Revised 08/2022

EMS 139 - Special Populations (1 CR.)

Course Description

Focuses on the pre-hospital assessment and management of patients in a specific population including pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), bariatric, abuse, sexual assault and special needs. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to teach the student principles of care and management of patients in special populations.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS. Corequisite: EMS 140.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss gynecological related issues and management
  • Describe the stages of labor
  • Identify issues related to normal and abnormal labor and delivery
  • Identify differences in management of the pediatric patient
  • Identify differences in management of the geriatric patient
  • Describe issues related to patients with special healthcare needs
  • Explain concepts related to neonatal resuscitation and care

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Gynecology
    • Female reproductive system anatomy review
    • Menstrual and ovarian cycles
    • Abdominal/vaginal pain and bleeding
    • Consider pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases
    • Sexual Assault
    • Complications with the female reproductive system
  • Obstetrics
    • Normal anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes in pregnancy
    • General system physiology, assessment, and management of the obstetrical patient.
    • Complications Related to Pregnancy
    • Complications of Labor: pathophysiology, assessment, complications, management
    • Complications of Delivery: pathophysiology, assessment, complications, management
  • Pediatrics and Infants
    • Pediatric Anatomical Variations and Assessment
    • Growth and Development
    • Pediatrics: Specific Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Management
    • Child Abuse and Neglect
    • Pediatrics Developmental Disabilities
    • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  • Geriatrics
    • Normal and Abnormal Changes associated with aging
    • Sensory changes
    • Pharmacokinetic change
    • Polypharmacy
    • Specific conditions that occur more frequently in the elderly
  • Patients with Special Challenges
    • Abuse and neglect
    • Homelessness/Poverty
    • Bariatric Patients
    • Technology Assisted/Dependent
    • Hospice Care and Terminally Ill
    • Tracheostomy care/Dysfunction
    • Emotionally impaired
    • Physical Needs/Challenges
    • Patients with Communicable Diseases
    • Terminally Ill Patients
    • Mental Needs/Challenges
  • Neonatal Care
    • General pathophysiology, assessment and management
    • Meconium stained amniotic fluid
    • Apnea in the neonate
    • Diaphragmatic hernia in the neonate
    • Resuscitation care
  • Special Considerations in Trauma
    • Trauma in Pregnancy
    • Pediatric Trauma
    • Geriatric Trauma