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Primary Care Paramedic


Location(s):  Regina    Saskatoon   

Primary Care Paramedic is a certificate program. It will prepare you to be an integral part of the health care team working in the field of prehospital emergency care.

You will receive training in:

  • recognizing and managing medical and trauma injuries - International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification is included

  • performing physical assessments of various body systems

  • recognizing and managing common cardiac and respiratory emergencies


You will study the basic principles of pharmacology and common medication classifications, and professionalism and leadership in Emergency Medical Services. You will also study and practice healthy living strategies. You will learn how to recognize and manage common geriatric diseases and psychiatric illnesses, and common obstetrical and pediatric emergencies.

The program is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.

Note

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this program at SIAST Wascana Campus (Regina). However, international applicants are considered for admission at SIAST Kelsey Campus (Saskatoon).

Length: 28 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment with ambulance operations, fire services (in conjunction with fire training), industrial sites, mining sites, military departments or special care homes.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.


Program Details

Start Date(s): August, January

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 60% in the following three subjects: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30 and one of Biology 30 or Chemistry 30

  • Standard First Aid within two years of the date of issue

  • CPR - HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent within one year of the date of issue

  • English Language Requirement


Note

  • A Criminal Record Check may be required prior to entry into the field or clinical practicum.

  • You must exhibit physical strength and fitness consistent with the requirements of professional practice. This will be evaluated within the program.



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

70Arithmetic
80Reading
80Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
      Home Study

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.



  • COMM 107  Professionalism, Leadership and Communications
  • Your studies will focus on professionalism and leadership in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). You will demonstrate effective communication and customer service strategies. Research and Quality Assurance programs relevant to EMS will be covered. The course content will also include discussions on EMS's role in the primary health care model.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning


  • EMER 150  Patient Assessment and Transport
  • You will perform physical assessments of various body systems (including cardiac, respiratory and neurological systems). You will apply the fundamentals of lifting, moving and transporting patients by land ambulance. Your learning activities will include driving a road ambulance. The course content includes the basic principles of aeromedical transport.


    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 151  Obstetrics and Pediatrics
  • You will recognize and manage, in a lab simulation, imminent labour and childbirth and discuss care of the neonate. Your studies will focus on recognizing and managing common pediatric diseases (including croup, asthma, fever and seizures).


    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 150 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 152  Cardiac Care
  • You will recognize and manage common cardiac emergencies (including hypertension, myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest). Your studies will include dynamic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR on-the-move).

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 150 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 153  Respiratory Care
  • You will recognize and manage common respiratory emergencies (including asthma, anaphylaxis and respiratory arrest). Your studies will include oxygen administration, bag-valve-mask resuscitation and the use of various respiratory support devices.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 150 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 154  Special Population Groups
  • Your studies will prepare you to recognize and manage common geriatric diseases and psychiatric illnesses. You will develop a basic understanding of illness and managing the physically and mentally challenged patient. The course content includes patients with terminal illnesses.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 150 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 155  Patient Management and Integration
  • You will perform patient assessments and provide safe and competent care in simulated pre-hospital and hospital environments. Therapeutic integration will follow provincial emergency treatment protocols. Some local hospital treatment protocols may apply.


    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 150 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 151 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 152 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 153 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 154 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 170 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 171 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 170  Trauma Management
  • Your studies will prepare you to recognize and manage common traumatic injuries. The course content includes spinal and head injuries, fracture care and certification in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS).


    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 151 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • EMER 171  Medical Emergencies
  • You will recognize and manage common medical emergencies (including seizures, diabetes and stroke). You will also study common environmental emergencies (such as burns and hypothermia).

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 107 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SFTY 168 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 167 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and EMER 151 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • PHAR 167  Pharmacology
  • Your studies will focus on the basic principles of pharmacology and common medication classifications. You will participate in medication administration lab sessions.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning


  • PRAC 168  Clinical Practicum
  • You will participate as a member of the health care team. Your patient assessment, communication and management skills will be evaluated in a supervised hospital setting

    4.0 Credit Units
    62.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    EMER 155 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 169  Field Practicum
  • You will participate as a member of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Team. Your patient assessment, communication and management skills will be evaluated in a supervised pre-hospital setting.

    18.0 Credit Units
    276.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    EMER 155 Minimum Grade of 60


  • SFTY 168  Health and Safety
  • Your studies will focus on wellness and healthy living strategies, workplace safety and the recognition of dangerous goods. The course content includes communicable diseases and their prevention, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Your learning activities will include N95 respirator sizing and other personal protective equipment training.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning



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