This course represents the National and Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Educational Standards. Students explore and apply the fundamentals of EMS, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including assessing the scene and understanding shock, resuscitation, and trauma. Students build on their knowledge and skills for providing basic life support by focusing on the areas of EMS operations, medical emergencies, and management of special patient populations. Supervised field experience that includes at least 10 patient contacts outside of school hours is required.

Successful completion of all course requirements and instructor endorsement may lead to eligibility to take the Virginia State Psychomotor Exam and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Students must meet the requirements of the Functional Position Description for the Basic Life Support Provider.

*Students must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of school to take this course. To be eligible to take the Emergency Medical Technician assessment, students must pass all Emergency Medical Technician competencies and provide a government-issued form of identification. For students to participate in clinical experiences, it is required to pass a criminal background check.

This program is offered as Honors credit with the expectation that students complete four projects throughout the year that extend beyond the standard curriculum. These projects are built into the program and are a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the topics covered in class.