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

This unit continues to develop the role of the paramedic as a clinician by extending clinical examination and decision making skills that were introduced in previous clinical units.
The unit covers commonly encountered chronic, acute, and life threatening cardiorespiratory clinical problems across the lifespan.
The unit will be case based, and will include clinical skills laboratories and simulation to develop essential clinical skills, clinical problem solving and decision making competencies. The scope of the unit includes developing the skills needed to provide general health care as well as care at an advanced life support level.

Objectives

1. Describe the epidemiology, population health, natural history, and pathology related to acute and chronic cardio-respiratory conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice.
2. Identify and evaluate evidence that informs paramedic clinical practice guidelines used to care for patients with cardio-respiratory conditions.
3. Describe the clinical highlights in the management of selected cardio-respiratory conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice.
4. Interpret common electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythms and waveforms within the scope of paramedic practice.
5. Outline and explain the rationale of the paramedic clinical practice guidelines in the care of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions.
6. Relate the pharmacology of drugs used by paramedics for the management of cardio-respiratory conditions to drug indications and actions.
7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the assessment and management of patients with cardio-respiratory conditions in real time simulation including clinical problem solving and clinical decision making, professionalism, safety, documentation, communication and teamwork.
8. Demonstrate the management of patients, their carers and bystanders in cases of cardio-respiratory conditions in a sociological and culturally sensitive context.
9. Describe the special features and trends in the Australian health system relating to prevention and management of cardio-respiratory conditions, and describe the benefits of community-based emergency health and the related role of the Paramedic and other emergency and primary health care team members in the prevention of cardio-respiratory disease.

Assessment

Mid semester test 1 (1 hour): 15%
Mid semester test 2 (1 hour): 15%
ECG workbook: 20%
Written examination (3 hours): 50%
Case simulation (30 minutes): pass/fail (hurdle)

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Brett Williams

Contact hours

9 hours per week involving lectures, tutorials, simulation, clinical laboratory and small group exercises.

Prerequisites

BEH1011

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Emergency Health(Paramedic)or the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Emergency Health(Paramedic)