Cumberland College

Primary Care Paramedic

Program Start: 28 August 2023 - In Session
Location: Nipawin
Credit Granting Institution: Sask Polytech
Length: 48 weeks

Overview:

Primary Care Paramedic is a one-year Saskatchewan Polytechnic Certificate program.

Being a paramedic is all about teamwork. There’s a sense of camaraderie you won’t find in many other jobs. But it takes a special kind of person. You have to want to help people because you’ll be dealing with people of all ages in all kinds of crises. You have to work well under pressure because you’ll be delivering pre-hospital emergency care in people’s homes, in the middle of busy streets, and/or at industrial sites.

It’s a rewarding career with an expanding range of job opportunities—and the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program will get you started. Our program emphasizes authentic hands-on training in pre-hospital emergency care, with both hospital and ambulance practicums. You’ll focus on:

medical and trauma injuries
mental health issues
obstetrical emergencies
pharmacology
physical assessments of various body systems
cardiac and respiratory emergencies
certifications in:
- BLS Health Care Provider
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
- International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
- Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP)

Industry Recognized

The program is fully accredited by Accreditation Canada. Your curriculum aligns with primary care paramedic roles and responsibilities outlined in the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to write the provincial licensing exam for registration with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics.

Hands-on Learning

Lab and Simulation Training - The PCP program emphasizes hands-on learning. You’ll spend about one-third of your time in the classroom, one-third in practical labs and one-third in simulation activities.
Field Practicums - You’ll take the knowledge that you’ve learned in the classroom and put it to work with an emergency medical services (EMS) organization (usually ambulance service) to learn about policies, procedures and documentation; conduct independent patient assessments; and provide treatment using ambulance equipment.
Clinical Practicums - During your hospital-based practicum, you’ll conduct independent patient assessments and use hospital equipment to provide treatment. You’ll also learn about hospital policies, procedures and documentation.
Inter-professional Education - In order to prepare you for an integrated role within health care teams, you will have the opportunity to work with students from other programs within the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing. Learning activities are designed using a problem-based learning (PBL) model and include high-fidelity simulations, interactive case-based table-top exercises, and collaborative skill acquisition.

Requirements:

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 60% in the following four courses: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, one of Biology 30 or Chemistry 30, and one of Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30. (Previous Saskatchewan mathematics Math A30 will also be accepted).
Standard First Aid is required prior to the start of the program and must be current to the start of the program
CPR "C" AED or equivalent is required prior to the start of the program and must be current throughout the program
English Language proficiency

Tuition: $7,000*
Books & Supplies: $3,000*
Student Fees: $100
Health & Dental Plan: $252*

*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.

Notes:

Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission to the program. At the discretion of the practicum/clinical agency, you may be declined access to a clinical/practicum based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
You must exhibit physical strength and fitness consistent with the requirements of professional practice. This will be evaluated within the program.
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification upon admission into the program. The cost of TLR® certification is your responsibility.
- Effective Fall 2021: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification OR Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification upon admission into the program. The cost of (TLR®) certification or Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into the clinical/practicum
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Accreditation

Accreditation Canada is an independent non-governmental organization that operates globally as an affiliate of the Health Standards Organization (HSO).

Careers:

As a primary care paramedic, you’ll find your skills in demand by ambulance, air ambulance and fire protection services around the province. You’ll also find job opportunities in the military, at mine sites, and at industrial manufacturing, milling and processing sites.

Primary Care Paramedic includes the following courses

Anatomy and Physiology 1 (APHY 164)

You will be introduced to the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Your studies will focus on the basic organization of the body concentrating on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system.

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 164CE

Anatomy and Physiology 2 (APHY 165)

You will study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will include the endocrine, immune, urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. You will also study the integumentary, skeletal and muscular system.

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 165CE

Prerequisites:

APHY 164

Cardiac and Respiratory Theory (EMER 110)

You will learn the pathophysiology of common cardiac and respiratory disorders. Your learning activities will include 3-lead electrocardiogram interpretation, 12-lead electrocardiogram placement, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring.

Prerequisites:

APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 109, PHAR 100, EMER 107, EMER 108

Cardiac Care (EMER 111)

You will provide care for common cardiac disorders, including vascular diseases, cardiac inflammatory disorders, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiac conduction disorders and cardiac arrest. You will integrate cardiac assessment, electrocardiograms (ECG) interpretation, and manual defibrillation into patient care. You also will be introduced to advanced cardiac therapies (including transcutaneous pacing and cardioversion). Upon completion of this course you will receive Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider’s certification from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Equivalent Course(s): EMER 101

Prerequisites:

EMER 110

Foundations of Community Paramedicine (EMER 116)

You will study the collaborative role of the community paramedic and recognize the significance of utilizing community support agencies. You will be introduced to common laboratory procedures and diagnostic imaging and how to differentiate between normal and abnormal results. You will develop the skills required to provide non-urgent care to a home health patient (including catheter care and routine wound care) as well as integrate care for a palliative patient. You will also integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to geriatric population groups.

Prerequisites:

EMER 110, EMER 111, EMER 112, EMER 113, EMER 114, EMER 115, EMER 198, EMER 199

Health and Safety (EMER 108)

You will learn how to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your studies will focus on personal wellness, maintaining a safe work environment, using infection control techniques and practicing proper lifting and moving techniques. You will also learn how to manage a variety of situations, including crime scenes, hazardous materials, and potential terrorist actions.

Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 135

Medical Care 1 (EMER 115)

You will learn how to provide care for common medical disorders, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, gynecological and obstetrical disorders. You will also learn how to provide care for neonatal and pediatric patients. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professional (PEPP).

Prerequisites:

APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100

Medical Care 2 (EMER 198)

You will integrate care for common medical disorders, including, neurological, behavioral and psychiatric, endocrine and toxicological disorders.

Prerequisites:

APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100

Medical Care 3 (EMER 199)

You will study the pathophysiology and learn to integrate care for common medical disorders including eye, ear, nose and throat disorders. You will study the pathophysiology and integrate care for a patient experiencing disorders as a result of adverse environments. You will integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to the physically impaired and mentally impaired, including those that are non-urgent. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA).

Equivalent Course(s): EMER 171

Prerequisites:

APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100

Patient Assessment, Transport, and Diverse Populations (EMER 109)

You will learn how to perform a scene assessment, obtain a patient history, acquire vital signs, perform a physical examination and incorporate this knowledge into a complete patient assessment. You will describe common challenges associated with bariatric and culturally diverse patients. You will be introduced to the principles of road ambulance and aeromedical transport. You will also be required to operate an ambulance on a public roadway. Upon completion of the course, you will receive certification from the Saskatchewan Safety Council for Professional Driver Improvement.

Patient Management and Integration (EMER 155)

You will integrate communication, professionalism, leadership, knowledge of medicolegal, ethics and physical strength into paramedic practice. You will integrate approach, assessment, treatment and transport for a cardiovascular, trauma, medical and respiratory patient in a simulated setting. You will integrate care following Saskatchewan Paramedic Clinical Practice Protocols. You will also think critically while interpreting patient history and physical assessment as it relates to a patient presentation.

Prerequisites:

EMER 111, EMER 112, EMER 114, EMER 115, EMER 116, EMER 198, EMER 199

Pharmacology and Fluid Therapy (PHAR 100)

You will focus on the principles of pharmacology, medication administration, and fluid therapy, including intravenous access and initiation. You will study the fundamentals of pharmacology, including terminology, legislation, and medication classifications. You will perform mathematical calculations, including general calculations, metric conversions, drug dose calculations and intravenous rate calculations. Your studies will focus on medications within a Primary Care Paramedic’s scope of practice in Saskatchewan including the administration of blood and blood products. You will also participate in labs that will help you develop the skills necessary for responsible and safe medication administration.

Practicum 1 - Primary Care Paramedic (PRAC 116)

Your placement will allow you to participate in a clinical and/or field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). You will be assigned a practicing registered nurse and/or paramedic preceptor. Your placement will include participation in an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and a hospital orientation, a review of relevant policies and procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will practice patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements.

Prerequisites:

EMER 155

Practicum 2 - Primary Care Paramedic (PRAC 117)

You will participate in a clinical and field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) with assigned practicing registered nurse and paramedic preceptors. Your placement will include participation in a review of relevant policies, procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will conduct independent patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. This final field practicum will allow you to apply all skills and knowledge gained in the previous three semesters at the primary care paramedic level. You will work with less direction and intervention from preceptors as you progress towards independent paramedic practice. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the Primary Care Paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.

Prerequisites:

PRAC 116

Professionalism, Leadership, and Communications (EMER 107)

Your studies will help you to develop qualities that are important for paramedic practice (professionalism, leadership, reflection and communication). You will gain knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of paramedic practice, develop your communication skills (including conflict management) and learn the principles of critical thinking. You will also evaluate the importance of participation in continuing education and professional development. You will gain knowledge regarding ethical conduct for research involving humans and will receive the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) certification upon completion of the course.

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 107

Respiratory Care (EMER 112)

You will provide care for common respiratory disorders, including asthma, anaphylaxis, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Your learning activities will include oxygen delivery, maintaining upper airway patency and manual ventilation techniques. You will be introduced to advanced respiratory support therapies, including advanced airway management and ventilation techniques.

Equivalent Course(s): EMER 102

Prerequisites:

EMER 110

Trauma Management 1 (EMER 113)

You will be introduced to the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also be introduced to the skills necessary in assessing and managing head and facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will learn the principles of extrication and rescue as well as how to integrate triage and multiple patient management into paramedic practice.

Prerequisites:

APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100

Trauma Management 2 (EMER 114)

You will learn how to provide care for common traumatic injuries. You will demonstrate the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also learn to incorporate the skills necessary to assess and manage head, facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will be introduced to advanced life support therapies relevant to trauma (including indications for chest tubes and needle thoracostomy). Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) at the basic level.

Prerequisites:

EMER 113