In Foundations, we introduce students to the Paramedic’s most fundamental roles and responsibilities to patient and to self as well as their ethical and legal obligations. 

​

Specific topics include: EMS systems, roles & responsibilities, the well being of the Paramedic, illness & injury prevention, medicolegal issues, ethical issues, human development, and patient communication.

In Operations, we introduce students to industry standard operational procedures. The student receives a generic representation of industry-accepted practices for safely operating an ambulance, managing mass casualty incidents, managing terrorist threats and attacks, participating in rescue operations, managing hazardous materials incidents & working in and around crime scenes.  

Specific topics include: Orientation to land ambulance and associated equipment, emergency vehicle operations, ambulance staffing and deployment models, medical incident command systems, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, general rescue scene procedures, hazardous materials incident response, and crime scene awareness.

In Therapeutics, we introduce students to patient treatment modalities. Students learn about protocols and safe effective procedures for medication administration, intravenous initiation and fluid therapy.  

Specific topics include: Drug approval process and regulation of pharmaceuticals in Canada, General properties and forms of medications, classes of medications, routes of medication administration, pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics, drugs affecting the various systems of the body, medication administration techniques, medication calculations, vitamins & minerals, antidotes and overdoses, fluid & electrolytes, IV fluid composition, IV techniques and fluid administration, IV fluid administration calculations, and complications in medication & IV fluid administration. 

In Human Essentials 1, we introduce students to the anatomy & physiology of the human body. The curriculum is designed to be supportive of the core paramedic courses in that, it provides foundational knowledge of normal structure and function, facilitating the recognition of abnormal structure and function. 

Specific topics include: Major structures and function of the systems of the human body, neuromuscular connection and physiology, internal and external respiration, lung volumes and capacities, physiology of the blood, components of an ECG tracing, and special sensory systems.

In Lab Theory, we introduce students to the concepts practiced in the practical lab setting. The curriculum is designed to be supportive of the students’ lab sessions in that, it is during this class that the week’s lab plan will be introduced, expectations will be outlined and foundation knowledge regarding the week’s lab focus will be discussed. 

Specific topics include: Scene assessment, patient history taking, patient assessments, physical exams, clinical decision-making, communication and documentation, radio operations.

In Medical 1, we present the student with specific information regarding the recognition and management of chronic and acute medical conditions with which they may be faced when responding to emergencies. 

Specific topics include: Overview of human body systems and anatomical positions, Basic chemistry, cells and tissues, Acid-base balance in the body, hypoperfusion, the body’s self-defense mechanisms, Respiratory emergencies and focused respiratory assessments, respiratory pharmacology, cardiovascular emergencies and focused assessments, cardiovascular pharmacology, emergencies involving coronary artery disease (assessment and management), emergencies involving congestive heart failure (assessment and management), emergencies involving cardiac tamponade (assessment and management), emergencies involving cardiogenic shock (assessment and management), aortic emergencies (assessment and management), hypertensive emergencies (assessment and management), introduction to ECG monitoring, 3 lead ECG interpretation, Cardiac arrest management, 12 lead ECG acquisition and interpretation, neurologic emergencies (assessment and management), endocrine emergencies (assessment and management), and allergic reactions (assessment and management).  

 In Lab Skills 1, we introduce students to the essential paramedic skills that are practiced and honed during lab time. 

Specific topics include: Rapid trauma survey, detailed physical exam, patient handling, airway maneuvers & basic adjuncts, respiratory diagnostics, oxygenation and ventilation skills, foreign body airway obstruction, laryngoscopy & Magill forceps, suctioning the airway, capnography, advanced airway insertion, extubation, enteral & parenteral medication administration, drawing up medication from an ampule and vial, intravenous cannulation, and fluid administration. 

In Lab 1, students have the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills to which they were introduced during the classroom lectures and lab support classes (Lab skills 1 & Lab Theory). 

Specific topics include: 40-hour First Responder certification course, patient handling, scenario etiquette, structure, expectations, & grading, general assessments, focused medical and trauma assessments, airway maneuvers & basic adjuncts, advanced airways, management of foreign body airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, oxygenation and ventilation support, patients requiring multiple interventions.

In Trauma 1, we present the student with specific information regarding the assessment and management of traumatic injuries with which they may be faced when responding to emergencies. 

Specific topics include: Airway management & ventilation, supplemental oxygen therapy, airway pharmacology, and trauma systems & mechanism of injury.

During Physical Training 1, students undergo a physical abilities test. The test standards are the same as those used by industry for pre-employment hiring purposes. The results direct the structure of the physical fitness training plan in this course. All students participate in 4 workouts per week, 2 resistance training workouts and 2 cardiovascular workouts.

PCP-100 provides the necessary tools and coaching to help OLS Academy graduates become more employable by local industry. The students receive coaching in the areas of driving, interviewing in front of a panel, licensing exam writing and situational scenario testing. 

Specific topics include: CEVO – emergency vehicle operations, research methods, community Paramedicine, and licensing exam prep.

Special Considerations presents the student with specific information regarding the recognition and management of conditions 

related to or affected by particular patient circumstances such as age, body composition, neglect etc. 

Specific topics include: neonatology, paediatrics, abuse, geriatrics, patients with special needs, and acute interventions for the chronic care patient.

PCP-122 guides the students in the utilization of tools to help them do a self-assessment, create a plan and put into motion strategies to help improve their own physical and mental well-being. 

Specific topics include: health benefits of physical activity and exercise, changing to a healthy lifestyle, preparing for physical activity and exercise, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength, nutrition, body composition, stress management, and making informed decisions.

As a continuation of the curriculum covered in PCP-114 Medical 1, Medical 2 presents the student with specific information regarding the recognition and management of chronic and acute medical conditions with which they may be faced when responding to emergencies. 

Specific topics include: Gastrointestinal Emergencies, Renal & Urologic Emergencies, Substance Abuse & Poisoning, Hematologic Emergencies, Environmental Emergencies, Infectious & Communicable Diseases, Behavioural Emergencies, Gynecologic Emergencies, Obstetric Emergencies, Assessment Based Management, and Cardiac Life Support Fundamentals.

PCP-126 Lab Skills 2 is a continuation of PCP-116 Lab Skills 1 and as such continues to introduce students to the essential paramedic skills that are practiced and honed during lab time. 

Specific topics include: shock, bleeding control, motor function & sensory exams, restraining a patient, paediatric airway management and ventilation, child, infant, & newborn cardiac arrest management, child and infant immobilization, and mechanical ventilation.

Lab 2 is a continuation of Lab 1 and therefore, in lab 2, students have continued opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills to which they were introduced during the classroom lectures and lab support classes (Lab skills 2 & Lab Theory). 

Specific topics include: Scenario structure and etiquette review, gastrointestinal, renal, & urologic complaints, shock management, toxicologic emergencies, soft tissue and burn injuries, head injuries, obstetric emergencies and childbirth, thoracic injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Trauma 2 is a continuation of the curriculum covered in PCP-119 Trauma 1. Trauma 2 will present the student with specific information regarding the assessment and management of traumatic injuries with which they may be faced when responding to emergencies.

Specific topics include: Bleeding & shock, soft tissue injuries, burns, head & face injuries, spinal injuries, thoracic injuries, abdominal injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries

Prior to the commencement of Physical Training 2, students undergo a physical abilities test to gauge their progress from PCP-11PT Physical Training 1 and to set expectations for PCP-12PT. The test standards are the same as those used by industry for pre-employment hiring purposes. All students participate in 2 resistance training workouts and 2 cardioendurance workouts per week.  

The Clinical Practicum & Ambulance Preceptorship (Integrated) is the final applied component of the program, allowing students to consolidate and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours developed in Terms 1 and 2. Through supervised clinical and preceptorship experiences, students apply assessment, treatment, communication, and decision-making abilities in real patient encounters, progressing from supported practice to readiness for independent, entry-level performance.

​

This practicum is delivered across three developmental phases, with student progression based on demonstrated competence, completion of required hours, attainment of competencies, and evaluation using the Comprehensive Competence Rubric.

​

OLS Academy maintains learning agreements with Ambulance New Brunswick, Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia, Horizon Health Network, Vitalite Health Network, and Nova Scotia Health Authority. Placement availability varies by region, and students may be required to relocate to complete placements. Placement assignments are determined by the program and cannot be guaranteed based on personal preference or circumstances.

​

Students are responsible for all associated course costs, including placement requirements, travel, and relocation.

​

TRANSITIONAL CURRICULUM NOTE​

​

This course reflects an updated delivery model that integrates the Clinical Practicum and Ambulance Preceptorship experiences into three progressive phases. These structural changes are designed to enhance learning continuity, provide clearer developmental expectations, and strengthen support for student progression.

​

All learning outcomes, competency requirements, and scope-of-practice expectations for this cohort remain fully aligned with the National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP), which represents the curriculum framework under which students have been instructed throughout Terms 1 and 2. The assessment tools used in this course (including the Comprehensive Competence Rubric) evaluate performance within the established NOCP expectations and are designed to ensure consistent, fair, and transparent evaluation of competence.

Appendix #4 is a guideline and outlines the illnesses, conditions and injuries of which basic knowledge is recommended in order for practitioners to achieve the competencies defined in Competency Area 4 of the National Occupational Competency Profile for a Primary Care Paramedic.

​

Appendix #5 is a guideline which uses an “X” to indicate the groups of pharmacologic agents with which it is recommended that Primary, Advanced and Critical Care Paramedics be familiar.