The Fire Science Program - EMS Option opens up career options in both private and public sectors of Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Emergency Management and other health care and fire related fields.
Fire, EMS and Emergency Management fields are complex and often require crossover knowledge to be successful. The Fire Science - EMS Option Program is multi-faceted and will prepare students to succeed in Fire Science, EMS/Paramedicine and Emergency Management.
First Semester (Summer)
Second Semester (Fall)
Third Semester (Spring)
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Fifth Semester (Spring)
This program is designed to provide professional training for students interested in careers in the Emergency Medical Services field with opportunities in municipal, state, and federal agencies, industry, insurance companies, hospitals, and various medical offices.
Applicants for the Fire Science Program - Emergency Medical Services Option must be able to meet the physical demands and satisfy the behavioral capabilities as outlined in the program's Technical Standards.
Upon completion of the Fire Science Program - Emergency Medical Services Option, students are able to:
- Apply principles and current practices of fire protection techniques.
- Use effective communication skills to build relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and members of the community.
- Perform the role of a fire protection officer using established standards, guidelines, and regulations.
- Observe, analyze, assess, and implement an effective operation plan in fire protection and emergency medical service situations.
- Apply principles and practices of specialized technical operations teams.
- Integrate leadership principles to perform roles of increasing responsibility within fire protection and emergency medical service organizations.
Technical Standards
Program Physical and Behavioral Traits
To be eligible for, and successfully complete the Fire Science - Emergency Medical Services program, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some clinical work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy these requirements to participate in the clinical internship and field/capstone internship.
These technical standards are established in accordance with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without reasonable accommodation. These include:
Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
1. Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
2. Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, professors, clinical staff, clients, families, and all members of the health care team.
3. Understand oral directions/requests from paramedic preceptors, health care workers, patients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.
Auditory Ability
1. Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
2. Listen and respond to distress sounds from patients.
3. Accurately detect audible blood pressure readings with a stethoscope.
Visual Ability
1. See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the patient.
2. See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to patient care.
3. See and accurately read all medications for administration or any equipment be used.
Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)
1. Ability to lift 125 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the patient, and those near you.
2. Bend and/or lift to assist client with activities of daily living and manipulate client equipment.
3. Lift to safely transfer or position all patients in various situations.
4. Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
5. Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment.
6. Walk/stand for extended periods and distances over an 8-hour period.
Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)
1. Accurately manipulate dials, gauges, buttons, and switches to set, monitor and care for patient care related equipment.
2. Safely and effectively perform assess and treat a patient.
3. Successfully don and remove protective apparel (including sterile gloves) to maintain standard precautions.
Behavioral/Mental Performance
1. Function safely, effectively, and calmly under stressful situations.
2. Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
3. Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with patients, families, staff and faculty.
4. Maintain personal hygiene consistent with department dress code guidelines.
5. Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior.
6. Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings.
7. Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of patients, peers and individuals.
8. Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.