Emergency Medical Services

The purpose of the Emergency Medical Services program at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the health occupations industry. It will provide students with the opportunity to be trained in a variety of entry level positions.

In order to succeed in this program, a student must first have a desire to help others in need of life saving interventions. The student should maintain a grade of “C” or better in all areas with a specific focus on Math and Science. To be successful, the student should not have excessive absences.

Sophomore Year

Medical Skills

• History of Healthcare
• Healthcare Facilities and Providers
• Overview of Careers
• Medical Terminology and Abbreviations
• Medical Math
• Basic Nutrition
• Measuring Vital Signs
• Principles of Body Mechanics
• Job-Seeking Skills
• Becoming a Professional Leader

Health Science I

• Structures of the human body (bones, muscles, tissues)
• Functions of the human body systems (respiratory, integumentary, urinary, reproductive, neurological, etc.)

Junior Year

Health Science II

• Personalities of a Healthcare Worker
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
• Human Growth and Development
• Promotion of Safety
• Infection Control
• Measuring Vital Signs
• CPR and First Aid
• Preparing for the World of Work
• Business and Accounting Skills for the Healthcare Worker

Senior Year

• First Responder Roles and Responsibilities
• The Human Body
• Lifting, Moving, and Positioning Patients
• Airway Management and Using Airway Adjuncts
• Assessment of the Medical and Trauma Patient
• Healthcare Provider CPR
• Medical Emergencies
• Bleeding, Shock, and Soft-Tissue Injuries
• Muscle and Bone Injuries
• Childbirth
• Infants and Children
• Gaining Access and Hazards on the Scene
• Multiple-Casualty Incidents, Triage, and the Incident Management System
• Swimming and Diving Accidents
• Response to Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Pharmacology

Typical Job Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Emergency Medical Services program, students will receive a certificate for First Responder training. This will enable students to pursue careers in Rescue Services, Firefighting, Industrial Services, or a variety of other healthcare careers. There are vast job opportunities within the Emergency Medical fields.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

With the First Responder certificate, students can move into college level courses for Emergency Medical Technician and take a test for state certification. Upon achieving the state certification, students can take advanced courses to become a state certified Paramedic.

Articulation Agreement

West Florida High School has an articulation agreement with Pensacola Junior College. Students who obtain a certificate for First Responder can enroll in EMT II after high school graduation.