Course Breakdown: 2-Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded: 2 Hours
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F3-Distributive), CE Broker (FL, KY, TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS*, and Virginia Office of EMS
Enrollment Period: One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics: Abuse, Neglect, Human Trafficking
*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.
This self-paced course is designed for EMS professionals to enhance their ability to recognize, assess, and respond to cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in both pediatric and adult populations.
- Comprehensive overview of child abuse, elder abuse, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking.
- Equips EMS providers with the knowledge needed to intervene effectively while prioritizing patient safety and legal reporting requirements.
- Types of abuse—including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse—as well as neglect and abandonment.
- Outlines the risk factors, warning signs, and indicators of maltreatment, emphasizing the importance of objective documentation, mandatory reporting, and collaboration with law enforcement and social services.
- Emphasizes recognizing injuries inconsistent with reported mechanisms, patterns of abuse-related trauma, and conditions that mimic abuse.
- Addresses human trafficking, helping providers identify environmental and behavioral indicators, engage victims safely, and connect them to appropriate resources.
Through real-world case studies, EMS providers will refine their ability to assess at-risk patients, navigate difficult interactions with caregivers and perpetrators, and ensure appropriate interventions for vulnerable populations.