Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services

The Emergency Medical Services Program prepares individuals to recognize illnesses and injury symptoms and to provide legally permissible emergency treatment set forth by the standards of the Riverside County EMS Agency.

Note: Pursuant to California Health and Safety code Section 1799.100, by participating in a course of instruction in emergency medical training you have waived your rights to collect civil damages against the College in the event you sustain an injury.

The code states: "No local agency, entity of state or local government, or other public or private organization which sponsors, authorizes, supports, finances, or supervises the training of people, excluding physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses, as defined, in emergency medical services in training programs under this part, shall be liable for any civil damages alleged to result from such training program."

Students cannot register for the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) Certification Exam or be certified as an EMT in the state of California without a social security number.

Paramedic Program

The College of the Desert Paramedic Program prepares students to become competent, professional paramedics capable of providing advanced life support care in complex and dynamic prehospital environments.

The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, hospital clinical rotations, and supervised field internship experiences with regional emergency medical services agencies.

Paramedic education is rigorous and requires a high level of commitment, discipline, and professional accountability.

At the core of the program is a simple guiding principle:
The Standard is Excellence.

Students entering the program should be prepared to meet high expectations in academic performance, clinical competence, and professional conduct throughout their training.

Program Start

College of the Desert is preparing for its second Paramedic cohort, expected to begin in September 2026

Program Director

Alex C. Hernandez, Sr.
ahernandez@collegeofthedesert.edu
951.990.0687

Advisor

Chantae Wilson
chwilson@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7313


 

Associate Degree

Certificates of Achievement

Local Certificate

(Locally approved certificate, is not notated on the student's transcript in accordance with State regulations.)

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

EMR 080  Emergency Medical Responder   Units: 3

This course prepares the EMR student to provide emergency prehospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMRs, anatomy, and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special considerations for working in the prehospital setting. "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation" (CPR) means establishing and maintaining an open airway, ensuring adequate respiration, and ensuring adequate circulation either spontaneously or by means of closed-chest cardiac compression, according to standards promulgated by the current American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). A $12.50 fee is required for this course to cover the AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate. Students are required to purchase a uniform and attend a mandatory orientation prior to the start of the course. Check the program website for additional information. Note: Authority cited: Section 1797.107, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1797.182 and 1797.183, Health and Safety Code; and Section 13518, Penal Code.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 080A  Emergency Medical Responder 1A   Units: 1.5

This two-course sequence prepares the EMR student to provide emergency pre-hospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMRs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 080B  Emergency Medical Responder 1B   Units: 1.5

This second course in the two-course sequence prepares the EMR student to provide emergency pre-hospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMRs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMT 080A EMR 080A or EMR 380A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 081  Ambulance Operations   Units: 1

This course provides information and skills training. Topics include applicable laws, defensive driving techniques, basic inspection, and maintenance. Each student also has the opportunity to increase their driving skills during simulated driving conditions.
Lecture Hours: 9         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: Valid driver's license, DMV H6 printout.
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 086  Public Safety First Aid   Units: 1

This course provides Basic Life Support (BLS) skills in patient assessment, bleeding control, muscular-skeletal injuries, respiratory emergencies, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED). The course complies with the California Health and Safety Code, Title 22, Division 9, Chapters 1.5. and American Heart Association. A Public Safety First Aid (PSFA) Certificate and CPR/AED cards will be issued upon completion. This course meets the prerequisite for the Cal Fire Basic Wildland Academy. PSFA is the recognition of and immediate care for injury or sudden illness, including medical emergencies, by public safety personnel prior to the availability of medical care by licensed or certified health care professionals. PSFA is used by lifeguards, firefighter, and peace officers. A $12.50 fee is required for the BLS certificate.
Lecture Hours: 9         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 380A  Emergency Medical Responder 1A   Units: 0

This two-course sequence prepares the EMR student to provide emergency pre-hospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMRs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting.
Noncredit Hours: 45                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 380B  Emergency Medical Responder 1B   Units: 0

This second course in the two-course sequence prepares the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) student to provide emergency pre-hospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMRs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting.
Noncredit Hours: 45                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: EMR 380A or EMR 080A with a passing grade of B.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 381  Ambulance Operations   Units: 0

This course provides information and skills training. Topics include applicable laws, defensive driving techniques, basic inspection and maintenance. Each student also has the opportunity to increase their driving skills during simulated driving conditions.
Noncredit Hours: 36                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: EMR 080 or EMR 080B or EMR 380B.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Valid driver's license, DMV H6 printout.
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 386  Public Safety First Aid   Units: 0

This course will provide Basic Life Support (BLS) skills in patient assessment, bleeding control, muscular-skeletal injuries, respiratory emergencies, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED). The course complies with California Health and Safety Code, Division 2.5, CCR Title 22, Division 9 and American Heart Association (AHA). A Public Safety First Aid (PSFA) Certificate and BLS CPR/AED cards will be issued upon completion. Public Safety First Aid is the recognition of and immediate care for injury or sudden illness, including medical emergencies, by public safety personnel prior to the availability of medical care by licensed or certified health care professionals. PSFA is used by lifeguards, firefighter and peace officers. This course meets the prerequisite for the Cal Fire Basic Wildland Academy. A $12.50 fee is required for the BLS certificate.
Noncredit Hours: 36                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMR 387  AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider   Units: 0

The goal of the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course is to train healthcare providers students to save the lives of victims in cardiac arrest through high-quality CPR as individuals or as part of a team. The course is designed for healthcare providers caring for patients in prehospital and hospital settings. A $12.50 fee is required for the BLS certificate and a $25.00 fee is required for a pocket mask.
Noncredit Hours: 8                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)

EMT 084  Emergency Medical Technician I   Units: 9

This course prepares students for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT-Basic Written Examination. Students study and practice the fundamental principles and skills required to provide care to patients experiencing traumatic and medical conditions in an emergent setting. This course is approved by Riverside Emergency Medical Services Agency, California Health and Safety Code and California Code of Regulations, Title 22 requirements. This course provides training in basic emergency care skills, theory instruction, use of definitive airway adjuncts and assisting patients with certain medications. All students must be eighteen years of age (18) on the first day of class, have a current TB test, have a current AHA Healthcare Provider Level CPR certification and meet the functional job requirements of the Emergency Medical Technician (Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 2, Section 100066b2 California Code of Regulations.) Check the program website for additional information.
Lecture Hours: 135         Lab Hours: 81          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMR 080 or EMR 080A & EMR 080B with a passing grade of B.
Advisory: ENG 061, EMR 081, HS 062.
Limitation on enrollment: Students must be eighteen (18) years of age on the,first day of class. Students must have an American,Heart Association BLS certification current,through the end of the course. Students will need,proof of a negative TB test or chest X-ray and,will need to provide proof of vaccinations and/or,titer. Current American Heart Association BLS,certification valid till the last day of the,semester.
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMT 085  EMT Refresher Course   Units: 2

This refresher course for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) personnel meets or exceeds the requirements specified in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 5, section 9. This course is for those who have completed a recognized EMT training course and are in the process of obtaining certification or renewing their current certification. The course contains information on new EMT techniques and procedures, review of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and a review of current local protocols. Passing performance on both written and skills competency examinations are required for course completion. To meet legally mandated training requirement, students may re-enroll in this course as many times as needed by completing a petition electronically via the @MyCod Student Portal, A&R Forms.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMT 084 or must have successfully completed a State of California EMSA recognized EMT course and/or be a current NREMT.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMT 088  Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services   Units: 3

Geriatric Education for EMS (GEMS) provides EMS practitioners the skills and knowledge to handle the unique medical, social, environmental, and communications challenges of older adults This course prepares EMS practitioners for the array of medical, mobility, psychosocial, and communications issues found in older patients.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMT 084 or EMT 384.
Advisory: ENG 050, ENG 061, HS 061, and HS 062.
Limitation on enrollment: Students must be eighteen (18) years of age on the,first day of class. Students must have an American,Heart Association BLS certification current,through the end of the course. Students will need,proof of a negative TB test or chest X-ray and,will need to provide proof of vaccinations and/or,titer. Current American Heart Association BLS,certification valid till the last day of the,semester.
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMT 095A  Emergency Medical Services Work Experience   Units: 1-5

This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Emergency Medical Services.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMT 384  Emergency Medical Technician I   Units: 0

This course prepares students for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT-Basic Written Examination. Students study and practice the fundamental principles and skills required to provide care to patients experiencing traumatic and medical conditions in an emergent setting. This course is approved by Riverside Emergency Medical Services Agency, California Health and Safety Code and California Code of Regulations, Title 22 requirements. This course provides training in basic emergency care skills, theory instruction, use of definitive airway adjuncts and assisting patients with certain medications. All students must be eighteen years of age (18) on the first day of class, have a current TB test, have a current AHA Healthcare Provider Level CPR certification and meet the functional job requirements of the Emergency Medical Technician (Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 2, Section 100066b2 California Code of Regulations.) Check the program website for additional information.
Noncredit Hours: 324                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: EMR 380B passing grade of P or EMR 080 or EMR 080B with a passing grade of B.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Students must be eighteen (18) years of age on the,first day of class. Students must have an American,Heart Association BLS certification current,through the end of the course. Students will need,proof of a negative TB test or chest X-ray and,will need to provide proof of vaccinations and/or,titer. Current American Heart Association BLS,certification valid till the last day of the,semester.
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedics (EMTP)

EMTP 090  Paramedic Preparation   Units: 1.5

An overview of EMT-level assessment skills combined with appropriate prehospital-level anatomy, physiology, and treatment relevant to the disease processes studied. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Must be a currently certified EMT in good standing, pass a background check, physical, vaccination titer and drug screen. Must have EMT experience of 1,000 hours or 6 months full-time, and required to have a AHA BLS certification that does not expire until after last date of enrollment in course. Student must provide a letter from employer at the time of submission of application.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 091  Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology   Units: 3

Enables Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to expand their understanding of disease and injury processes as an integral component of the first semester of the COD Paramedical Program. This is a review of the introductory course for anatomy, physiology and medical terminology as it relates to paramedicine. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 90 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 092  Paramedic Pharmacology   Units: 4

Enables Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to refine their pharmacology skills; integral component of the first semester Paramedic Academy Program; prepares paramedic students to deal with basic pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics including calculation and administration of prehospital medications. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP-090.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 093  Paramedic Assessment and Airway Management   Units: 4

Enables Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to refine their skills and develop to the level of a paramedic; concentrates on patient assessment and airway management techniques needed in dealing with sick and injured patients; integral component of the first semester of the Paramedic Academy Program. 54 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory. Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Paramedic Academy Program.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 81          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: Must Pass EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 094  Paramedic Cardiology   Units: 4

This course enables Paramedic Interns to expand their knowledge and understanding of the management of patients with cardiovascular emergencies. This course also includes electrocardiogram interpretation, electrical therapy for cardiac emergencies, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), treatment protocols and cardiac pharmacology. Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program. Course material fee of $25-$40 for the ACLS certification.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 095  Paramedic Medical Emergencies   Units: 4

This course covers the theoretical and scientific background of emergency medical care for paramedics in the pre-hospital setting and includes the assessment and treatment of the medical patient, includes selection of appropriate treatment protocols, electrocardiogram interpretation, pharmacology, and interventions that lead to a viable outcome for a patient experiencing a medical emergency. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 90 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 096  Traumatic Emergencies Management   Units: 2.5

Preparation for the management of trauma patients in the field with an emphasis on the principles of kinetics to better manage the trauma patient assessment and predict the likelihood of injuries based on the mechanism of injury. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 097  Clinical Specialty I   Units: 1.5

This course covers the theoretical and scientific background of emergency medical care in the pre-hospital setting to include patient assessment, trauma, and medical emergencies and skills practice in the lab. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 81          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 098  Special Populations   Units: 3

Enables paramedic interns to care for patients with special needs through a review of anatomy and physiology as well as the pathophysiological process for neonatology, pediatrics, geriatrics, abuse, assault, and patients with special needs. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program. Course material fee for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification of $25-$40.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 099  Special Topics   Units: 2.5

Overview of issues and problems impacting the emergency provider and their resilience, such as weapons of mass destruction, bioterrorism, urban terrorism, recognize human trafficking, Hazmat, active shooter and other topics and circumstances in an unpredictable environment. provider emotional resiliency. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP 090 with a grade of B or better.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 100  Clinical Specialty II Internship   Units: 1.5

The paramedic intern will show progression of learning and perform basic scope of practice under supervision of a physician, registered nurse or physicians assistant who will evaluate the intern for entry-level clinical competency. The paramedic clinical internship is a structured schedule of rotations in which a paramedic intern will participate in patient care at clinical facilities. The paramedic intern will demonstrate an understanding and competency of the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) and Riverside County paramedic protocols. All work is completed in the hospital setting. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 81          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP-090.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

EMTP 101  Paramedic Field Internship   Units: 9

This course comprises the field portion of the paramedic program. Students will complete 480 hours of paramedic internship in the field with a paramedic preceptor (s) as a part of an EMS transport provider. The student will show entry-level proficiency as a paramedic with direct patient care responsibilities by the end of the field internship. Fulfills the requirements of Title 22 of the Health and Safety Code for paramedic field externship. Grade of B or better. Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Paramedic Academy Program
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 486          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: EMTP-091 EMTP-092 EMTP-093 EMTP-094 EMTP-095 EMTP-096 EMTP-097 EMTP-098 EMTP-099 EMTP-100.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant,(PTA) Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None