First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

and thigh). The radial arteries supply the distal arms and can be palpated at the palmside of the wrist, thumb side. The brachial arteries supply the upper arms and can bepalpated on the inner aspect of the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder. Thisartery may be especially useful in infants and children.The capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. These thin-walledvessels are the site of the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The veins are theblood vessels that carry blood rich in carbon dioxide and waste products back to theheart. These byproducts of cellular metabolism are then excreted from the lungs.d. Nervous SystemThe nervous system is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Thebrain provides higher mental functions of thought and emotion and controls thevoluntary muscle functions of the body. The nervous system also controls involuntaryactivities of the body (e.g., digestion).Basic anatomy of the nervous system can be broken down into two systems: the centralnervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system iscomposed of the brain (located in the cranium) and the spinal cord (located in the spinalcolumn). The peripheral nervous system consists of sensory nerves (carry informationfrom the body to the spinal cord and brain) and motor nerves (carry information fromthe brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body).e. Integument (Skin) SystemThe skin performs several important functions. It protects the body from theenvironmental extremes of heat and cold. It acts as a barrier to bacteria and otherorganisms, helps regulate the temperature of the body, and prevents dehydration. It alsosenses heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain, and transmits this information to the brainand spinal cord.4. Application of Content Materiala. Procedural (How)None identified for this lesson.b. Contextual (When, Where, Why)The First Responders must have a basic understanding of human anatomy and function.This knowledge is necessary for appropriate evaluation of patients, as well ascommunicating information to other health professionals. The First Responders mustunderstand the basic components of the systems of the human body. Knowledge fromthis lesson is a crucial building block for the rest of the course.5. Student Activitiesa. Auditory (Hearing)1. Students will listen to a description of the components and systems of the humanbody.b. Visual (Seeing)1. Students will see the various components and systems of the human body throughthe use of models, diagrams, etc.34First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002