Regarding Wikipedia:
"Wikipedia (pronounced /ˌwɪkɨˈpiːdi.ə/ WIK-i-PEE-dee-ə) is a multilingual, web-based, free-content encyclopedia project based on an openly editable model. The name "Wikipedia" is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a technology for creating collaborative websites, from the Hawaiian word wiki, meaning "quick") and encyclopedia. Wikipedia's articles provide links to guide the user to related pages with additional information.
Wikipedia is written collaboratively by largely anonymous Internet volunteers who write without pay. Anyone with Internet access can write and make changes to Wikipedia articles (except in certain cases where editing is restricted to prevent disruption or vandalism). Users can contribute anonymously, under a pseudonym, or with their real identity, if they choose.
The fundamental principles by which Wikipedia operates are the Five pillars. The Wikipedia community has developed many policies and guidelines to improve the encyclopedia; however, it is not a formal requirement to be familiar with them before contributing.
Since its creation in 2001, Wikipedia has grown rapidly into one of the largest reference websites, attracting nearly 78 million visitors monthly as of January 2010. There are more than 91,000 active contributors working on more than 17,000,000 articles in more than 270 languages. As of today, there are 3,520,606 articles in English. Every day, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world collectively make tens of thousands of edits and create thousands of new articles to augment the knowledge held by the Wikipedia encyclopedia. (See also: Wikipedia:Statistics.)
People of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can add or edit article prose, references, images and other media here. What is contributed is more important than the expertise or qualifications of the contributor. What will remain depends upon whether it fits within Wikipedia's policies, including being verifiable against a published reliable source, so excluding editors' opinions and beliefs and unreviewed research, and is free of copyright restrictions and contentious material about living people. Contributions cannot damage Wikipedia because the software allows easy reversal of mistakes and many experienced editors are watching to help and ensure that edits are cumulative improvements. Begin by simply clicking the edit link at the top of any editable page!
Wikipedia is a live collaboration differing from paper-based reference sources in important ways. Unlike printed encyclopedias, Wikipedia is continually created and updated, with articles on historic events appearing within minutes, rather than months or years. Older articles tend to grow more comprehensive and balanced; newer articles may contain misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism. Awareness of this aids obtaining valid information and avoiding recently added misinformation (see Researching with Wikipedia).
What Wikipedia is not circumscribes Wikipedia's scope. Further information on key topics appears below. Further advice is at Frequently asked questions, advice for parents, or see Where to ask questions. For help getting started with editing or other issues, see Help:Contents."
Excerpt from Wilkipedia Home Page January 4, 2011
Not only is Wikipedia not a true encyclopedia, but encyclopedia use for college-level research is strongly discouraged. Wikipedia is aware how much false information is placed in its forum and used no matter how much surveillence they allege to provide. For college research you must use validated, peer-reviewed, and industry, not consumer journal articles. Please see your instructor if you need assistance finding an appropriate source for research, and how to properly reference this information. Wikipedia is not permitted as a resource in any EMT class.
Regarding EMT 151: This is very important.
No student is to contact the clinical site in person, via phone or any other source either before or after their scheduled shift for any reason - no exceptions. If there is an issue or problem you are to go through the EMT 151 instructor.
No student is at any time to EVER schedule their own shift at one of OCC's contracted facilties or any other facilty. This is grounds for immediatre removal from the EMT Program and failure of EMT 151, therefore making you ineligible to receive a Course Completion Certificate. It is pretty simple. Only go to the shifts at the sites that you schedule through the EMT Program Director/Clinical Coordinator.
Any student who suffers an injury or known or suspected exposure while at their clinical site is to notify the instructor IMMEDIATELY and also call the Coast Community College District Human Resources department as outlined in your clinical packet the same day or the next business day.
Failure to comply with the above (which is clearly outlined in your clinical packet) may result in you receiving a failing grade for the course and a loss to any claim or care.
