BEH2031

Foundations of paramedic clinical practice ( 9 points, SCA Band 2, 0.188 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Brett Williams

Offered:
Peninsula First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit explores the foundation of and introduces the roles of the paramedic clinician. The unit will develop the foundations skills of clinical approach, clinical problem solving, clinical decision-making, and scene management in a safety orientation. The essential clinical skills will be developed in the clinical laboratory and simulation settings. A satisfactory level in all these essential clinical skills will be required before students can undertake clinical placements. The context of paramedic clinical practice will be provided by supervised clinical experience with both non emergency patient transport services and emergency ambulance services.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to: 1. define, explain, and demonstrate the elements of a contemporary model of paramedic clinical competence; 2. demonstrate the required standard in each of the core clinical skills of clinical approach, clinical problem solving, clinical decision-making, and scene management demonstrating safety consciousness; 3. demonstrate the required standard in each of the core practical skills expected at the basic life support level; 4. demonstrate an understanding of the scope of practice of the Paramedic using the Victorian Ambulance Clinical Practice Guidelines and companion guidelines with supplemental resource documents; 5. demonstrate an understanding of the principles of occupational health and safety in the workplace with particular emphasis on safe lifting techniques and principles of standard precautions in other aspects of infection control; 6. recognise and avoid/remove dangers at an incident scene and have knowledge of methods of access and egress and scene management and risk control under routine and emergency situations; 7. complete the documentation required of the paramedic in clinical and operational practice; 8. demonstrate the skills required to receive and transmit information using various modes of technical communication hardware; 9. demonstrate appropriate verbal and written communication skills required for communicating with patients and relatives, with co workers and with other health and emergency services professionals; 10. demonstrate the fundamental skills required for the transport of patients under non-emergency conditions; 11. identify sources of potential stress within the work environment and discuss potential strategies to minimise and cope with these stressors; and 12. appreciate the work environment, scope of practice, teamwork, and operational requirements of the patient transport services and ambulance service sector.

Assessment: Written examination (3 hour): 30% + Written assignment (1500 words): 30% + Essential practical skills portfolio: Pass/Fail + Basic life support simulation: 20% + Clinical visit report: 10% + Worksheets (x2): 10%