Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of HSCI 0002 with grade of "C" or better, or current state certification as an Emergency Medical Technician
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Designed for students pursuing careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and advanced levels of prehospital care. Provides overview of functional anatomy, symptomology and pathophysiology of disease, medical emergencies, and effects of traumatic injuries. EMS management and review of field treatment protocols enhance ability to treat and stabilize emergency medical situations in the field. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Compare and contrast pathophysiology and etiology of diseases with related symptomology.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze the effects of diseases and injuries on human body systems and explain the associated symptomology to assess patient conditions.
  • CSLO #3: Identify the different field treatment protocols for associated diseases and injury of human systems.
  • CSLO #4: Demonstrate comprehensive patient assessment techniques, including obtaining and interpreting vital signs, to effectively evaluate a patient's condition and inform appropriate care decisions.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

108

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

216

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:

  1. Define the basic terminology used in the study of human diseases.
  2. Define the pathophysiology and etiology of diseases.
  3. Name the organelle contained within the typical animal cell.
  4. Describe the basic structure, components and function of an organelle.
  5. Identify terminology related to the mechanisms of human disease.
  6. Describe the process of cell/tissue injury, adaptation, and death.
  7. Identify the progression of cancer development.
  8. Describe the symptomology of different cancers.
  9. Describe the basic defense mechanisms in the body.
  10. Identify the process of tissue repair and healing.
  11. Identify complications of wound healing.
  12. Describe the physiological maintenance of body fluid and acid base balance.
  13. Describe the symptomology of altered body fluid and acid base balance.
  14. Identify common interventions for fluid and acid base imbalances.
  15. Define the term shock.
  16. Identify four classifications of shock and how the cardiovascular system is affected.
  17. Describe the symptomology of shock and important assessment findings.
  18. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.
  19. Define the terms common to respiratory system disorders.
  20. Identify the common disorders of the respiratory system.
  21. Identify the symptomology associated with respiratory disorders.
  22. Describe the common diagnostics test used to determine respiratory disorders.
  23. Describe the typical treatment protocols for common respiratory disorders.
  24. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
  25. Identify common disorders of the cardiovascular system.
  26. Identify the symptomology common to cardiovascular system disorders.
  27. Describe typical treatment protocols for common cardiovascular disorders.
  28. Discuss basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system.
  29. Identify the symptomology of common nervous system disorders.
  30. Describe typical treatment protocols for common nervous system disorders.
  31. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system.
  32. Define common terminology of the musculoskeletal system and disorders.
  33. Identify common disorders and trauma of the musculoskeletal system.
  34. Identify the symptomology of the musculoskeletal disorders and trauma.
  35. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system.
  36. Discuss the symptomology of endocrine system disorders.
  37. Describe the typical treatment protocols for common endocrine disorders.
  38. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the immune and lymphatic system.
  39. Identify sign and symptoms of immune and lymphatic system disorders.
  40. Describe typical treatment protocols for immune system lymphatic disorders.
  41. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the digestive system.
  42. Identify the signs and symptoms common to digestive system disorders.
  43. Discuss the treatment protocols for common digestive system disorders.
  44. Describe the effects of aging upon the digestive system and related disorders.
  45. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the renal and urologic system.
  46. Identify the symptomology associated with renal and urologic disorders.
  47. Discuss management and treatment protocols of renal and urologic disorders.
  48. Describe effects of aging and disorders of the renal and urologic system.
  49. Describe four routes of entry for toxins into the system.
  50. Describe the four steps in the management of toxicological emergencies.
  51. Describe the pathology, signs, and management of five different toxidromes.
  52. Describe pathology, signs and treatment protocols of substance abuse.
  53. Describe pathology, signs and treatment protocols of chemical poisoning.
  54. Describe pathology, signs and management of stings, bites, and injections.
  55. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the hematologic system.
  56. Describe the common signs and symptoms of hematologic disorders.
  57. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system.
  58. Discuss common disorders of the integumentary system.
  59. Identify the symptomology associated with integumentary system disorders.
  60. Discuss basic anatomy and physiology of the eyes and ears.
  61. Describe the typical trauma injuries to the eye and the injury pathologies.
  62. Describe the physiology of the thermoregulatory mechanism.
  63. Define the signs, symptoms, and pathophysiology of heat related conditions.
  64. Define the signs, symptoms, and pathophysiology of cold related conditions.
  65. Define the signs and pathophysiology for drowning and diving accidents.
  66. Describe the normal physiological changes that occur at high altitudes.
  67. Define signs, symptoms, and pathophysiology of high altitude conditions.
  68. Describe the signs and symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
  69. Describe the management and treatment protocols for mental health disorders.
  70. Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the reproductive systems.
  71. Identify the signs and symptoms of reproductive system disorders.
  72. Identify treatment protocols and management of reproductive system disorders.
  73. Describe the physiological changes that occur throughout the pregnancy.
  74. Describe the pathophysiology of complications and disorders during pregnancy.
  75. Describe the common complications and treatment protocols during delivery.
  76. Describe the pathology and management of postpartum complications.
  77. Describe the complications and symptomology of trauma during pregnancy.
  78. Identify common signs and symptoms associated with pediatric diseases.
  79. Discuss the pathology of pediatric diseases and disorders common to children.
  80. Discuss the management and treatment protocols of pediatric emergencies. 

Laboratory Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate comprehensive patient assessment techniques for adults.
  2. Demonstrate comprehensive patient assessment techniques for pediatrics. 
  3. Obtain vital signs of a patient including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and capillary refill.                                                                   
  4. Perform simulated medication routes per treatment guidelines.                     
  5. Identify lung sounds through auscultation.   

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Essay Examinations
          • Example: In an essay, students will describe primary signs and symptoms of hemodynamic instability associated with an intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur.
        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice examination on EKG rhythms. Standard Grading. Example Question: Which of the following rhythms would be corrected with 6-12mg of adenosine? A. Complete 3rd degree heart block, B. Supra-ventricular Tachycardia, C. Sinus Bradycardia with junctional escape beats, D. Sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Students will demonstrate their ability to identify lung sounds through auscultation by performing a hands-on assessment using a stethoscope on simulated or standardized patients. They will be evaluated based on their ability to: Proper Technique: Position the stethoscope correctly at designated auscultation sites. Identification Accuracy: Recognize and differentiate normal and abnormal lung sounds (e.g., wheezes, crackles, rhonchi, stridor). Clinical Interpretation: Correlate findings with potential respiratory conditions and explain their significance.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. The instructor will facilitate a hands-on skills lab where students practice obtaining vital signs on standardized patients, classmates, or simulation manikins. The instructor will: Demonstrate Proper Technique: Begin with a step-by-step demonstration of how to obtain blood pressure (manual and automatic), heart rate, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time. Explain Clinical Relevance: Discuss the importance of each vital sign, normal ranges, and what abnormal findings might indicate. Guide Students Through Practice: Observe and provide real-time feedback as students practice on each other or simulation models. Introduce Realistic Patient Scenarios: Provide case studies requiring students to assess and interpret vital signs in different medical conditions (e.g., shock, dehydration, hypoxia). Assess Student Performance: Use a skills check-off sheet or competency rubric to evaluate students’ accuracy and technique. Student’s Role: Students will actively participate in learning by practicing vital sign assessment techniques and interpreting their findings. They will: Practice on Peers or Manikins: Use proper technique to measure blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and capillary refill under instructor supervision. Record and Analyze Data: Accurately document their findings and compare them with normal reference ranges. Recognize Abnormal Readings: Discuss what abnormal readings might indicate and how they would respond in a clinical setting. Communicate Findings: Verbally report their results using proper medical terminology, simulating real-world patient handoffs.

        Lecture:

        1. The instructor will explain the pathophysiology of shock and demonstrate the concept mapping and symptomology of altered body fluids and acid base balance. Student will explain the symptomology and assessment findings of inadequate perfusion, and identify the different classifications of distributed and obstructive shock.
        2. The instructor will divide students into groups to utilize a cardiac monitor with lead II and twelve lead capabilities, and equipped with cardiac rhythm simulator. Students will be asked to identify and differentiate the different rhythms, and identify the electrophysiology of each rhythm and the associated cardiac pathology.

        Distance Learning

        1. Online lecture on the progression of cancer development, followed by students writing a report on the progression of cancer and posting for comments. Use of the discussion board tp facilitate critical thinking and group discussion. Students will be required to respond to a minimum of 2 others students initial responses which will allow for interaction between students and the instructor.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read the chapter on cellular and tissue injury and review the case study with extremity entrapment. Answer the questions from the case study exercise and provide a summary of the expected signs and symptoms based on the patients injury pathology. 2. Read the assigned chapter on the circulatory system and cardiac physiology to prepare for class discussion on EKG interpretation and arrhythmia recognition.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Working in assigned groups, identify the patient symptomology and provide the concept mapping associated with acute respiratory distress disorders. 2. Working with an assigned partner, students will identify the symptomology of musculoskeletal disorders, and demonstrate a common diagnostic test for field assessment of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        Required Materials

        • Anatomy and Physiology for the Prehospital Care Provider
          • Author: Kirsten M. Elling, Bob Elling
          • Publisher: Jones and Bartlett
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition: 2nd
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured
          • Author: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
          • Publisher: Jones and Bartlett
          • Publication Date: 2021
          • Text Edition: 12th
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • HSCI 30 Laboratory Manual
          • Author: Instructor Developed
          • Publisher:
          • Publication Date: 2026
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.