This course will include the following Skills:
- Airway / Ventilation (Basic and Advanced)
- Hemorrhage Control & Splinting
- Spinal Immobilization (KED / LBB)
- Trauma Assessment
- Suctioning
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 1 (Patient Assessment)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 2 (Medical Emergencies)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 3 (OB/GYN)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 4 (Advanced Airway/Pulmonary Ventilation)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 6 (Neuro/Hemo)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 7 (General Pharmacology/Respiratory/Cardiac)
Attendance at the above sessions will provide you with the Core Training. You will need to complete an additional 32 hours of documented CME. Other CME can come in the form of EMS related drills, articles summaries, seminars, etc. and are subject to the following limitations:
- No more than 16-hours (50%) of self-study activity such as web-based courses, interactive CD’s, videos and magazine article summaries. If you wish to use self-study hours toward your Other CME then you must be able to substantiate the hour(s) claimed
- No more than 12-hours in any one topic. NYS considers ALL non-patient care topics to be Operations i.e. auto extrication, WMD and Emergency Vehicle Operator courses are all considered “operations”.
EMT-P
Attendance at a 2 day ITLS
This course will include the following Skills:
- Airway / Ventilation (Basic and Advanced)
- Hemorrhage Control & Splinting
- Spinal Immobilization (KED / LBB)
- Trauma Assessment
- Suctioning
Attendance at a 2 day ACLS class
This course will include the following Skills:
- IV Therapy / Medication Administration
- Cardiac Arrest Management
Attendance at a 2 day PALS class
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 1 (Patient Assessment)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 2 (Medical Emergencies)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 3 (OB/Neonate/Infants/Child)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 5 (Roles/Responsibilities, Medical/Legal, EMS Systems, Communications)
Attendance at the 4-hour Core Session 6 (Neurology/Urology/Gastro/Hematology)
Attendance at the above sessions will provide you with the Core Training and 11-hours of Other CME. You will need to complete an additional 15 hours of documented CME. Other CME can come in the form of EMS related drills, articles summaries, seminars, etc. and are subject to the following limitations:
1) No more than 12-hours (50%) of self-study activity such as web-based courses, interactive CD’s, videos and magazine article summaries. If you wish to use self-study hours toward your Other CME then you must be able to substantiate the hour(s) claimed
2) No more than 12-hours in any one topic. NYS considers ALL non-patient care topics to be Operations i.e. auto extrication, WMD and Emergency Vehicle Operator courses are all considered “operations”.
AEMT-CC
Attendance at a 2 day ITLS class
This course will include the following Skills:
- Airway / Ventilation (Basic and Advanced)
- Hemorrhage Control & Splinting
- Spinal Immobilization (KED / LBB)
- Trauma Assessment
- Suctioning
Attendance at a 2 day ACLS class
This course will include the following Skills:
- IV Therapy / Medication Administration
- Cardiac Arrest Management
Attendance at a 2 day PALS class
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 1 (OB/Neonate/Infants/Child)
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 1 (Patient Assessment)
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 2 (Medical Emergencies)
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 3 (OB/Neonate/Infants/Child)
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 5 (Roles/Responsibilities, Medical/Legal, EMS Systems, Communications)
Attendance at the 4 hour Core Session 6 (Neurology/Urology/Gastro/Hematology)
Attendance at the above sessions will provide you with the Core Training and 16-hours of Other CME. You will need to complete an additional 16 hours of documented CME. Other CME can come in the form of EMS related drills, articles summaries, seminars, etc. and are subject to the following limitations:
1) No more than 18-hours (50%) of self-study activity such as web-based courses, interactive CD’s, videos and magazine article summaries. If you wish to use self-study hours toward your Other CME then you must be able to substantiate the hour(s) claimed
2) No more than 12-hours in any one topic. NYS considers ALL non-patient care topics to be Operations i.e. auto extrication, WMD and Emergency Vehicle Operator courses are all considered “operations”.