BEH2012

Paramedic management of cardio-respiratory conditions ( 9 points, SCA Band 2, 0.188 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Brett Williams

Offered:
Peninsula Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit continues to develop the role of the paramedic as a clinician using the model of paramedic clinical competence developed in BEH2031. The units covers commonly encountered chronic, acute, and life threatening cardio-respiratory clinical problems. The units will be case-based and will include clinical skills laboratory and simulation scenarios to develop essential clinical skills, clinical problem solving and decision-making competencies in general care, basic and advanced life support. The unit will be supplemented by the clinical placement units BEH2032 and BEH2042.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, students will be able to: 1. explain the evidence-base of the Paramedic management of cardio-respiratory conditions; 2. describe the epidemiology, population health, natural history, and pathology related to acute and emergency cardio-respiratory conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice; 3. describe the clinical highlights and trends in the management of selected cardio-respiratory conditions, commonly encountered in paramedic practice; 4. demonstrate the required standard in each of the core practical skills expected at the basic and advanced life support level relating to the assessment and care of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions encountered in paramedic practice; 5. interpret common electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythms and waveforms within the scope of paramedic practice; 6. outline and explain the rationale of the paramedic clinical practice guidelines in the care of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions; 7. explain the applied pharmacology of relevant drugs included in the cardio-respiratory conditions Paramedic Clinical Practice Guidelines and that may be encountered in paramedic practice; 8. using the model of paramedic clinical competence, demonstrate the ability to integrate the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the assessment and management of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions, in 'real time' work simulation including clinical problem solving and clinical decision making, professionalism, safety, documentation, communication and teamwork; 9. explain the range of potential behaviours of self, patients, their carers and bystanders in situations of acute cardio-respiratory conditions in a sociological and culturally sensitive context; and 10. describe the special features and trends in the health system relating to prevention and management of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions, and describe the benefits of community-based emergency health care and the related role of the Paramedic and other emergency and primary health care team members in such patients.

Assessment: Written examination (3 hours): 40% + written assignment (2000 word): 40% + Essential practical skills: pass/fail + Case simulation: pass/fail + 4 x worksheets: 20%

Contact Hours: 18 hours per week including contact time, clinical skills laboratory and scenarios, and private study averaged over the 13 week semester - a total of 234 hours

Prerequisites: BEH2031