Four Community EMS Classes Offered for Fall

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The Casper College School of Health Science Paramedic Technology Department will offer four community emergency medical service courses beginning with the fall 2019 semester. The classes are designed for currently licensed emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, intermediate emergency medical technicians, and paramedics.

According to Russ Christiansen, paramedic program director, community EMS is new to Wyoming and will allow currently licensed individuals the opportunity to expand their skills and practice in the areas of primary care, prevention and wellness, public health, mental health, disease management, readmission prevention, and human services.

Community EMS is a new resource that will work to fill critical gaps in our communities’ health care systems. “Many of these gaps lie within the underserved communities or chronically ill that either lack access to appropriate care or need additional help. EMS responders are taught to serve communities more broadly in many areas, and the success within those areas is because of the partnerships between EMS and other providers,” said Christiansen. “Certified community EMS providers work to assist patients in navigating healthcare challenges, overcoming barriers, and establishing ties within community resources,” added Christiansen.

Upon completion of PTEP 2961 “Community EMS Technician” and PTEP 2962 “Community EMS Technician Clinical” the student will be able to apply for endorsement as a “Community EMS Technician.” If the student also completes PTEP 2971 “Community EMS Clinician” and PTEP 2972 “Community EMS Clinician Clinical” the student will be able to apply for endorsement at the clinician level. Casper College community EMS students upon successful completion of these classes will also be able to sit for the International Board of Specialty Certification Certified Community Paramedic exam.

Christiansen noted that technicians are able to connect underutilized resources to underserved populations to provide health services where access to physicians, clinics, and/or hospitals is difficult or may not exist. Clinicians have an expansion of capabilities including physical examination, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, performing approved interventions and treatments, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and more.

According to the Wyoming Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services currently licensed emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, intermediate emergency medical technicians, or paramedics may apply for endorsement as a community emergency medical service technician or community emergency medical service clinician.

For more information contact Christiansen at 307-268-2693 or rchristiansen@caspercollege.edu.