Emergency Medical Service/Fire Science
(Associate of Technical Studies Degree)
 

In many areas, emergency medical services are provided through the fire service agencies. This unique Associate of Technical Studies degree provides the student with the opportunity to combine these two programs into a degree with specific preparation for entering or advancing in such agencies.

The Associate of Technical Studies degree offers the EMT–Basic Certificate and the EMT–Paramedic Certificate accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS (certificate # 311). The EMT–Paramedic Certificate is also nationally accredited through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions.

Students must first complete the EMT–Basic course and then pass the State/National EMT–B Certificate written and practical exams. By state law a student must be certified as an Ohio EMT–Basic before enrolling in the EMT–Paramedic Certificate program. In addition to EMT–Basic certification as above, students must also complete EMS 201 (Paramedic Preparation Course) as a prerequisite and a pretesting process, which includes the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET).

Good mental and physical health is critical in emergency services; therefore students must have a physical examination, meet the program health requirements and be covered by the EMT-student liability insurance. To meet clinical affiliation agreement requirements, students in the Intermediate and Paramedic courses must successfully complete a BCI&I background check and SAM-5 drug screen.

Upon completion of the Associate of Technical Studies in Emergency Medical/Fire Science, the graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with supervisors, peers and the public.

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of the EMT–Basic and EMT–Paramedic, after successfully achieving certification in these areas.

• Explain the history and basic principles of the fire service.

• Recognize and respond to changing fire conditions and potential for collapse in structures.

• Demonstrate the duties and responsibilities of Incident Command.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of the fire service and emergency medical service.

• Demonstrate necessary proficiencies with extinguishment hydraulics and fire protection systems.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of fire investigation principles.

For student outcomes for EMT–Basic Certificate and EMT–Paramedic Certificate see Emergency Medical Services.


NOTE: If you currently have EMT–Basic, Paramedic, Firefighter I & II and/or Apprenticeship certification, you may qualify for nontraditional credit which may apply toward the degree. Contact the EMS or Fire Science Technology Coordinator to determine your individual status.