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The Oakton Community College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program is a one semester course of study based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's National EMS Education Standards (2016) and the NHTSA National EMS Scope of Practice Model (2016) for EMT Instruction. Additionally, Oakton is currently updated and following the National EMS Scope of Practice Advance Curriculum with updated drugs/procedures (2016). Upon successful completion of the course of studies, Oakton EMT candidates are eligible to challenge either Illinois Department of Public Health examination (IDPH) or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination. An Illinois Department of Public Health license as an Emergency Medical Technician allows the individual to become a licensed provider in the state of Illinois. A National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician license allows the individual whom wishes to apply to any state in the nation for the state level EMT license. The EMT Program has incorporated into each 168-hour course are 12 hours of ambulance ride time and 12 hours of clinical rotation in hospital emergency departments.
The primary focus of the EMT is to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. EMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response under medical oversight. This program focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow each student to properly assess and treat a variety of medical emergencies as EMTs in the prehospital setting. It is designed for individuals seeking to become healthcare providers and presents a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue advanced training at the Paramedic level.
Cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies, shock and bleeding, trauma, emergency childbirth, fracture splinting, wound care and diabetic emergencies are some of the many situations that the Oakton EMT student will learn to respond to. Additional focus topics will include scene and personal safety issues, ambulance operations, lifting and moving techniques, basic pharmacology, and street survival for the prehospital care provider.
The EMT course requires that students be dedicated, motivated and enthusiastic about learning. They should be open to performing hands-on skills and working as a team. As prehospital healthcare providers, Oakton EMT students are educated and expected to perform their duties in a prompt and professional manner that will make them leaders in the Emergency Medical Services profession.