EMS - Course Information

First Responder

First Responder provides an introduction to emergency care training for those, usually the first emergency medical service (EMS) providers on scene, whose role is to stabilize the patient until more advanced EMS personnel arrive. 

Topics covered include:

• General patient assessment
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Spinal immobilization
• Control of bleeding
• Treatment of shock, soft tissue, and musculoskeletal injuries
• Emergency childbirth
• Lifting and moving patients
• Ambulance Operations

The course includes both lecture and practical lab portions and is approximately 51 hours in length.  Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the Pennsylvania Written and Practical Exams for First Responder. Successful performance on these exams provides the student with Pennsylvania Department of Health certification valid for a period of three years.  Students must be at least sixteen years of age to take the Pennsylvania Written Exam.

EMT - Bridge

Emergency Medical Technician Bridge provides additional information and training building upon the knowledge and skills obtained in the First Responder course.  In addition to expanding on topics presented in the first course, the Emergency Medical Technician Bridge covers:

• Complex immobilization procedures
• Airway management
• Medical emergencies
• Pharmacology

The course includes both lecture and practical lab portions and is approximately 99 hours in length.  Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the Pennsylvania Written and Practical Exams for Emergency Medical Technician. Successful performance on these exams provides the student with Pennsylvania Department of Health certification valid for a period of three years.  Students must be at least sixteen years of age to take the Pennsylvania Written Exam.  In order to register for this course, students must possess current Pennsylvania First Responder certification and Health Care Provider CPR or its equivalent.

Emergency Vehicle Driver Training

Emergency Vehicle Driver Training is designed to provide emergency vehicle operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate these vehicles in both emergency and non-emergency situations. The course uses the curriculum and materials developed by Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services (VFIS). This curriculum is approved by both the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

Topics covered include:

• Vehicle dynamics
• Legal aspects of vehicle operations
• Navigating and route mapping
• Driver roles and responsibilities
• Basic driving skills
• Proper driving procedures

The course includes eight (8) hours of lecture and eight (8) hours of driving practice on a course prepared to simulate various driving conditions. Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possessa valid driver's license. Participants must also provide an emergency vehicle with which they are familiar with and have permission to use for the driving portion of the course.

This course does not certify a participant as an emergency vehicle operator. It does provide instruction on driving safely, driving practice, and familiarity with the vehicle driven during the course. It is recommended that participants complete a minimum of ten (10) additional hours of driving post course completion under the direction of the organization responsible for the vehicle. Participants must adhere to all policies, guidelines, and regulations of the organization responsible for the vehicle during the course and assume all risk and liability during vehicle operation.

Emergency Medical Technician Instructor

Emergency Medical Technician Instructor is designed for those who wish to be eligible to teach others in the EMS field.  It provides the student who is clinically competent in emergency care at the EMT basic level with the instructional skills to deliver training effectively.  This course teaches future instructors the components of the learning process, methods of teaching (teaching theory and teaching skills), preparation and use of a variety of media and materials, and purpose and methods of evaluation.  The course includes both lecture and practical portions and is approximately 33 hours in length.  Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible for Pennsylvania Department of Health certification valid for a period of three years.

You must meet the following requirements to apply for this course:

• Be at least eighteen years of age
• Possess current certification as EMT, EMT-Paramedic, PHRN or health professional
• Have at least one year of experience functioning at one of these levels providing pre-hospital care
• Possess current certification in CPR
• Have either successfully completed the American Heart Association Core Instructor Program or possess current certification as an American Heart Association CPR instructor
• Have documentation of at least 20 hours of supervised pre-teaching time in an approved course(s)

To apply for this course you must:

1. Complete and submit the following:
   1. EMT Instructor application (Click Here to download).
   2. Three letters of recommendation -
      1. One from the manager of the service of which you are affiliated
      2. One from a current Pennsylvania Highlands EMS Course Coordinator
      3. One from an individual of your choice
   3. All required documentation for prerequisites (prequisities are listed above and on the application form)
2. The above items may be submitted electronically by emailing all materials to publicsafety@pennhighlands.edu. Individuals may also submit all materials via standard mail by sending the application and required documentation to: Pennslvania Highlands Public Safety, 101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904.
3. When submitting application materials, please indicate whether you will contact the College regarding payment, mail a check to the College for the course, or have your EMS Service/Fire Department fund the cost of the course.
4. Once all application materials have been received, individuals must successfully complete an open book pretest, which will be sent to you by the College.

Pennsylvania Highlands Public Safety
814.262.6449
1.888.385.PEAK
publicsafety@pennhighlands.edu