Allied Health - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs
A cooperative program between Shore Health System and Chesapeake College

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a highly technical field which is expanding at a rapid pace, providing cutting edge technology in the care of medical and trauma patients across the lifespan.

The EMS programs are designed to prepare the student to provide quality patient care in the out-of-hospital are an. These programs are physically and intellectually challenging, requiring many hours of dedicated study, clinical rotations, labs and classroom training. Students prepare for leadership roles in specialized rescue, responding to mass casualty incidents, including those possibly involving weapons of mass destruction.

The EMS programs exceed the US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: National Standard Curriculum for EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Registry Exam and the Maryland Protocol Exam.

What is an EMT-Basic?

The EMT-B is a certified Basic Life Support Provider (BLS). They provide basic first aid which includes oxygen administration, basic airway management, splint and bandaging, CPR, use of automated AEDs and administering epi pens. EMT-B certification is required for admission into Chesapeake College EMS programs. Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI - www.mfri.org) provides EMT-B training and some Advanced Life Support (ALS) continuing education.

What is a Paramedic?

A Paramedic is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider. Their skills include IV therapy, invasive airway management, ECG monitoring, defibrillation and pacing, and administering emergency medications.

The EMT-I (Cardiac Rescue Technician or CRT) is also an ALS provider with a more limited scope of ALS practice.