EPP1011 - The contemporary paramedic - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice

Coordinator(s)

Mr Simon Sawyer

Unit guides

Offered

Peninsula

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines the current and evolving role of the paramedic within communities with a specific focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of health communication.

In addition to this, an understanding of paramedic specific legal, ethical and professional requirements will be explored.

The importance of self-care and wellness for paramedics, who work in a very dynamic field and have to be able to deal with adverse and often potentially dangerous situations, will be addressed. Students will be introduced to the standard approach to patient assessment, the patient centred interview, safe practices and the use of key pieces of equipment for patient assessment and treatment.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and use professional language and behaviours appropriate for a paramedic in the pre-hospital setting.
  2. Develop basic clinical assessment and history gathering techniques
  3. Identify models of communication and apply these to patient-centred interview, and explain the barriers to effective communication and how these can impact on patient care.
  4. Describe legal, ethical and professional issues relevant to the out of hospital environment.
  5. Develop an understanding of commonly used equipment, and an awareness of commonly used medical terminology, prescription medications and pharmacological treatment options available to paramedics.
  6. Recognise the importance of reflection, wellbeing and self-care for paramedics.

Fieldwork

Community Placement x 4 (32 hours)

Assessment

  • Communication & professionalism self-reflection (1000 words) (10%)
  • Equipment familiarisation worksheet (1000 words) (10%)
  • Ethical case study (2000 words) (40%) (Hurdle)
  • Final exam (2 hours) (40%) (Hurdle)
  • Practical examination (Pass/Fail) (Hurdle)
  • Community placement (32 hours) (Pass/Fail) (Hurdle)

Workload requirements

A combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals and online activities (6 hours per week), and self-directed study (6 hours per week).

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in course code 3445 or M20021