ES 172 Introduction to Emergency Services

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Explores the philosophy and history of emergency services. Presents the history of loss of life and property in fire, major medical emergencies, and natural disasters. Covers the responsibility of emergency services in a community, the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic and firefighter, an overview of the ICS system, and the organization and function of emergency services agencies and allied organizations, education and certification. Includes sources of professional literature, awareness and identification of hazardous materials, emergency services apparatus, fire behavior, detection and protection systems, cultural diversity, harassment in the workplace, survey of professional career opportunities and requirements, and development of a resume.

Student Learning Outcomes:

List major events in human’s association with fire, mass casualty incidents, and natural disasters and describe the historical evolution of emergency services.
Explain the organizational structure and purposes of emergency services agencies and the different career opportunities available.
Discuss the legal considerations of emergency services and the function of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and rules and regulations.
With relation to fire, explain the fire tetrahedron, describe the phases of burning, explain how fire spreads, list the products of combustion, and identify classes of fire and identify various types of fire suppression apparatus and equipment and the function of each.
Identify the purpose and explain functioning of detection and protection systems.
Define and identify of hazardous materials.
Describe the role of national agencies and organizations with regard to emergency response/prevention and explain how various regional and state organizations impact the emergency services.
Define blood-borne pathogens and discuss national and local policies regarding body-substance isolation (BSI) precautions.
Define stress management techniques, discuss crisis intervention, and describe a CISD.
Describe cultural diversity and harassment in the workplace.

Content Outline

History of Emergency Services
- Human association with fire, major medical emergencies, and natural disasters
- History and evolution of emergency services
Emergency Services Organization and Operation
- Organizational structure and purpose of emergency services agencies
- Staff and line positions
  - The roles and responsibilities of a paramedic
  - The roles and responsibilities of a firefighter
- Six suggestions for new emergency services providers
- Overview of the ICS system
Legal Considerations of Emergency Services
SOPs and rules regulations
- Report writing
  - Soap chart and narrative chart
  - NFIRS
Fire Behavior
- Fire tetrahedron
- Burning phases, fire spread, reflex time, products of combustion, and classes of fire
Hazardous Materials
- Identification and awareness of hazardous materials
Apparatus, Equipment, and Detection/Protection Systems
- Type and function of apparatus
- Purpose and function of detection/protection systems
National, Regional and State Agencies and Organizations
- Role of national agencies and organizations
- Regional and state agencies and organizations
- Education and certification
Emergency Services Career
- Entrance and promotional process
- Resume preparation
Blood-Borne Pathogens
- Communicable diseases
- Universal precautions
- Legal issues
Stress Management
- Crisis intervention
- CISD
Time Management
- Goal setting
- Time management techniques
Diversity
- Cultural diversity
- Harassment in the workplace