Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services - GEMS (NAEMT)

Instructional Hours: 8.00

Course Objective: To provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully assess and manage a geriatric patient in the pre-hospital environment.

Course Description: Major topics covered in the course include aging, changes with age, communicating with older people and their caregivers, assessment of the older patient, end-of-life care issues, trauma, musculoskeletal disorders and falls, immobilization, neurological emergencies and altered mental status, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies, elder abuse and neglect, pharmacology and medication toxicity, psychiatric emergencies, and intravenous therapy. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and team-based practical exercises.

Successful Completion: Students must attend all class sessions, demonstrate proficiency in the practical skills stations, and obtain a minimum score of 80% on the written examination. To maintain these credentials, renewal training is required every four years.

Continuing Education: The continuing education hours are approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) www.miemss.org and the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) www.cecbems.org and are recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) www.nremt.org.

Prerequisites

Students must be a current, licensed Maryland basic or advanced life support clinician.