This course is the first in a sequence of four courses that provides an introduction to emergency medical care. The modules in the first session provide knowledge of EMS systems; roles, responsibility and well-being of paramedics; medical, legal and ethical issues; anatomy and physiology; pathophysiology of the normal cell; respiratory system and acid-base balance; general principles of pharmacology; IV access and medication administration; airway management and ventilation; therapeutic communication; patient assessment; communication; and documentation and understanding of respiratory emergencies. Students must successfully pass this course and immediately continue and complete Paramedic parts 2, 3, and 4. An additional clinical/field corequisite - Paramedic Clinical/Field 1, 2 and 3 - must also be successfully completed in order to sit for the paramedic certification exam. NOTE: This program has special admission requirements. Visit www.mccneb.edu/healthcareers or contact Student Services for more information and to obtain a current information packet. Students may substitute BIOS 1310 or its equivalent for the HLTH 1440 corequisite.