Title: Module 5 Overview
Course: EMS 1119 Emergency Medical Technician > Section: Module V Life Span Development

Not all calls for EMS are the same, not all patients are the same. Injury and illness across the lifespan (from newborn to elderly) presents different challenges. From signs and symptoms, to vital signs and response to treatment.

Although age-specific illness/injuries are covered in detail in subsequent chapters, general information as it relates to developmental ages is presented in this module. It will be necessary for you become familiar with basic physiological and psychological changes that occur as one moves through the developmental stages. Certain patterns of injury and illness will be readily apparent, while others may not.

In this module, you will review vital sign ranges across the ages, body developments and physiological changes. Focus on injury risks that present across the life span. From a fall from a crib to Alzheimer’s disease, EMS personnel must be prepared to meet all challenges — at any age.