Fairfield University offers the skill-enhancing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Course through University College in collaboration with the University's Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 semesters. As in the past, the course is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 15, 2010 and once more in the spring from Jan. 19 to May 4, 2011. This course meets education requirements established by the State of Connecticut and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and is requisite for EMT certification candidates who are compelled to pass the National Registry examination.

Frank Ficko, associate director of Public Safety on campus stressed that Conn. State Certified Instructors, all DPS employees, lead students through a semester-long course focusing on patient assessment and emergency care of the pre-hospital patient. "Those who take this course acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge the gap from the point of injury to the moment a patient is admitted to a hospital. The course will prepare students for the two-part EMT National Registry exam. Students who have completed the course tell us that these skills are a valuable addition to a resume," he said.

With a total of 130 hours of classes, this comprehensive EMT course meets the state requirement of instruction and practice necessary for registration for the two-part examination. Successful completion of the course and, by extension, the exam, ensures EMT certification through the National Registry in 30 participating states.

Areas of instruction covered through lectures and hands-on practice include: CPR, general pharmacology, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies and OB/GYN emergencies, musculoskeletal, head and spine trauma, soft tissue injuries, hazardous materials, ambulance operations, emergency medical techniques for children and scene safety. Ficko continued, "The university resources are excellent for this training and we look forward to our new semester. Students who successfully complete this course will leave with all the tools needed for virtually any medical emergency situation."

The course meets Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the course is $530, including textbooks. There is the added value of 14.4 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU), offered at an additional charge. Upon completion of the class, there is an additional state testing fee of approximately $100.

Instructors include Sgt. Alex Krshisezki and Officers Patrick Cleary and Pat Jacquot of the Department of Public Safety at Fairfield University. All are State of Conn. certified EMS Instructors, American Heart Association CPR Instructors including AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and First-Aid. Guest lecturers from the medical field will make periodic visits.

For more information or to receive a brochure, please phone (203) 254-4307 or visit www.fairfield.edu/emt. To register, please phone the University "Office of the Registrar" at (203) 254-4288.

Posted On: 07-20-2010 10:07 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 8