PHECC EMT study plan
PHECC EMT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Airway and Breathing & Cardiology and Resuscitation
Label the upper and lower airway anatomy and state the normal adult/child respiratory rates and tidal volumes from memory
Demonstrate the sequence for oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway insertion, listing one contraindication for each
Explain when to assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask versus when to use supplemental oxygen only, using SpO2 targets
List the reversible causes in a cardiac arrest and match each to a bedside or field finding
Your checkpoint
A one-page airway-and-arrest cheat sheet written from memory, then corrected against your notes with errors highlighted
Cardiology and Resuscitation & Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Sequence the steps of adult CPR and AED use, stating compression rate, depth, and ratio without prompts
Differentiate shockable from non-shockable rhythms and state the action for each
Classify the three types of bleeding and state the first-line control measure for each
Identify the signs of tension pneumothorax and state the immediate management priority
Your checkpoint
A timed 20-question self-quiz on cardiology and trauma scored and reviewed, with every wrong answer rewritten as a correct statement
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries & Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment
Perform a systematic primary survey in order and state what triggers each immediate intervention
Describe the assessment and immobilisation priorities for suspected spinal injury
Recognise the presenting features of stroke, hypoglycaemia, and seizure and state how to distinguish them
Explain the mechanism and field management of burns by body surface area estimate
Your checkpoint
Three written patient scenarios where you record the primary survey findings, the priority problem, and your next three actions
Airway and Breathing & Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment
Compare the signs of respiratory distress versus respiratory failure and state the escalation for each
Explain how to obtain and interpret a focused history using a structured mnemonic
Demonstrate how to measure and interpret vital signs including blood glucose and peak flow where relevant
Describe the assessment and management of an asthma or COPD exacerbation
Your checkpoint
A full mock patient assessment write-up for one respiratory case, including vital signs interpretation and a justified treatment plan
Cardiology and Resuscitation & Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Explain the recognition and management of anaphylaxis including adrenaline dosing route and repeat criteria
Describe the assessment and management of chest injury including flail chest and cardiac tamponade
Sequence the management of major haemorrhage including tourniquet and wound packing indications
Explain when to suspect and how to manage a patient with altered consciousness after head injury
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of five time-critical emergencies with recognition cues, first action, and transport priority
Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment & Professional Practice, Ethics and Operations
Apply a consent and capacity framework to three scenarios including refusal of treatment
Explain the principles of confidentiality and when disclosure is justified
Describe the reporting and escalation process for a clinical or safety incident
Explain the EMT's scope of practice boundaries and when to seek clinical advice
Your checkpoint
Three written ethical scenarios answered with a justified decision and the principle applied
Professional Practice, Ethics and Operations & Airway and Breathing
Outline the roles and responsibilities of the EMT within the wider emergency response system
Explain the principles of infection control and standard precautions in practice
Describe the correct procedure for handing over a patient to receiving staff using a structured format
Explain the documentation requirements for a patient care record
Your checkpoint
A complete written patient handover and care record for one scenario, checked against a documentation checklist
Airway and Breathing & Cardiology and Resuscitation & Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries & Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment & Professional Practice, Ethics and Operations
Complete a full-length timed mock exam under exam conditions
Categorise every incorrect answer by domain and identify the top three weak areas
Re-study the three weakest areas and re-test those topics
Recite the key protocols and drug doses from memory without notes
Your checkpoint
A scored mock exam with a written remediation plan listing the three weakest topics and the specific study actions for each
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 70% on the timed cardiology and trauma self-quiz
Week 4: Complete a full mock patient assessment unaided in under 15 minutes with all vital signs correctly interpreted
Week 6: Correctly answer all three ethical scenarios with a defensible justification
Week 8: Score at least 75% on the full-length timed mock exam with a written remediation plan for weak areas