Leader: Ms Andrea Wyatt and Dr Melinda Truesdale

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will explore the specific modifications to clinical practice required when adapting to the aeromedical environment. This exploration will be based on the affects of altitude on susceptible medical, surgical and traumatic conditions and will emphasise the importance of appropriate in-flight equipment commonly used for patient monitoring and ventilatory and circulatory support. Related clinical management strategies including prediction of potential aeromedical problems so as to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients will be developed.

This unit will be offered in a multimodal form using a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, clinical scenarios and self-directed learning materials. WebCT will be used to supplement face-to-face- sessions and support on-line discussion groups to facilitate MUCAPS staff and student interaction in informal tutorials.

Objectives

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

1. Describe the specific effects of altitude on susceptible medical, surgical and traumatic conditions;
2. Describe the use of pharmacological agents and techniques for administering drugs and fluids necessary to manage common conditions requiring aeromedical transport and treat potential complications that may arise;
3. Demonstrate the ability to plan patient care appropriate to the professional practice level of the student, that incorporates clinical management strategies including prediction of potential aeromedical problems so as to ensure the safe and efficient transport of the patient;
4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of medical equipment utilised in the care of patients during flight; and
5. Discuss the pivotal role of teamwork in the aeromedical retrieval environment.

Assessment

Examination 60%, 2 Case Studies 40%.

Contact hours

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