BEH3011

Paramedic management of medical conditions and mental health ( 9 points, SCA Band 2, 0.188 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Bill Lord

Offered:
Peninsula First semester 2006 (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 unit explores commonly encountered acute and chronic health emergencies. Using a combination of case-based learning, clinical laboratory work and simulation scenarios, this unit will develop the essential clinical skills, clinical problem solving and decision-making competencies in managing common health emergencies. The unit will be supplemented by the clinical placement units BEH3031 where students will integrate theory with practice.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to: 1. locate and evaluate the evidence-base that informs the paramedic management of acute and chronic medical conditions across the lifespan; 2. describe the epidemiology, population health, natural history and pathology related to acute and chronic emergency medical conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice; 3. describe the clinical manifestations of the selected medical conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice; 4. using the model of paramedic clinical competence, demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the assessment and management of patients with selected acute and chronic medical emergencies across the lifespan 5. relate the pharmacokenetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents used by paramedics to the management of medical emergencies; 6. explain the range of potential behaviours of self, patients, their carers and bystanders in situations of acute medical emergencies in a sociological and culturally sensitive context; 7. describe the special features and trends in health systems relating to prevention of medical emergencies and the management of patients with medical conditions; and 8. describe the roles of paramedics and allied health professionals in providing community-based emergency health care aimed at preventing and managing medical emergencies.

Assessment: Written examination (3 hours): 50% + Written assignment (2000 words): 50% + Objective Structured Clinical Examination: pass/fail

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. This unit will be taught over 9 weeks to allow for the associated clinical placements.