PAR4305

MICA paramedic management of paediatric and obstetric patients ( 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 will cover the theoretical underpinnings required to develop in the student an appropriate level of knowledge, understanding and skill related to the provision of MICA Paramedic care to the obstetric patient and the paediatric and neonatal population. A MICA Paramedic clinical approach, clinical problem solving and clinical decision making model underpins this unit. The student's previous clinical experience is used as the basis for identifying key differences in the advanced life support measures appropriate to the management of obstetric complications of the pregnant patient who has experience physical trauma or is suffering from a medical emergency.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit the student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate an ability through self appraisal, feedback and supervised clinical experience, to continue the process of developing as an interactional professional within the context of managing patients with paediatric and obstetric emergencies. 2. Understand the application of evidence-base practice to the MICA Paramedic management of emergency paediatric and obstetric conditions. 3. Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and understanding to manage obstetric emergencies and care for the pregnant patient who has experienced physical trauma or is suffering from a medical emergency; 4. Relate the pathophysiology of common paediatric conditions to the identification of those with the potential to result in an emergency presentation; 5. Recall the pharmacology of relevant drugs included in the paediatric and obstetric Clinical Practice Guidelines; 6. Demonstrate the clinical skills required of MICA Paramedics to be able to implement the paediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines; 7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the management of paediatric and neonatal trauma and medical emergencies in 'real time' work simulation using the MICA Paramedic clinical problem solving and clinical decision making model; 8. Discuss the psychological and physiological responses of children to illness and injury' 9. Identify the common patterns of injury and related MICA Paramedic management; 10. Discuss the epidemiology of paediatric and obstetric conditions; 11. Describe the ongoing management of patients with emergency obstetric or paediatric conditions and 12. Discuss how a MICA Paramedic might relate to and co-ordinate with hospital paediatric critical care units and maternity departments.

Assessment: Examinations 75%, paediatric and obstetric emergencies simulation 25%, professional development Pass/Fail.

Contact Hours: 104 hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and clinical scenarios, self-directed learning materials and WebCT; 20 hours supervised hospital clinical practice in a paediatric intensive care unit and paediatric operating theatre; and 32 hours including reading, research, preparation of assessments.

Prerequisites: Successful applicants must: have a bachelor's degree or equivalent; have a minimum of two years post qualification clinical experience; and be currently qualified Ambulance Paramedics currently employed by an ambulance service. Applicants without a degree will be considered if they have extensive relevant experience.