DIPLOMA IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
Year One Semester One
DEC1101: PROFESSIONAL PRELIMINARY PRACTICES FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Organise the work environment
1.2
LWA 2: Conduct fitness exercises for EMTs
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introduction to EMS
2.2
EMS Working Environment
2.3
EMT Exercises for Fitness
2.4
Ethics and Code of Conduct
2.5
Policies and Guidelines for Emergency Care
2.6
The Healthcare System
DEC1102: MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Use personal protective equipment
1.2
LWA 2: Decontaminate materials
1.3
LWA 3: Disinfect ambulance and surfaces
1.4
LWA 4: Manage infectious patients
1.5
LWA 5: Perform Waste management
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Review Microbiology
DEC1103: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Assess the work environment for OHS
1.2
LWA 2: Conduct OSH preventive measures
1.3
LWA 3: Use safety equipment
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety
2.2
Hazards in the Health Workers' Environment
DEC1104: EMERGENCY PATIENTS CARE (GENERAL APPROACH)
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Take history
1.2
LWA 2: Carry out vital observations
1.3
LWA 3: Position patient
1.4
LWA 4: Perform physical examination
- PEX 4.1: Observe physical appearance
- PEX 4.3: Examine head
- PEX 4.4: Examine ears & Inspect the nose
- PEX 4.5: Examine the mouth
- PEX 4.6: Examine neck
- PEX 4.7: Examine chest
- PEX 4.8: Examine abdomen
- PEX 4.9: Examine Pelvis
- PEX 4.10: Examine upper limbs
- PEX 4.11: Examine lower limbs
- PEX 4.12: Examine back
- PEX 4.13: Perform patients’ exposure
1.5
LWA 5: Administer medicine
1.6
LWA 6: Manage airway
- PEX 6.1: Assess the airway
- PEX 6.2: Perform basic airway opening manoeuvres
- PEX 6.3: Perform airway adjuncts
- PEX 6.4: Use the Laryngeal airway mask LMA
- PEX 6.5: Use the Supraglottic Airway device
- PEX 6.6: Insert Oropharyngeal airway device OPA
- PEX 6.7: Insert Nasopharyngeal airway device NPA
- PEX 6.8: Performs non-invasive ventilation
1.7
LWA 7: Manage agitated and highly aggressive patients
1.8
LWA 8: Manage acutely ill/ deteriorating patients
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
History Taking & Vital Observations
2.2
Physical Examination & Patient Positioning
2.3
Emergency Pharmacology & Advanced Care
- Introduction, Legal aspects, Classification, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
- Prescription, Documentation, Drug administration rules & safety precautions
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) & Medicines used for different systems (CVS, Endocrine, Nervous, Resp, GIT, Urinary, Repro, MSK, Psych, Hypersensitivity, Antidotes)
- Advanced Emergency care: Airway management, ALS, Mechanical ventilation, ABG interpretation
- Safe sedation, critical/intensive care principles & oxygen therapy assessment
DEC1105: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage infectious disease emergencies
- PEX 1.1: Manage viral Haemorrhage
- PEX 1.2: Manage fever
- PEX 1.3: Manage Dengue viruses
- PEX 1.4: Manage skin and soft tissue infections
- PEX 1.5: Manage Encephalitis
- PEX 1.6: Manage septic shock
- PEX 1.7: Manage Botulism
- PEX 1.8: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
- PEX 1.9: Neutropenic enterocolitis
- PEX 1.10: Manage Severe dehydration from Cholera
1.2
LWA 2: Manage respiratory emergencies
1.3
LWA 3: Manage cardiovascular emergencies
1.4
LWA 4: Manage neurological emergencies
1.5
LWA 5: Manage renal emergencies
1.6
LWA 6: Manage Diabetic emergencies
1.7
LWA 7: Manage electrolyte abnormalities
1.8
LWA 8: Manage acute poisoning and intoxications
- PEX 8.1: Assess and identify the type of poisoning
- PEX 8.2: Manage opioid intoxication
- PEX 8.3: Manage paracetamol intoxication
- PEX 8.4: Manage organophosphate and carbamate toxicity
- PEX 8.5: Manage benzodiazepine intoxication
- PEX 8.6: Manage tricyclic antidepressant overdose
- PEX 8.7: Manage carbon monoxide poisoning
- PEX 8.8: Manage cyanide toxicity
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Types and Management of Shock
2.2
Infectious Disease Emergencies
2.3
System-Based Medical Emergencies
- Respiratory: Asthma, Anaphylaxis, COPD, Pneumonia, Pneumothorax, Airway obstruction, Croup
- Cardiovascular: ACS, Heart failure, Hypertension, Sickle cell, Cardiac tamponade, Dysrhythmias
- Neurological: Stroke/TIA, Seizures, Meningitis, Neuromuscular failure, Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Renal system: Acute renal failure, Nephrotoxins, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney stones, Tubulointerstitial Diseases
- Endocrine system: Hypo/hyperglycaemia, DKA, Cushing, Thyroid storm, Adrenal suppression
- Reproductive system: Endometriosis, Sexual violence, Ovarian cyst, Uterine rupture, Dysmenorrhea
- Dermatological: Necrotizing fasciitis, Cellulitis, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Burns, Hypersensitivity
- Electrolyte abnormalities: Hypo/hyperkalaemia, Hypo/hypernatremia
DEC1106: ICT, COMMUNICATION, COUNSELLING AND TEACHING METHODOLOGY
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Use verbal communication skills
1.2
LWA 2: Use other forms of communication
1.3
LWA 3: Carry out written communication
1.4
LWA 4: Apply Computer skills
1.5
LWA 5: Conduct guidance and Counselling
1.6
LWA 6: Apply teaching methods
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Communication Skills
- Communication essentials (Definition, Modes, Processes, Principles, Soft skills, Barriers)
- Verbal communication (Interpersonal skills, Public speaking dynamics, Listening)
- Non-verbal communication (Facial Expressions, Gestures, Intonation, Posture, Eye Contact)
- Written communication (Consent forms, Admission/discharge documentation, Report/Letter writing, CVs)
2.2
Information and Communication Technology
2.3
Guidance and Counselling
Year One Semester Two
DEC1201: EMERGENCY CARE EQUIPMENT
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Operate Airway management equipment
1.2
LWA 2: Operate breathing management equipment
1.3
LWA 3: Operate circulation management equipment
1.4
LWA 4: Operate disability and deformity equipment
1.5
LWA 5: Operate assorted emergency equipment
1.6
LWA 6: Manage the ambulance
1.7
LWA 8: Manage equipment at the Call and Dispatch Centre
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introductory Theory
2.2
Ambulance Operations
- Definition, Types, and Classes of ambulances
- Regulations, guidelines, anatomy, and Driving an ambulance
- Mechanical/legal compliance checklists, Traffic road safety laws, Code of conduct
- Geographical knowledge, Route mapping, Control of traffic
- Ambulance packing skills on the highway, Log Book, Equipment checklist
DEC1202: EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Identify hazards
1.2
LWA 2: Park the ambulance
1.3
LWA 3: Observe personal safety precautions
1.4
LWA 4: Manage the crowd
1.5
LWA 5: Manage patients’ safety
1.6
LWA 6: Triage patients at the scene
1.7
LWA 7: Perform aftermath activities
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introduction to Scene Management
2.2
The Emergency Scene
- Types of emergency scenes, materials, location, distance, access
- Hazards at the scene (fire, floods, mudslides, electric wires, collapsed buildings)
- Required PPE, scene size up, cordoning, and scene hazards
- Personal safety, patient safety, and parking the ambulance
- Triage at the scene & Clearing away aftermath
DEC1203: MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMA
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage head trauma
1.2
LWA 2: Manage spine injury
1.3
LWA 3: Manage chest trauma
1.4
LWA 4: Manage abdominal trauma
1.5
LWA 5: Manage fractures and dislocation
1.6
LWA 6: Manage catastrophic bleeding and wounds
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Fundamentals of Trauma Care
2.2
Types of Trauma Injuries
DEC1204: SURGICAL EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage acute abdomen
1.2
LWA 2: Manage upper and lower G.I. bleeding
1.3
LWA 3: Manages urological emergencies
1.4
LWA 4: Manage wounds
1.5
LWA 5: Manage burns
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Surgical and Digestive Emergencies
- Presentation and General management of surgical conditions
- Anatomy/Physiology of digestive system, abdomen, and appendix
- Acute abdominal pain, Appendicitis, Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Peptic ulcer disease, Gastritis, Intestinal obstruction
- Nausea/vomiting, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Pancreatitis
- Mesenteric ischemia, Cholecystitis, Diverticulitis, IBD, Hernia
2.2
Urologic Emergencies
DEC1205: COMMUNICATION AND COUNSELLING
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Use verbal communication skills
1.2
LWA 2: Use other forms of communication
1.3
LWA 3: Carry out written communication
1.4
LWA 5: Conduct guidance and Counselling
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Communication Essentials
2.2
Forms of Communication
DEC1206: TEACHING METHODOLOGY
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 6: Apply teaching methods
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
CRM/ERM: RESEARCH METHODS
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Generate research proposal
1.2
LWA 2: Carry out data collection
1.3
LWA 3: Carry out data analysis
1.4
LWA 4: Generate research report
1.5
LWA 5: Disseminate research information
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introduction to Applied Research
2.2
Developing the Research Proposal
2.3
Data Collection & Analysis
2.4
Research Report & Dissemination
DIPLOMA IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE Year Two Semester One
DEC2101: OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage emergencies in pregnancy
- PEX 1.1: Take obstetric history
- PEX 1.2: Assess the patient and determine obstetric/gynaecological diagnosis
- PEX 1.3: Take a history of vaginal bleeding
- PEX 1.4: Use POCUS in pregnancy
- PEX 1.5: Prevent shock in ruptured ectopic pregnancy
- PEX 1.6: Manage pre-eclampsia
- PEX 1.7: Control bleeding in abortion
- PEX 1.8: Prevent shock in abortion
1.2
LWA 2: Manage emergencies during Labour
- PEX 2.1: Perform a vaginal examination
- PEX 2.2: Conduct emergency vaginal delivery
- PEX 2.3: Manage the third stage of Labour
- PEX 2.4: Give emergency care for APH Intrapartum
- PEX 2.5: Give emergency care for eclampsia
- PEX 2.6: Give emergency care for cord prolapse
- PEX 2.7: Prevent shock in a ruptured uterus
- PEX 2.8: Give emergency care for obstructed Labour
- PEX 2.9: Give emergency care for ruptured membrane
- PEX 2.10: Give emergency care for Severe oliguria
- PEX 2.11: Give emergency care for Amniotic fluid embolism
- PEX 2.12: Manage Shoulder dystocia
1.3
LWA 3: Manage postpartum emergencies
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Physiology & Early Pregnancy Emergencies
2.2
Late Pregnancy Emergencies (>20 weeks)
2.3
Delivery & Postpartum Complications
DEC2102: PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage neonatal emergencies
1.2
LWA 2: Manage emergencies in infants and toddlers
- PEX 2.1: Manage Burns
- PEX 2.2: Manage Poisoning
- PEX 2.3: Manage Intestinal obstruction
- PEX 2.4: Manage Intussusception
- PEX 2.5: Manage Foreign bodies in the airway
- PEX 2.6: Manage Convulsions
- PEX 2.7: Manage difficulty in breathing
- PEX 2.8: Administer glucose to treat hypoglycemia
- PEX 2.9: Manage severe dehydration
- PEX 2.10: Manage shock in severe malnutrition
- PEX 2.11: Treat hypothermia
- PEX 2.12: Treat hypoglycemia
- PEX 2.13: Initiate antibiotic treatment
- PEX 2.14: Manage severe respiratory distress
- PEX 2.15: Administer oxygen therapy according to severity (nasal prolong, face mask, NRM, or CPAP)
- PEX 2.16: Nebulise child
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Paediatric & Neonatal Fundamentals
- The normal child & Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Common procedures: Resuscitation, Airway management, Estimation of weight
- Advanced Procedures: Intubation, IV/IO infusion, Umbilical vessel cannulation, Defibrillation
- Catheterization, Suprapubic bladder aspiration, Lumbar puncture, Ultrasound diagnostics
- Pain management, procedural sedation, and Evaluating a Child with special healthcare needs
- Neo-natal emergencies: Resuscitation indications, Asphyxia, Congenital abnormalities, RDS, Atresia
2.2
Paediatric Emergency Conditions (Part 1)
- Chronic conditions: Cerebral palsy, Cystic fibrosis, Autism spectrum disorder
- Trauma: Neural, Spinal, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic trauma, Burns, Wound management
- Cardiovascular: Chest pain, Congenital/acquired heart disease, Heart failure, Syncope, Rheumatic fever, Endocarditis, Kawasaki disease, Arrhythmias
- Respiratory: Stridor/Noisy breathing, URTI, Inhaled foreign bodies, Croup, Acute asthma, Pertussis, Pneumonia, Bronchiolitis
2.3
Paediatric Emergency Conditions (Part 2)
- Gastroenterology/Hepatology: Abdominal pain, Vomiting, GI bleeding, Pyloric stenosis, Ingested foreign bodies, Acute liver failure, Intussusception, Hernia
- Neurology: Cerebral spinal shunt complications, Seizures/status epilepticus, Raised intracranial pressure, Acute weakness/ataxia, CNS infections
- Infectious diseases: Fever, Malaria, Meningitis, Bacteremia, Sepsis, Mumps, Hepatitis, Exanthemas
- Metabolic: Inborn errors, Hypoglycemia, DKA, Thyroid/Adrenal emergencies, Fluid/electrolyte disorders
- Haematology: Anaemia, Coagulation, Sickle cell, Vasculitis, Acute leukaemia, Febrile neutropenia, Oncology emergencies
2.4
Specialized Paediatric Conditions
- Dermatology, Musculoskeletal, and Urologic/gynecologic problems
- Ophthalmological emergencies & Ocular trauma
- ENT and dental: Otitis, Pharyngitis, Retropharyngeal abscess, Caustic ingestion
- Renal conditions: AKI, Haematuria, Hypertension, UTI, HUS, Nephrotic syndrome
- Psychiatric emergencies & Crisis intervention (Sexual assault, Child at risk)
- Environmental: Envenomation, Drowning, Heat/Cold injuries, Anaphylaxis, Poisoning
DEC2103: PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Assess patients’ mental status
1.2
LWA 2: Manage psychiatric emergencies
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Common Psychiatric Emergencies
- Anxiety/Acute agitation & Aggression and violence
- Suicidal attempts & Status epileptics
- Delirium, Mass hysteria, and Catatonic stupor
- Acute psychosis & Severe depression
- Substance abuse, Hazardous drug reactions, and Intoxication
- Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Personality disorders, Abuse
- Schizophrenia & Major neurocognitive disorder
2.2
Psychiatric Assessment
DEC2104: GERIATRIC EMERGENCIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Assess geriatric patients
1.2
LWA 2: Manage geriatric emergencies
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Physiological Changes of Ageing
2.2
Pathological Changes & Geriatric Risks
- Falls, fractures, and Geriatric trauma
- Polypharmacy and risks
- Cardiovascular pathology and risks
- Sepsis and Infectious Emergencies in the Elderly
- Altered Mental Status, Delirium, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Depression
- Respiratory risks: COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Renal risks: Renal Failure, Prostate Hypertrophy, Chronic UTI
- Central nervous system risks: Strokes, Visual disturbances
- Endocrine risks: Glucose tolerance, Thyroid disorder
DEC2106: AMBULANCE CALL AND DISPATCH
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage emergency calls
1.2
LWA 2: Manage the dispatch processes
- PEX 2.1: Locate the nearest definitive referral facility
- PEX 2.2: Locate the ambulance
- PEX 2.3: Dispatch the nearby right type of ambulance, record dispatch time, and give info
- PEX 2.4: Give caller expected time of arrival, pre-arrival and care instructions
- PEX 2.5: Maintain communication with the caller, receiving facility, and ambulance team
- PEX 2.6: Coordinate with other EMS departments in cases of disasters & mass casualties
1.3
LWA 3: Manage call and dispatch data
1.4
LWA 4: Manage the call Centre
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introduction to Call and Dispatch
2.2
Call and Dispatch Procedures
DIPLOMA IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE Year Two Semester Two
DEC2201: MANAGEMENT OF DISASTER CASUALTIES
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Manage casualties of floods and open water
1.2
LWA 2: Manage casualties of Fire
1.3
LWA 3: Manage casualties of mudslides
1.4
LWA 4: Manage casualties of epidemics
1.5
LWA 5: Manage mass casualties
1.6
LWA 6: Manage casualties of explosives and blasts
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Introductory Theory & Disaster Phases
2.2
Mass Casualty Incident Management
DEC2202: HEALTH SERVICE MANAGEMENT
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Draft Management tools
- PEX 1.1: Draft data collection forms/tools
- PEX 1.3: Draft requisition forms
- PEX 1.4: Draft tool for notifying emergencies
- PEX 1.5: Draft safety signs, guidelines, and regulations for different units
- PEX 1.6: Draft operation work schedule
- PEX 1.7: Draft a basic budget, work plan, and accountability tools
1.2
LWA 2: Manage Human resource
1.3
LWA 3: Perform financial management tasks
1.4
LWA 4: Perform administrative tasks
- PEX 4.1: Plan for activities
- PEX 4.2: Carry out communication tasks
- PEX 4.3: Generate roasters
- PEX 4.4: Generate reports
- PEX 4.5: Conduct meetings
- PEX 4.6: Carryout auditing & death reviews
- PEX 4.7: Requisition for equipment, tools, and supplies
- PEX 4.8: Manage storage of drugs, Medical tools, and equipment
- PEX 4.9: Carry out inventory
- PEX 4.10: Keep medical and administrative records
1.5
LWA 5: Manage the Health Information Management System
1.6
LWA 6: Perform quality assurance practices
- PEX 6.1: Display guidelines and protocols
- PEX 6.3: Monitor and evaluate staff performance
- PEX 6.4: Monitor administration of timely response
- PEX 6.5: Monitor and supervise the recording of patients' chats
- PEX 6.6: Check prescribed drugs
- PEX 6.7: Control the use of supplies, including dates
- PEX 6.8: Manage Equipment maintenance schedule
1.7
LWA 7: Perform audit at the CAD centre
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Leadership and Management
- Definition: Management, leadership, and administration
- Differences and similarities between a manager, leader, and administrator
- Theories, styles, and skills required for effective management
- The Uganda health sector, statutory bodies, and health sector aspects (Public, Private, PNFP, PFP, CTP)
- Principles of management: Planning, Organizing, Coordinating, Leading, Controlling
- Monitoring, Quality control, Decision making, Reporting, Communication
2.2
Human Resource & Financial Management
2.3
HMIS & Asset Management
DEC2203: ENTREPRENEURSHIP
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 1: Conduct a market survey for a small business
1.2
LWA 2: Draft a business plan
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Concept of Entrepreneurship
2.2
Creating an Entrepreneurial Small Business
CRM/ERM: RESEARCH REPORT
1.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES (LWAs)
1.1
LWA 4: Generate research report
1.2
LWA 5: Disseminate research information
2.
THEORY CONTENT / RELATED KNOWLEDGE
2.1
Generating the Research Report
2.2
Dissemination