PAR4204

Aeromedical retrieval rescue ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Andrea Wyatt

Offered:
Peninsula First semester 2005 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit covers the role of the aeromedical team and the use of fixed and rotary wing aircraft in search and rescue. The content related to air search techniques includes search patterns, homing techniques and observer procedures. Rescue techniques focus on the rotary wing aircraft aeromedical rescue team and the specific skill of stabilising and packaging the patient for winching to safety. The safety requirements of search and rescue are emphasised and post impact land survival techniques, water safety and sea survival are discussed. This unit will be offered as a flexible delivery unit involving on-campus sessions, distributed learning materials and web based resources.

Objectives: By completion of this unit, the student should demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge, skill and ability to be able to: 1. Describe the role of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and the aeromedical team in search and rescue; 2. Perform air search techniques including the role of the observer; 3. Treat, stabilise and package patients for rescue' 4. Perform survival techniques on land and in sea; 5. Participate in helicopter winching techniques; and 6. Perform all required elements of aeromedical retrieval rescue pertaining to their professional role.

Assessment: Examinations 50%, Worksheets 50%, Practical assessment Pass/Fail.

Contact Hours: 76 hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and clinical scenarios, self-directed learning materials and WebCT.

Prerequisites: This unit is open to ambulance and MICA paramedics, registered nurses and doctors who are employees of public or private aeromedical retrieval providers. Ambulace participants are required to be qualified ambulance or MICA paramedics with a minimum of 12 months post qualification experience, currently employed by either Rural Ambulance Victoria, Metropolitan Ambulance Service, interstate ambulance service or private aeromedical provider. Registered nurse participants are required to have current registration as a Division 1 nurse or equivalent, with a minimum of 12 months post registration experience. Doctor participants are required to be qualified with current full Medical Practitioner registration in Victoria or equivalent. Physical capacity testing is an automatic requirement of ambulance participants and conducted by their respective employers. Nurses and doctors interested in enrolling in this unit are therefore also required to undertake a physical capacity test to ensure their ability to safely undertake the underwater escape training component of this unit.