First Aid and Emergency

Major: First Aid and Emergency Care

Overview: The First Aid and Emergency Care program trains students to provide immediate medical assistance in emergencies, including accidents, natural disasters, and sudden illnesses. This major focuses on life-saving techniques, emergency response protocols, and patient stabilization. Graduates are prepared for careers in emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals, disaster response teams, and workplace safety roles.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of emergency medical care and first aid.
• Develop skills in assessing and managing medical emergencies.
• Learn techniques for CPR, wound care, fracture stabilization, and patient transport.
• Explore principles of trauma care, disaster response, and emergency preparedness.
• Analyze and apply protocols for handling medical emergencies in various settings.
• Develop critical thinking, quick decision-making, and communication skills for effective emergency response.

Core Courses:

1. Introduction to Emergency Care

   • Overview of emergency medical services (EMS), roles of first responders, and legal/ethical considerations.

2. Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR

   • Techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of automated external defibrillators (AED), and airway management.

3. Trauma Care and Wound Management

   • Principles of assessing and treating wounds, burns, fractures, and shock.

4. Medical Emergencies

   • Techniques for managing heart attacks, strokes, allergic reactions, and diabetic emergencies.

5. Emergency Response in Disasters

   • Training in disaster preparedness, triage, and mass casualty management.

6. Patient Assessment and Stabilization

   • Techniques for assessing vital signs, patient history, and stabilizing patients for transport.

7. Emergency Equipment and Technology

   • Use of emergency medical equipment, such as defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and splints.

8. Workplace and Community First Aid

   • Principles of providing first aid in workplaces, schools, and public settings.

9. Psychological First Aid

   • Techniques for providing emotional support in emergencies and crises.

10. Internship/Practicum

    • Hands-on experience in hospitals, EMS stations, or disaster response simulations.

11. Capstone Project in Emergency Care

    • Comprehensive project applying skills in emergency response planning, first aid training programs, or disaster preparedness.

Assessment Methods:

• Practical exams on CPR, wound care, and patient stabilization.
• Simulated emergency response scenarios.
• Case studies on trauma care and medical emergencies.
• Internship evaluations and fieldwork reports.
• Capstone projects on emergency preparedness plans or first aid training programs.

Recommended Resources:

• "First Aid Manual" by DK Publishing.
• "Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured" by AAOS.
• "Advanced First Aid, CPR, and AED" by the American Red Cross.
• Guidelines from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of biology or healthcare.
• Interest in emergency response, public safety, and medical care.

Duration:

• Typically 6 months to 1 year for certification programs.
• 2 years for an associate degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Certifications:

Graduates can pursue certifications such as:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (e.g., from the American Heart Association or Red Cross).
• First Aid and CPR Instructor Certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification.

Career Paths:

1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

   • Provide pre-hospital care and transport patients to medical facilities.

2. First Aid Instructor:

   • Train individuals and organizations in first aid and CPR techniques.

3. Disaster Response Specialist:

   • Work with organizations like the Red Crescent or civil defense in emergency situations.

4. Workplace Safety Officer:

   • Implement and oversee first aid and emergency response plans in workplaces.

5. Emergency Room Technician:

   • Assist medical staff in hospital emergency departments.

6. Search and Rescue Team Member:

   • Participate in search and rescue operations in natural disasters or accidents.

7. Public Health Educator:

   • Promote emergency preparedness and first aid awareness in communities.

Why This Major?

• Critical Skills: Learn life-saving techniques that are valuable in everyday life and professional settings.
• High Demand: Growing need for trained first responders in healthcare, public safety, and disaster management.
• Diverse Opportunities: Careers in EMS, hospitals, public safety, education, and humanitarian organizations.
• Impactful Work: Make a difference by saving lives and improving community safety.