PMA News
Thank you one and all .... looking to the future..
Professional Medical Associates would like to take this opportunity to thank all the service directors, hospital managers, assistant instructors and preceptors for their assistance in the past few years. As PMA moves into its fourth year, we look forward to continuing to work with all of you. On behalf of our students thank you!WHAT'S NEW IN THIS ISSUE??
Starting with this issue, hyper links have been added to make it a little easier to navigate around the newsletter. Again, thank you for the feedback and suggestions - we look forward to your comments.Whitefish - Preceptor Appreciation Trip - September 1997
September 14 to 16, 1997 saw the latest group of ambulance and hospital preceptors, ambulance service directors, graduates, instructors and current students head off for the PMA Open. The initial plan was for a relaxing round of golf near Whitefish, but the alternative seemed to be too much to pass up. The call of the water seemed to be a little louder than the call of the links - and the result was the group went whitewater rafting instead.
The rafting proved to be a memorable (and for some wet) experience, and offered the perfect escape and relaxation from the year of assisting our students to become even better. Following the return from the raft, dinner was supplied by Professional Medical Associates as a small token of appreciation, then the group was left to explore the remainder of downtown Whitefish. The "Canadian at Par" was a very welcome treat with the exchange rate.
The hotel shuttle then brought everyone back to the Grouse Mountain Lodge, except for the couple that found "alternative transportation" back to the hotel.
The next appreciation trip will be in March or April 1998, and we are looking at repeating the extremely successful Spring Ski Trip to Whitefish. There are also other ventures in the works and the news will be announced as details are finalized.
On behalf of the students - thank you to all of our preceptors, particularly those that were working and unable to join us in Whitefish. We hope to see you in April as we do it again with skiing. We provide special subsidy pricing for our preceptors, based on the total commitment of the primary preceptors or the organization over the course of the year.
PMA Continues To Answer the Needs of Practitioners
EMT-Paramedic Completer Program
Shortly before the printing of this edition of PMA News, the first graduating class from Professional Medical Associates completed the inaugural EMT-P program. The graduates attended the latest APPA Provincial Registration Examination in Calgary and ALL successfully completed the examination on October 3 and 4th, 1997. No student from Professional Medical Associates even had to return to retest the practical examination on the Sunday. A 100% success rate is virtually unprecedented on the EMT-P Registration Examination, and follows in the footsteps of the 100% success rate for the first class of EMT-A candidates from Professional Medical Associates back in 1996. In addition, the final meetings with graduates are being scheduled to review their impressions of the program and to determine their perceptions of the strengths of the program. Program feedback from students, graduates, our preceptors and practicum partners allows Professional Medical Associates to maintain our “Commitment to Educational Excellence” and meet the needs of our students, as well as continuing the exceptional success rate of our programs.At the time of printing, the results were not yet announced by APPA, though all students contacted were quick to indicate they felt well prepared for the process, and had every expectation they were successful. The first class of the EMT-P program worked extremely hard and will be valuable assets to advanced life support care. As results are known, they will be announced in the next newsletter as well as the Annual Report. The support and instructional staff of PMA are proud to have been associated with the latest class, and wish them every success in the future.
The EMT-Paramedic Completer Program formed the final link in the seamless curriculum from EMR through to the EMT-P level, first available from Professional Medical Associates. The focus was simple - meet the needs of practitioners and the ambulance profession to streamline the education and training of students so they can remain in their communities. It is also of note that all programs from Professional Medical Associates rely solely on our students and partnership arrangements with our ambulance services and hospitals. Unlike other training organizations, Professional Medical Associates, nor our students, receive any base funding from the provincial government. While this may cause the programs to be more expensive, it also forces the instructor and management team of Professional Medical Associates to ensure the needs of the students are met. During site visitations and interviews with students, preceptors, hospital site managers and ambulance service managers, the value of the program, as well as the level of satisfaction, has been reported to be extremely high.
One of the cornerstone strengths
of the program, aside from the total length of it, is the ability of the
students to maintain current employment while upgrading their education.
The program is presented in a series of blocks, building on the previous
session to ensure maximum retention of material. Following the completion
of the theory, students complete hospital and ambulance rotations.
Program faculty possess
a wide range of educational experience including experience as former instructors
with other post-secondary institutions in Alberta. The program's strength
relies on small instructor to student ratios to maximize practical experience,
and ensure instructors are readily available should questions arise or
the students require additional assistance. In addition, the utilization
of assignments and other resources, allows class sessions to focus on practical
application. One of the superior aspects of the PMA EMT-Paramedic program
is the student to instructor ratio. In initial programs, student to instructor
ratios of 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 produce graduates that have been well received
by ambulance and hospital practicum sites. Students have an average of
5 years experience as EMT-A practitioners, which removes much of the need
to review EMR or EMT-A information and produces graduates well suited to
the changing face of EMS in Alberta. The students are also able to contact
the instructors via e-mail to request information, ask questions, and to
review important portions of the program.
In response to the needs of our students, Professional Medical Associates is in the process of finalizing the site for the next EMT-Paramedic Bridging Program. The program will be offered in Southern Alberta, most likely centred out of Calgary. This will allow currently employed EMT-As from Southern Alberta to move forward in their careers, while maintaining current employment. The program is scheduled to begin in April 1998, and student selection will begin in early December 1997. All interested EMT-As and ambulance services may contact the office at (403) 460-8410 for an information and registration package. Information is also available on the web at www.promedics.org or registrar@promedics.org.
We are also working with
some of our practicum partners in Southern Alberta to assist their staff,
which makes it easier for ambulance and hospital practicum placements.
All ambulance services and hospital partners interested in assisting those
from their communities are encouraged to contact the office for more information.
EMT-A & EMT-P Program Feedback
PMA continues to send our feedback surveys to our preceptors and Service Directors. The surveys form a portion of the Quality Improvement Program of Professional Medical Associates. This ensures our graduates meet the needs of the ambulance profession, and they are prepared for their hospital and ambulance rotations.The results are extremely positive, and we would like to thank the preceptors for taking the time to assist us in improving our programs even further. With the assistance of our preceptors and our Quality Improvement Program, PMA can continue to work to improve upon the success of our graduates on the Provincial Registration Examinations. Even though over 95% of our graduates are successful on the EMT-A Provincial Registration Examination, there is still some work to be done to reach complete success. Our Commitment to Excellence and the assistance of our preceptors and our practicum partners allow us to continue to improve and reach 100% success in the next few examinations.
SURVEY RESPONSES
The following is a sample of some of the responses we have received on our program surveys for EMT-A and EMT-P: | "... will make an excellent Paramedic, PMA should take a great deal of pride in their program if the (EMT-P) students come out like this." |
| "The (EMT-A) student was very well prepared and was a pleasure to precept." |
| "I feel ... has demonstrated a high quality level of EMT-A skills." |
| "In comparison with other EMT-A programs, there were no complaints about the lack of skill in integrating 12-1 skills into their work." |
| "Of all the students that I have had the pleasure to be their preceptors, I will always remember ... that stood out superior to any other student. I also think this program (EMT-P) has excellent instructors and course objectives." |
EMT-A Program Calgary
The latest EMT-A Program theory component has recently concluded in partnership with the Calgary Regional Health Authority to address the need to have their dispatchers move from EMR to the EMT-A level with the additional health services, the Section 12(1) skills. Another first, brought on by the needs of the Regional Health Authority, was to alter the delivery method of the Professional Medical Associates' program to meet the scheduling needs of the students and the organization.EMT-A Partnerships Continue to Grow
Medicine Hat and High River
To continue the commitment to rural practitioners, PMA is proud to announce the commencement of two additional EMT-A Completer programs in Medicine Hat and High River, Alberta. The program is being presented with the assistance of the local ambulance services - the Medicine Hat Ambulance Service and Highwood EMS (High River) respectively. The ambulance service is hosting the program with students traveling from surrounding rural communities to move from the EMR level to the EMT-A level with Section 12(1) skills. These programs continue to prove the partnership possibilities that PMA programs and delivery methods are able to offer.Brooks
The first partnership EMT-A program recently completed the didactic portion of the program, and served as a model of future partnerships between PMA and ambulance services throughout the Province. With the exceptional work and commitment of the staff and management of the Brooks and District Ambulance Service, the majority of the students have completed the APPA Provincial Registration Examination. The instructional staff included representatives from Professional Medical Associates, and relied on the local service personnel to provide the program to benefit local practitioners in their quest to move to the EMT-A level. The obvious benefit was that surrounding areas are now served by EMT-A's.EMT-Ambulance Program Update
Final site selection is based on the number of applicants from areas sponsoring the program to maximize employability. Negotiations are currently underway with a number of rural ambulance service partners regarding assisting in hosting the program, and the obvious benefit to the EMR practitioners that reside in the communities. As with all Professional Medical Associates' programs, the focus is on the needs of rural practitioners, and the extra seats are then offered to current EMR's. The next EMT-A program is currently being planned to start in late January. As further details are finalized they will be available in the next newsletter as well as on the web page at www.promedics.org.The selection process involves completion of a multiple choice examination, completion of a scenario, and a personal interview for each applicant. Applicants must also supply a copy of their APPA EMR registration, BCLS - Level C within the previous 6 months, and resume detailing work and educational experience. Other supporting documentation includes letters from EMS related employers and other registered practitioners.
To date, the selection process has been extremely successful. In fact over 95% of our students complete the program. The next EMT-A selection process for our Winter/Spring programs will be held December 1997. Applications must be returned to the office no later than 14 days prior to the testing.
EMT-A Competency Assessment and Maintenance Program
The final changes have been made to the pilot competency assessment program for EMT-A practitioners. Following a few trial sessions, the program is ready to be delivered to existing practitioners through our preceptor appreciation program. The program has two goals. The first, from the services perspective, is to have a third party assessment completed of the staff, and second, to identify areas that would benefit from continuing education of competency maintenance sessions.The process involves completion of an extensive multiple-choice examination, as well as a practical scenario and skills stations on a variety of BLS skills. Upon completion, reports are generated that identify individual members' strengths and areas for improvements. The process is based on the most recent competency document through APPA. The program includes Section 12(1) skill knowledge, though this can be removed from the process as required.
The competency assessment
program is another of the exciting and practical initiatives that has been
developed in response to the request of our ambulance service partners
throughout the province. In addition, the program can be attended by current
EMT-A practitioners that are curious to discover how their competency compares
to other practitioners. The program has served as an excellent tool for
service directors to review the continuing education needs of their department
and practitioners. Empowered with this knowledge, PMA can also assist in
developing continuing education programs to target specific needs or issues.
EMR and EMT Refresher
The EMR and EMT-A refresher programs have been well received by students and service directors alike. The programs can be offered either on site or our offices, depending on the need. The next program is running in St. Albert starting in February 1998. Contact the office for specific information, or call the 24 hour support line at (800) 571-5355.Practicum Partnership Program
With our EMT-A Completer students recently starting their practicums and the next EMT-P students shortly beginning their clinical rotations, the PMA practicum partnership program continues to gain support. The rationale was always simple, give back to the community and organizations that continue to support our students.PMA will be subsidizing upcoming courses as a token of appreciation for the work our preceptors have done. We are also looking at holding an ACLS and/or BTLS (Advanced) course later in the year for our EMT-P or RN preceptors and services.
Preceptor Awards
The draw date for the latest award was June 30, 1997, and was a complimentary trip on our Preceptor Appreciation Program to Whitefish, Montana. Our congratulations to the winner of the ambulance preceptors appreciation award goes to Kenton Galloway of Crown EMS (Leduc) and Cathy Schock of the Stony Plain Hospital.Our preceptors add an extremely valuable perspective for the students and allow them to gain their confidence. We are extremely proud of our preceptor appreciation programs and our preceptor partnership programs. The PMA commitment to our preceptors is to ensure the preceptors have all required support, where and when they need it.
PMA continues to improve
on our appreciation and support program that benefits all three parties,
the service, the preceptors, and most importantly, our students. As a reminder,
you can reach the on-call practicum facilitator 24 hours a day through
1(800) 571-5355 or email at james@promedics.org.
Continuing Education
You are dispatched to a 76 year old male patient complaining of abdominal pain. On arrival you find a male appearing in good health, mild respiratory distress and pale and clammy.Initial assessment reveals a pulse of 130 and irregular, respirations are 28 per minute and shallow and with a B/P of 132/70. The patient tells you that he had a sudden onset of pain, and it feels that it is radiating from his lower back into the abdomen. He indicates the pain is a searing, almost tearing sensation, and is extremely uncomfortable. He has tried to move or change position, but the pain stays constant. He also tells you that he feels as if he has to have a bowel movement, though he has been constipated for the last 3 or 4 days.
The patient reports a medical
history of bypass surgery 3 years ago, following his third MI. He is taking
Hydrodiuril, Lasix, Colace and Lanoxin. He denies any further medical problems
including respiratory problems, epilepsy or diabetes as you continue your
history.
1. What would be one of
the first treatments indicated for this patient?
a) high flow oxygen with
non-rebreather
b) low flow oxygen since
patient may have undiagnosed COPD
c) have patient walk to
ambulance and initiate transport
d) rapid transport as first
treatment
2. Which of the following
is the most beneficial second action?
a) high flow oxygen with
simple face mask at 5 litres per minute
b) prepare for rapid transport
following completion of assessment
c) splinting pelvis for
pelvic fracture
d) preparing for cardiac
arrest
3. Based on the clinical
presentation which is the MOST likely problem of the patient?
a) myocardial infarction
b) acute appendicitis
c) aortic aneurysm
d) pancreatitis
4. Which of the following
treatments or procedures are indicated for this patient?
a) treatment may include
MAST, IV, oxygen and rapid transport
b) treatment should include
administration of medications for pain
c) definitive treatment
needs to be surgical intervention
d) no treatment is required
e) a and c above
5. What is the definitive
treatment for the patient?
a) administration of large
volumes of fluid
b) transport
c) surgical repair
d) admission to coronary
care unit
6. Assuming the patient is
presenting with an aneurysm, which of the following is the most likely
vessel involved?
a) inferior vena cavae
b) superior vena cavae
c) abdominal aorta
d) iliac arteries
e) brachocephalic
BLS Intermediate 12(1)
7. The patient is attached
to the cardiac monitor and shown in Figure 1. What is the rhythm? 
a) sinus tachycardia
b) atrial fibrillation -
controlled
c) atrial fibrillation -
uncontrolled
d) ventricular tachycardia
8. What rhythm is indicated
in the ECG tracing labeled as Figure 2? 
a) ventricular fibrillation
b) ventricular tachycardia
c) sinus bradycardia
d) sinus tachycardia
9. Which of the following
interventions would NOT be involved in the management of this patient?
a) aggressive fluid resuscitation
with at least 6 litres of fluid
b) potential use for MAST
if shock develops
c) high-flow oxygen
d) rapid transport
ALS
10. Which of the following
would be appropriate measures for the patient presented in the above vignette?
a) dopamine starting at
15 micrograms per kilogram per minute
b) prepare for shock and
capture the airway with endotracheal intubation if patient deteriorates
c) rapid sequence induction
if systolic pressure drops to less than 90 mm Hg.
d) synchronized cardioversion
starting at 100 Joules
Answers
| 1) a |
| 2) b |
| 3) c |
| 4) e |
| 5) c |
| 6) c |
| 7) a |
| 8) c |
| 9) a |
| 10) c |
PMA Preceptor Appreciation Events
The latest event to be added to the list of Preceptor Appreciation program is the annual ski trip. Service directors, preceptors, and students are welcome to join us for what we expect will be an enjoyable weekend, and a well-deserved break for the hard work of our preceptors over the past few months.For more details, contact the office. As dates and times are finalized they will be available in the next issue of the newsletter. The trip is currently being planned for the second week in March 1998. We hope you are able to join us and look forward to seeing all of our preceptors, service and hospital practicum partners, and former and current students as well.
EMR course update
PMA is pleased to announce the conclusion of our latest programs, and assisting a number of smaller communities to set up initial response organizations. Programs currently running, or about to start, include those in St. Albert and Calgary as well as our continuing focus on rural needs with programs in Vermilion, Edson and Jasper. We are also gearing up to commence the next EMR programs in Calgary and St. Albert starting the latter part of January. We are also scheduling more courses for rural Alberta starting in the winter throughout the province. Contact the office for specific details, or try the 24 hour support line at (800) 571-5335.PMA On-Line Support News
Well, the long-awaited on-line support and information system has been launched. The Professional Medical Associates' Web Site at www.promedics.org awaits. We are looking for more suggestions on what would be beneficial to our preceptors and practicum partners. We would like to thank those that have taken the time to comment and send suggestions. The intent is to provide a reference and continuing education for our students and the preceptors. You can reach any of the staff by e-mail, even download copies of PMA News on-line, with links to other parts of the site for you to visit. Your feedback is encouraged, and all your comments can be sent to james@promedics.org.Back To Newsletter Archives