Welcome to the Polk State College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) website. We hope this website provides answers to your questions about the EMS Program at Polk State College, Winter Haven campus.
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program is designed to prepare students for a career in out-of-hospital emergency medicine. Various healthcare providers work in the fast-paced EMS environment. The First Responder is the first-tier EMS care provider that supplies initial, hands-on emergency care until the next level of EMS provider arrives on the scene.
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the second-tier care provider on the EMS career ladder. EMTs supply basic life support measures that include patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), oxygen therapy, prevention of shock, bandaging, splinting, spinal immobilization, and vehicle extrication.
The Paramedic is the third-tier care provider on the EMS career ladder. The paramedic arrives at the emergency scene in an advanced life support ambulance and assumes patient care duties from the EMT. The paramedic functions as the out-of-hospital team leader by coordinating care provided by first responders and EMTs. Paramedics are trained in advanced life support measures such as venipuncture, intravenous therapy, endotracheal intubation, medication administration, arrhythmia interpretation, cardioversion, and defibrillation.
The EMS degree program is designed as a career option for professionals employed in EMS or public safety careers. Promotion in these fields frequently requires individuals to obtain an AS or AAS degree. The AS and AAS degrees in EMS require completion of the First Responder, Emergency Medical Technology, and Paramedic certificates. Work sites for EMS personnel are in fire departments, EMS services (public and private), hospital emergency departments, industrial health and safety organizations, or other public safety agencies. Typically, EMS professionals with an AS or AAS degree work in educational, administrative, or advanced clinical settings.
Potential Salary
Salary is determined by the experience and qualifications of the individual. Salaries typically range from $31,000 - $46,000 annually.