EMT Foundations

Angela Wright serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado System, where she has established herself as a leading expert in emergency medical education. Her comprehensive suite of EMT and emergency care courses on Coursera has attracted over 29,442 students, maintaining an exceptional 4.9/5 instructor rating from 126 reviews. Her curriculum spans the full spectrum of emergency medical care, from basic EMT foundations to specialized topics in wilderness medicine and trauma care. Her courses are particularly noted for their practical approach to emergency medical training, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills development. Her teaching methodology emphasizes critical assessment and stabilization techniques for various emergency situations, including airway management, CPR, toxicology, and specialized care for pregnant women, infants, and children. Through her Medical Emergencies series, she has developed a systematic approach to teaching emergency response, ensuring students gain comprehensive understanding of patient assessment, treatment protocols, and transport considerations. Her expertise in wilderness medicine has led to the development of a specialized series addressing unique challenges in remote emergency care

Arthur Pliaconis serves as a Paramedic with Denver Health Paramedic Division, bringing over 15 years of experience in emergency medical services. His journey in emergency medicine began during his high school years as a Fire Explorer in Florida, leading to his pursuit of a BS in Human Physiology from Boston University while working full-time as an EMT from 2007. After graduating and completing paramedic school, he achieved paramedic status in 2012 and joined the prestigious Denver Health Paramedic Division in 2014. His commitment to excellence is demonstrated by his recent achievement of critical-care Flight Paramedic certification. As a Coursera instructor, he leads several EMT courses including EMT Foundations, Emergency Care, and Medical Emergencies, reaching over 41,000 students globally. His teaching approach combines practical experience with academic knowledge, preparing students for real-world emergency medical situations. Beyond his professional duties, he maintains an active lifestyle enjoying outdoor activities like snowboarding, cycling, and climbing, while continuing to advance his medical expertise and share his passion for emergency medical services education.

Dr. Whitney Barrett is an Assistant Professor specializing in emergency medicine at the University of Colorado System. She focuses on teaching and developing online courses that enhance knowledge and skills in emergency care. Her course offerings include EMT Foundations, Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children, and Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, among others. Dr. Barrett emphasizes effective emergency response strategies tailored to diverse populations, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant individuals and children.In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Barrett is actively involved in research related to emergency medical services and has contributed to various academic publications. Her commitment to improving emergency care practices is reflected in her dedication to training future healthcare professionals. Through her courses, she aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in real-world emergency situations, ensuring they can provide high-quality care when it matters most.

Kathrine Lopez is a paramedic with a focus on emergency medical services and education. She teaches several online courses aimed at preparing individuals for careers in emergency care, including EMT Foundations, Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children, and Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Her courses are designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to handle various medical emergencies effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world situations.Lopez's educational offerings also include specialized training in trauma emergencies and preparation for EMT certification tests. Through her teaching, she emphasizes the importance of rapid assessment and intervention in emergency scenarios, aiming to foster a new generation of healthcare providers who are capable of delivering high-quality care in critical situations. Her commitment to education in emergency medicine helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in emergency settings.