Leader: A/Prof Frank Archer

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

This is a core unit of the Graduate Certificate in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Medicine. The unit introduces the principles of emergency management and the management of multiple casualties, including incidents involving hazardous materials. These principles will be applied in a case-based approach to a sample of recent major events, in Australia, Oceania and/or Asia. The unit will use the Bradt model as a framework and include the use of table-top exercises to demonstrate and apply the principles of Major Incident Management. An overview of issues in international responses will be involved.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Describe the variety of responses to major incidents from both the emergency and health care sectors and how these sectors collaborate to manage major events.
2. Examine the process of managing the health service response to major events or disasters.
3. Outline the spectrum of medical, public health, psychological and behavioural problems which may be encountered during common major events, locally in Australia, Oceania and Asia.

Assessment

Pre-block reading task (1,000 words) (10%), 2 x worksheets during block (500 words each) (10%), table-top exercise (10%), 2 x assignments (2,000 words each) (70%).

Contact hours

5 day full-time block, comprising tutorials, case-based discussion, interactive learning in small groups and WebCT-based support.