ADVANCED LIFESUPPORT

PROGRAMS

UVAPrehospital Program

Student Manual

Nondiscrimination Statement

The statement printed below is the University of Virginia's official nondiscrimination statement. The Prehospital/Intermediate programs follow this policy.

Nondiscrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement (January 6, 2011)

The University of Virginia is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. To fulfill this commitment, the University administers its programs, procedures and practices without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information and operates both affirmative action and equal opportunity programs, consistent with resolutions of the Board of Visitors and with federal and state requirements, including the Governor’s Executive Order on Equal Opportunity.

The University’s policies on “Preventing and Addressing Discrimination and Harassment” and “Preventing and Addressing Retaliation” implement this statement. The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs has complaint procedures available to address alleged violations of these policies.

Additional Information

The statement printed above is the University of Virginia's official Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement. The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs requests that it be printed in University catalogs, all recruiting materials (student and personnel), program brochures, and other "official" publications from the University, such as annual reports. It can be set in a smaller typeface and is usually positioned on an inside front or back cover or in the first few pages of a publication.

Beginning in 1988, at the request of the Office for Civil Rights, all University catalogs and major publications must now carry the name and contact information of the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Section 504 Coordinator, and the Title IX Coordinator, as shown below.

The ADA Coordinator and the Section 504 Coordinator is Melvin Mallory, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Washington Hall, East Range, P.O. Box 400219, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4219, (434) 924-3295. The Title IX Coordinator is Darlene Scott-Scurry, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Washington Hall, East Range, P.O. Box 400219, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4219, (434) 924-3200. Revised and approved February, 2009.

Faculty

Medical Director:

Debra G. Perina, MD

Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia

Office: Multistory Building, Rm 2231

2nd floor Emergency Medicine Administrative Suite

Telephone: (434) 243-6720

E-mail:

Program Directors:

Donna M. Burns, RN, NREMT-P

Office:2205 Fontaine Ave. Suite 303

Charlottesville, VA 22903

E-mail:

Telephone:(434) 924-8484

Cell: (540) 872-8075

Office Hours:By Appointment

Valerie Quick, BSN, RN, EMT-I

Office:2205 Fontaine Ave. Suite 303

Charlottesville, VA 22903

E-mail:

Telephone:(434) 924-8484

Cell: (434) 981-8033

Office Hours:By Appointment

Clinical Coordinator:

Michael Chilmaid, BA, NREMT-I

Email:

Cell: 434-989-4992

Office Hours:By Appointment

Program Goal

The goal of the University of Virginia’s Intermediate Education Program is to produce competent, entry level Advanced EMT, formerly Enhanced EMT and Intermediate providers to serve in career and volunteer positions in central Virginia.

Synopsis of the Programs

Students in our programs certify at the Advanced EMT (AEMT) level and then bridge to EMT-Intermediate.

Advanced EMTproviders are prepared to treat a variety of medical and trauma related emergencies. These emergencies include diabetic problems, allergic reactions, breathing difficulty, chest pain, altered mental states, and shock. AEMTlevel providers start intravenous lines, administer medications by several routes, and perform advanced airway and other lifesaving procedures. Emphasis is placed on patient assessment and assessment based management.

EMT-Intermediate bridge students build on the AEMTknowledge and skills. Additional pharmacology and skills are covered. Identification and management of cardiac arrhythmias is a significant part of this program.

Advanced EMT (AEMT) consists of four components of instruction:

  • Didactic & Laboratory:Minimum of 88 hours
  • Clinical Education:Minimum of 48 hours*
  • Field Internship:Minimum of 48 hours**

* Minimum numbers of AEMT competencies must be completed prior to certificationtesting. For example ten IV starts and fifteen medication administrations are required. Some students will require more than 48 hours of clinical education to complete all the competencies. Some clinical rotations may be scheduled on dayshifts during the week.

** During the field internship the AEMT must function as a team leader on ten calls. Some students may have to spend more than 48 hours collecting these five calls.

EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I)bridge courses also consist of four components of instruction:

  • Didactic & Laboratory:Minimum of 152 hours
  • Clinical Education:Minimum of 60 hours*
  • Field Internship:Minimum of 75 hours**
  • ACLS12 hours

* Minimum numbers of EMT-I competencies must be completed prior to certification testing. For example fifteen IV starts and fifteen medication administrations are required. Some students will require more than 68 hours of clinical education to complete all the competencies. Some clinical rotations may be scheduled on dayshifts during the week.

** During the field internship the EMT-I must function as a team leader on ten calls. Some students may have to spend more than 48 hours collecting these ten calls.

Academic Credit

There is no academic credit awarded for the AEMTor the EMT-I Bridge courses.

Attendance

Minimum Classroom Attendance Requirements:

Students must be present for a minimum of eighty five percent (85%) of the didactic and practical aspects of the course. However, failure to be present and successfully fulfill all skill and knowledge evaluations may still prohibit a student for course completion. Work missed must be made up for completion of the course.

Students must complete all clinical requirements for the program. All clinical requirements must be met in the appropriate precepted clinical setting.

Communicable Diseases – Also refer to Exposure Control Plan

There is no health care coverage offered as part of this program. Students are responsible for their own health care expenses. Students that are active with an EMS agency may be covered by their agency. The Student should check with their agency prior to starting clinical experiences. Students with emergent health care issues should be transported to the nearest appropriate Emergency Department for medical care at their own expense.

Communicable disease exposures (such as TB, meningitis, chickenpox, Hepatitis and HIV) need to be reported to the student’s PCP and/or agency infection control officer. Needle sticks will be treated as soon as possible at the patient’s receiving facility. An Exposure Form will be completed on any blood or body fluid exposure and be given to the Program Director. Students who are members of agencies that have contracts with UVA Employee Health will have exposure follow-up provided by that department. Students who are not members of agencies with contracts will obtain exposure follow-up from their primary care physician.

Students are required to have the Infectious Disease Requirements for Faculty/Student form signed before entering the clinical areas.

Course Fees

A fee of $440 is charged for the AEMTand $600 for the EMT-I bridge courses. The fees are used to pay clinical preceptors and to cover the cost of a mock exam and the National Registry practical exam. Parking passes for clinicals may be purchased for $20.

Students are also required to purchase their textbooks and a program shirt. The average cost for textbooks is $300.00.

Evaluations

The evaluation process will be ongoing throughout the course. Students will receive written evaluations from the Program Director four times per course. This progress report will include a grade average and skill lab performance assessment. The student will have the opportunity to evaluate the course. Written evaluations will also be done for each clinical and field rotation by the preceptor and the student.

Grading
  • Students must maintain an 80% average on the quizzes and tests.
  • The midterm and final exam will be worth 2 quiz grades.
  • Lowest quiz grade may be dropped from the average.
  • Remediation and retaking of tests will be done at the discretion of the Program Director.
  • Students will be provided their grades on every quiz and test as well as an update of their class average at least monthly.
  • Grade averages are reviewed by the Program Medical Director at the monthly meetings. Grades will be given to agencies and supervisors only if the student gives written permission.
Grievance Policy

Students should notify the Program Director as soon as possible of any conflicts. The concern should be documented in writing and sent to the Program Director within 72 hours.

  1. The Program Director will try to mediate the conflict with the involved parties as soon as possible.
  2. The Program Director will consult with the Program Medical Director. The Program Medical Director will make recommendations for any additionally needed resolution.
  3. If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of either party, it will be referred to the UVA Prehospital Program Advisory Board for final resolution.
  4. In the event the conflict is with the Program Director, the student should bring their concern directly to the Program Medical Director.
Hospital Computer Based Competency Training

Mandatory Competency Requirements are to be completed prior to entrance to the clinical. The following requirements are mandated:

  • Standard Precautions/Infection Control (Net Learning)
  • Fire Safety (Net Learning)
  • Confidentiality/HIPAA (Net Learning)
  • Boundaries (Net Learning)
  • Abuse or Neglect Allegations (Net Learning)
  • Others as determined by the Manager Based on Services Rendered and Work Environment.
Identification

Students must obtain UVA Health System ID badges. This may require a visit to the hospital during the week from 8:00-4:30 PM. Students must wear their ID badges during all clinical and field rotations.

Sponsorship

Students that are sponsored by an agency should sign the agency sponsorship release form to allow communication between the program and sponsoring agency.

Student Expectations for Program Completion
  • Attend all classes and labs and complete student evaluations of lectures and labs.
  • Maintain an 80% average on quizzes and tests.
  • Complete a minimum of 48 hours (AEMT) or 60 hours (EMT-I) in the clinical setting.
  • Complete all competencies. All competencies must have documentation supporting each credited. All competencies credited must have occurred within one year of the programs begin date. Competency for each skill will be verified by the Program Director.
  • Submit Clinical Evaluation and Student Evaluation of Clinical forms to the Clinical Coordinator for each clinical completed.
  • Complete 48 hours (AEMT) or 75 hours (EMT-I) field internship.
  • Submit Field Internship Evaluation and Student Evaluation of Rotation forms for each field rotation to the Clinical Coordinator.
  • Any evidence of tampering with any evaluation will result in counseling and/or repeating the portion of the course represented by the evaluation.Any further evidence of tampering will result in dismissal.
  • Wear nametag during all rotations.
  • Pass the end of course practical and written examinations.
Student Records

All student records will be kept on site and secured for two years. Student records include copies of all tests administered. Summary records of all students will be maintained in storage for a total of five years. All computer records are maintained on a local computer as well as backed up on a central server backup media.

Withdrawal and Refunds

We cannot refund any fees if a student drops out of the course. The cost of the preceptors and testing stays the same even if students drop out. Students who contact one of the Program Directors about their wish to withdraw will be given consideration for admission to future courses.

Exposure Control Plan

The faculty at the UVA Prehospital Program has made efforts to insure that the best and most current information concerning the growing problem of infectious disease is provided to our students. A policy and procedure has been developed to assist our students to continue to provide safe quality patient care. The purpose of this policy is to provide a consistent approach to the management and handling of body substances for all patients. Exposure of students and/or personnel to blood or other body fluids via skin, mucus membranes or parental contact represents a hazard for transmission of those infections. To minimize student and faculty contact with blood and body fluids, the following policy is in effect:

All patients' blood, body fluids or tissues will be considered to be potentially infectious; therefore, standard precautions will be used on all patients. UVA Prehospital Education students are required to use those precautions as indicated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

HANDWASHING

Wash hands after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items, whether or not gloves are worn. Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed, between patient contacts, and when otherwise indicated to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments. It may be necessary to wash hands between tasks and procedures on the same patient to prevent cross-contamination of different body sites. Use plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for routine hand washing. Use an antimicrobial agent or a waterless antiseptic agent for specific circumstances (e.g., control of outbreaks or hyperendemic infections) as defined by the infection control program at the facility.

GLOVES

Wear gloves (clean, non-sterile gloves are adequate) when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items. Put on clean gloves just before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin. Change gloves between tasks and procedures on the same patient after contact with material that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms. Remove gloves promptly after use, before touching non-contaminated items and environmental surfaces, and before going to another patient, and wash hands immediately to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments.

MASKS, EYE PROTECTION AND FACE SHIELD

Wear a mask and eye protection or a face shield to protect mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes during procedures and patient care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions.

GOWNS

Wear a gown (a clean, nonsterile gown is adequate) or protective aprons to protect skin and to prevent soiling of clothing during procedures and patient care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions. Select a gown that is appropriate for the activity and amount of fluid likely to be encountered. Remove a soiled gown as promptly as possible and wash hands to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments.

PATIENT CARE EQUIPMENT

Handle used patient care equipment soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions in a manner that prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures, contamination of clothing, and transfer of microorganisms to other patients and environments. Ensure that reusable equipment is not used for the care of another patient until it has been cleaned and reprocessed appropriately. Ensure that single-use items are discarded properly.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Ensure that the facility has adequate procedures for the routine care, cleaning, and disinfection of environmental surfaces, beds, bedrails, bedside equipment, stretchers, and other frequently touched surfaces, and ensure that these procedures are being followed.

LINEN

Handle, transport and process used linen soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions in a manner that prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures and contamination of clothing and that avoids transfer of microorganisms to other patients and environments.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Take care to prevent injuries when using needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices; when handling sharp instruments after procedures; when cleaning used instruments; and when disposing of used needles. Never recap used needles, or otherwise manipulate them using both hands, or use any other technique that involves directing the point of the needle toward any part of the body. Rather, use either a one-handed "scoop" technique or a mechanical devices designed for holding the needle sheath. Do not remove used needles from disposable syringes by hand, and do not bend, break, or otherwise manipulated used needles by hand. Place used disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items in appropriate puncture-resistant containers, which are located as close as practical to the area in which the items were used, and place reusable syringes and needles in a puncture-resistant container for transport to the reprocessing area.

Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices as an alternative to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation methods in areas where the need for resuscitation is predictable.

Students who have exudative and/or open lesions or weeping dermatitis WILL REPORT THIS TO THE APPROPRIATE FACULTY and may be required to refrain from all direct patient care and from handling patient care equipment until the condition resolves.

All patients' blood, body fluids, or tissue specimen spills will be cleaned up promptly using an agent specified according to institutional policy. Call housekeeping personnel for large spills. Discard internally placed tubes or dressings in a biohazard container.

The student will remove the soiled clothing and change into an alternate uniform when a student sustains a splash of blood or other body fluid on his/her uniform. The student will carry soiled clothing in a plastic bag, and will wash any soiled uniforms separately in the appropriate wash cycle. If the fabric can be bleached, an additional safeguard is to launder in a 1:10 bleach:water solution.

POST – EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION/MANAGEMENT

The following occurrence should be reported directly to the faculty member or preceptor supervising the student and to the designated officer.