Denver Health EMS Learn

EMT Foundations

A grounded introduction to EMT practice that teaches the language, systems, legal responsibilities, patient communication, vital signs, scene safety, and initial assessment patterns students use throughout the pathway.

5 modules • 18h

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Modules and Subtopics

Everything the course needs to teach.

Five foundational modules establish the EMT role, body systems, communication, vitals, and arrival workflow.

Module 1

Introduction to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Defines the EMT role, EMS history, regulatory bodies, professional expectations, emotional realities, and medical/legal responsibilities.

Introduction to EMT concepts assessment

Outcomes

Explain the EMS system
Describe the EMT scope and responsibilities
Recognize HIPAA/EMTALA duties

Lesson Stack

Become an EMT

video - 5 min - placeholder video

EMT Foundation

video - 2 min - placeholder video

History and Regulatory Bodies

video - 7 min - placeholder video

What Does It Mean To Be An EMT?

video - 9 min - placeholder video

Emotional Aspects

reading

Medical and Legal Issues

video - 18 min - placeholder video

HIPAA/EMTALA and Job Errors

reading

Introduction to EMT concepts assessment

quiz - 10 min - module grade

Module 2

Basic Human Anatomy

Introduces medical terminology and the major body systems EMTs assess in the field.

Basic human anatomy assessment

Outcomes

Use directional and regional terms
Identify core anatomy by system
Connect anatomy to assessment findings

Lesson Stack

Medical Conversations

video - 3 min - placeholder video

Medical Terminology Parts 1 and 2

video - 20 min - placeholder video

Skeletal System

reading

Muscular System

reading

Nervous and Endocrine Systems

video - 13 min - placeholder video

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems

video - 20 min - placeholder video

GI, Renal, Reproductive Systems, and Skin

reading

Basic human anatomy assessment

quiz - 10 min - module grade

Module 3

Communication With A Healthcare Provider

Builds professional communication, patient rapport, handoff, biophone/radio report, and system communication skills.

Communication assessment

Outcomes

Deliver concise radio reports
Use respectful patient communication
Perform structured handoff

Lesson Stack

EMT Communication

video - 7 min - placeholder video

EMS System

reading

Guidelines for Communication

video - 10 min - placeholder video

Communicating With Professionals

video - 8 min - placeholder video

Communicating With Your Patient

reading

Biophone Calls Parts 1-3

video - 21 min - placeholder video

Patient Handoff Report

skill

Communication assessment

quiz - 10 min - module grade

Module 4

Vital Signs and History Taking

Teaches vital sign measurement, interpretation, normal/abnormal patterns, and structured patient history.

Vital signs and history assessment

Outcomes

Measure vital signs accurately
Use SAMPLE and OPQRST
Identify abnormal clinical patterns

Lesson Stack

Normal Adult Vital Signs

reading

Blood Pressure

video - 9 min - placeholder video

Pulse and Respiratory Rate

video - 10 min - placeholder video

Skin and Pupils

reading

History Taking Parts 1 and 2

video - 18 min - placeholder video

Pulse and Blood Pressure Skills

skill

Vital signs and history assessment

quiz - 10 min - module grade

Module 5

Immediately Upon Arrival To The Scene

Covers the first minutes of a call: safety, BSI, scene size-up, primary assessment, reassessment, and moving patients.

Scene arrival and initial assessment

Outcomes

Perform scene size-up
Protect crew and patient safety
Choose safe lifting/moving methods

Lesson Stack

First Encounter

video - 4 min - placeholder video

Scene Size-Up and Safety

reading

Body Substance Isolation

video - 5 min - placeholder video

Primary and Secondary Assessment

video - 16 min - placeholder video

Lifting and Moving Patients

skill

Airway Opening Maneuvers

skill

Scene arrival and initial assessment

quiz - 10 min - module grade