These standards are established norms and attributes required of students for admission and progression in a Health & Human Services Program. 

As part of the requirements for entering an EMT or paramedic course, the SC DHEC Bureau of EMS requires that the student must, “Be physically fit and able to perform all the tasks of an EMT [or Paramedic].“

Applicants and students should be able to perform these essential functions or with reasonable accommodations, such as the help compensatory techniques and/or assistive devices, and be able to demonstrate ability to become proficient in these essential functions.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical/placement judgment.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

Communication ability

Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction with others in expressive and written English, including computer literacy.

Physical endurance

Remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, walking, lifting, bending, and/or transporting patients.

Mobility

Physical abilities sufficient to move from area to area and maneuver in small spaces; full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity; and hand-eye coordination.

Motor skills

Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care and operate equipment.

Adequate height

Ability to reach and operate overhead equipment.

Hearing ability

Auditory ability sufficient to access non-direct essential patient information.

Visual ability

Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for patient observation, assessment and/or treatment; ability to discriminate between subtle changes in density (black to gray) of a color in low light.

Tactile ability

Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.

Olfactory ability

Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental safety, and patient needs.

Professional presentation

Ability to present professional appearance and attitude; implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability.