Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Paramedics encounter an abundance of pharmaceutical agents within their practice. This unit is designed to assist students to develop foundational knowledge, skills and judgments regarding pharmacotherapy within community-based emergency health. The social, political, legal and ethical implications of drug use and abuse within the individual, family and community will also be examined. These concepts will be developed further in second and third year. Three of the course themes will be integrated throughout the unit:

• population health and illness in society;
• foundations of the paramedic clinician; and
• science knowledge and evidence

Objectives

1. Describe the basic principles of pharmacology, drug administration and monitoring as they relate to paramedic practice;
2. Identify routes of administration, absorption rates and safe work practices as they relate to paramedic practice;
3. Demonstrate proficiency in calculation of drug dosages for administration of medications by paramedics by a variety of routes;
4. Describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chemicals and substances introduced into the body;
5. Examine legal responsibilities associated with the administration and safe keeping of drugs within paramedic practice;
6. Discuss common pharmaceutical agents encountered within the pre-hospital setting;
7. Analyse the social, political, cultural, legal and ethical implications of drug abuse in relation to legal and illegal drugs ;
8. Describe the role of community pharmacists and the implications of this role for paramedic practice.

Assessment

Worksheet: (15%)
Calculations Exercise: (15%)
2000 word written report: (40%)
Examination: (30%)

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Nathan Stam

Contact hours

12 hours study per week comprising:
2 x 1 hour lectures;
2 x 1 tutorials;
2 x 1 hour guided learning activities;
6 hours self directed study and preparation of assignments
The student is expected to undertake one hour of self-directed study for each contact hour.

Prerequisites

Enrolment in the Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)