Scope of course: This course will examine the emergency medical services (EMS) system as a vital component of the health care delivery system. Coursework will focus on administration and planning of EMS systems.

We will apply general systems theory to the delivery of emergency health services and develop models of the emergency medical services system; analyze the environment in which EMS systems and providers operate, including laws and regulations, political and economic issues, and the roles and responsibilities of government agencies; and present the roles, responsibilities and functions of local EMS agencies; provide information on EMS system planning, evaluation and quality assurance concepts; and apply system development techniques.

Web courses

This is a web-offered course. That is, the course content and activity will take place
within a website. This site will continue to be developed during the semester. You will
find a variety of resources, but the main content of the website may be thought of as
class lectures and discussions. 

The website for this class will include:

• course content pages
• forum and bulletin board for communication
• automatic grade tracking (you can check your grades at any point during the semester)
• links to the Web

On-line instruction:

On-line instruction differs from traditional classes in several ways. On the positive side, it allows students who aren't close to the campus to take classes. It allows working professionals to take classes on their own schedule, which is particularly important for those working various shifts in emergency services.

However, it places much of the responsibility for learning on the student instead of on the instructor. This class will consist of materials provided by the instructor, links to other resources, student "presentations," and on-line discussions. Although most students will be taking this class individually, some people may be close enough to other students to form study or discussion groups. We are physically separate, but WebCT allows us to communicate in a way that allows for "in-class" discussions.

Although WebCT is fairly easy to use, you may run into problems. Make sure that you use the FAQ lists and other resources and make sure that you communicate any problems to the instructor.

Reading materials

This course will not have a separate textbook. In addition to the materials provided
directly within the class webpage, other web-based readings will be presented within
various modules.

Projects and activities

Case study: Written analysis of the issues found in a case and potential solutions to the problems.

Issue paper: Paper on an issue facing EMS systems and EMS providers.

Simulation: Class members will assume roles in a simulation. You will first perform a "SWOT analysis" of "your" organization. Then, in your role, you will write a letter to a regulatory agency and develop a one page summary sheet for the class to review.

Readings: Students are expected to have read the assigned readings by the date indicated on the course schedule.

Class participation: Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and on-line discussions. Be sure to check your private mail and the class bulletin board regularly!

CASE STUDY

Case studies are intended to apply theory learned in this and other classes to real world situations. They help to develop analysis and decision making/problem solving skills.

A case study will be distributed in class. You should analyze the situation and identify problems and possible solutions.

Your paper should:

• Briefly (no more than three paragraphs) synthesize the situation in the case, including any appropriate background information;
• Clearly identify the issues in the case, your concerns as an administrator, and (most important) what you would do it this situation;
• Answer the questions at the end of the case, giving your reasons for your answers (e.g., not just "I think this" but "I think this because").

Papers will be a maximum of three pages (plus endnotes).

SIMULATION

Assignment: We will all take roles within the EMS system of Rincon County. The system has its problems! In your role, you will write a letter to a regulatory agency and a summary or fact sheet for the class (we will all get a chance to comment on each other's positions). The simulation will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills regarding planning an EMS system.

Content: For the first part of this assignment, you will do a SWOT analysis of "your" organization. Based on the information that is provided in the simulation handout, identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that the organization must deal with. Some of these will be obvious and others will be harder to see. Remember that an opportunity for one organization will be a threat to another.

You should list your SWOT analysis on no more than two pages (make sure that you identify your organization and your position in that organization). Under the four categories, list the items that you have identified and in a paragraph, describe how it might impact your plans for the organization.

We will discuss the SWOT analyses in class in order to provide additional input toward the second part of the project. In the second part, you will:

• Prepare a letter (three pages maximum, double-spaced) to the Director of the EMS Agency on your concerns/desires/positions. (Of course, a letter would normally be single spaced and shorter, but for the purpose of this assignment, follow the specifications in this syllabus).

In the letter, you (playing your assigned role) should state your organization's general concerns/desires as well as specific positions for or against proposed changes in the simulated system.

Remember:

• You will need to determine your position, based on this summary, and justify it. Outside research on laws and regulations, finances, etc. will be necessary as will use of your political skills.
• The simulation cannot provide all of the details that you might want, so make them up, within reason.
• Don't forget that you are playing the role. In other words, you are them.
• Coalition building is not only acceptable but is encouraged. Individual written positions are required, but joint presentations will be permitted as long as all parties participate. Violations of the Sherman Anti-trust Act are forbidden.

ISSUE PAPER

Assignment: Select a current policy issue in EMS. Prepare a written summary of the issue. You can write on any relevant issue, but remember that an "issue" includes alternative solutions and generally has some element of controversy. Possible issues include:

• Provider organizations

• Ambulance franchising
• Role of public safety agencies
• Public vs. private ambulances
• Impact of managed care

• Trauma care systems

• Designation vs. approval
• Triage standards

• Prehospital providers

• Licensing of paramedics
• Increased scopes of practice

• Other????

Subject/Outline: A brief description of your subject are due early in the semester.

Content: The paper should include:

1. A summary of the issue
2. Potential policy options
3. Any current federal legislation on this topic
4. Your prediction regarding the likely position regarding major interest groups (not necessarily the group that you have used for other assignments).
5. A summary of recent actions (if any) on the issue.

Papers should be a maximum of three pages (plus endnotes). They will be posted for others to read and discuss.

Grading

Class standards

This syllabus includes descriptions of each of the written assignments. General standards are described below. Students should ensure that papers and presentations include all of the required items and meet these standards.

Confidentiality: During this course, the instructor, "guest speakers," or students may share information regarding specific organizations or individuals. Such information should be treated as confidential and not discussed outside of the classroom. If you are in doubt regarding the confidentiality of any information, consult the instructor.

Students must ensure that appropriate credit is given for all materials. Ideas taken from other persons must be properly cited. Any direct quote must be enclosed in quotation marks and must be cited. Any failure to follow these rules will result in no credit for the assignment and may result in further disciplinary action.

You should be aware that this class will be harder than most classes that you have taken. Assignments should be of the same quality that is expected of an employee in a professional position in the health care field. That means that grammar and spelling will be considered in grading assignments. It means that due dates and project specifications are taken seriously. It means that attendance is expected.

Written papers: All papers turned in for this course must comply with the following requirements:

• Use 81/2" x 11" paper, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Papers should be typed, with all text, including quotes, double-spaced.
• Do not use covers or cover pages.
• Use a readable font with 10 characters to the inch. NOTE: This is not 10 pitch. If you aren't sure, take a ruler, measure one inch and count the number of characters.
• Do not exceed the maximum length for the assignment.
• Papers should be free of typographical and spelling errors and should be grammatically correct.

Course Schedule and Assignments