Catalog 2013-2014

Emergency Medical Technician

Essential Function: Observation

The ability to participate actively in all demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences in the professional program component and to assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned to him/her for examination, diagnosis, and treatment; such observation and information usually requires functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensations.

Examples:

  • Observe skill demonstrations.
  • Read small medication labels.
  • Assess patients, including color changes, distinguishing location and types of injuries, lung sounds, and odors.
  • Observe details about patient environment, including odors, colors, and sounds.
  • Read small gauges on oxygen regulators and blood pressure cuffs.
  • Listen to and distinguish patient lung sounds, heart tones, and blood pressures using a stethoscope in noisy environments.