Leader: Mr Mark Chilton

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit considers the historical foundations in the development of pre-hospital care internationally and within Australia, and explores its evolution to current day practice within the context of the changing nature of health care delivery. Trends in and impacts upon the provision of pre-hospital care will be explored at a local level by considering the background to recent and current reviews, reports and inquiries by the Department of Human Services, parliamentary committees, the auditor general, the coroner and others, into areas and issues that may impact upon the future provision of ambulance services. The future role of ambulance services overseas will be contrasted.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. accurately outline the history of the development of pre-hospital care internationally and in Australia;

2. identify the drivers of change in pre-hospital care and relate these to possible future trends in the delivery of pre-hospital services;

3. describe the contemporary national and international models of pre-hospital care and be able to critically evaluate elements of service and international trends as they may apply to the student's current practice context; and

4. recognise the implications that contemporary professional issues such as improving service delivery and cost effectiveness and professional regulation have for the development of the paramedic profession.

Assessment

2 x minor assignments: 30%
written assignment (2500 words): 60%
Discussion participation: 10%

Contact hours

Students will be required to spend 12 hours per week in study and assessment preparation, including contact time in the on campus mode. This equates to a minimum of 156 hours of student work required over the 13 week semester.

Prerequisites

Students are required to hold a Diploma of Ambulance Paramedic Studies or equivalent and be practising paramedics and/or Australian armed forces personnel.

Co-requisites

PAR3010, PAR3030, PAR3040