EMS – Big Spring

A Paramedic must demonstrate confident leadership and the ability to take on the significant responsibility that comes with the role. Excellent judgment, quick decision-making, and prioritization skills are essential to acting in the best interest of the patient. The Paramedic must be self-disciplined, able to build rapport with patients, including those who may be hostile, and maintain a safe and professional demeanor. They must also be skilled in communicating effectively with diverse populations, recognizing cultural and age-specific nuances.

The ability to perform at a high level independently, even in non-structured, constantly changing environments, is vital. Paramedics frequently face adverse and dangerous situations, including calls in high-crime or high-mortality areas. Self-confidence, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage high-stress situations are crucial. Additionally, the Paramedic must possess the physical, intellectual, and cognitive capabilities required to meet the demands of the role.

Physical Demands

The nature of this work requires excellent physical stamina, endurance, and a strong overall physical condition. These attributes are essential to manage frequent activities such as walking, standing, lifting, carrying, and balancing, sometimes with weights exceeding 125 pounds. Motor coordination is also critical, as safety must be maintained for the patient, the Paramedic, and others while navigating uneven terrain.

The EMS-Paramedic Program is a rigorous and fast-paced course of study that spans four semesters and covers 38 credit hours. Students must complete over 1,200 hours of coursework, which includes a combination of in-person classes, online learning, and independent study modules, with approximately eight hours of work required each week. In addition, students attend one Saturday class every four weeks, each lasting eight hours. The program also includes more than 600 hours of clinical rotations, providing essential hands-on experience needed to become a practicing paramedic.

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exams and can pursue employment in a variety of healthcare settings.

Job opportunities include working with:

• Private ambulance services
• Fire departments
• Police departments
• Emergency 911 services
• Hospitals

ACCREDITATION

The Howard College Emergency Medical Services Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for Emergency Medical Services (CoAEMSP) and is certified by the Bureau of Emergency Management, a division of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Certification levels consist of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and Paramedic certification. A student may stop at any one certification level or continue through each level to the next. The Texas Paramedic now has the opportunity to become a Licensed Paramedic rather than a Certified Paramedic if he or she has an Associate Degree in EMS or higher degree.