Basic EMT Training
Start your path to licensed EMT at Tulane SoPA
Prepare for the EMT certification exam in just 15 weeks
About the Course
HMLS 2950 Basic EMT Training (3)
The Emergency Medical Technician course prepares the student to able to render care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Students do not need a background of prehospital experience for this course. Topics that are covered in this course include patient assessment, medical and trauma-specific emergencies, mass casualty response, basic anatomy and physiology of the body, and communication skills. After completion of this course, the student will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam. Formerly listed as WLHP 2950.
How to Apply
To enroll in Basic EMT Training (HMLS 2950) applicants must apply to the Tulane School of Professional Advancement. Applicants should select “non-degree seeking” for student type if they plan to complete a single course only.
What Students Will Learn
Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) involves acquiring a range of essential skills and knowledge to provide emergency medical care. Key concepts you will learn include:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
- CPR and AED Use: Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Airway Management: Techniques to ensure a patient's airway is clear, including the use of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways.
Medical and Trauma Care
- Assessment and Triage: Conducting patient assessments to determine the severity of injuries or illnesses and prioritizing care based on those assessments.
- Wound Care and Bleeding Control: Managing bleeding, dressing wounds, and understanding wound care principles.
Emergency Pharmacology
- Medication Administration: Knowledge of common emergency medications, including indications, contraindications, and administration techniques.
- Understanding Drug Effects: Recognizing how different drugs affect the body and their use in emergency situations.
Patient Stabilization and Transport
Patient Stabilization and Transport
- Immobilization Techniques: Using splints, backboards, and cervical collars to immobilize patients with potential spinal injuries.
- Safe Transport Practices: Ensuring patient safety during transport to medical facilities, including monitoring vital signs and managing any immediate medical needs.
Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues
- Patient Consent and Confidentiality: Understanding the legal aspects of patient care, including obtaining consent and maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Navigating ethical dilemmas in emergency care, such as end-of-life decisions and the allocation of limited resources.
These key concepts provide a foundation for effective emergency medical response, enabling EMTs to stabilize patients, provide critical care, and facilitate safe transport to healthcare facilities.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to apply and need assistance with your application, you may contact the admissions team by email at asksopa@tulane.edu or click the link below to begin your application.
Meet the Instructor
Patrick Messmer, Lead EMT Instructor
“We focus on trauma assessments such as shootings, car accidents or fights, and medical assessments such as overdoses, diabetes, or mental health emergencies. We teach students how to handle those types of situations and treat patients with both medication and equipment.”
SoPA EMT Course in the News
A hybrid course at the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA) is giving students from all walks of life the opportunity to learn what it takes to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), whether they are pursuing emergency response as a career or learning new skills to supplement their ongoing education.
