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
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Co-requisites
Course code M2011
Prohibitions
EPP1011
Synopsis
This unit examines the current and evolving role of the paramedic and explores
how prehospital medicine is practiced in Australia.
The importance of sound physical and mental preparedness for the role of a paramedic will be emphasised. Students will learn essential self-care strategies, and have an understanding of the challenges of working within a highly dynamic field and having to deal with adverse and often potentially dangerous situations.
Appropriate and professional communication will be addressed with a specific focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of health communication.
Students will be introduced to the standard approach to patient assessment, including the patient centred interview, measurement of key vital signs, and the use of key pieces of equipment used in patient assessment and treatment.
Paramedic clinical practice will be contextualised through supervised clinical experience with a community non-emergency transport
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Explain the context with which prehospital medicine is practiced in Australia;
- Recognise the importance of reflection, wellbeing and self-care for paramedics;
- Identify and use professional language and behaviours appropriate for a paramedic and develop an awareness of commonly used medical terminology;
- Identify models of communication and explain the barriers to effective communication and how these can impact on patient care;
- Demonstrate a standardised clinical approach to the paramedic assessment of ambulance patients;
- Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of common medical assessment equipment used by paramedics.
Fieldwork
Community Placement x 4 (32 hours)
Assessment
- Self-reflection plan/essay (1,000 words + Poster plan) (30%)
- Mid-Semester Exam MCQ (30 minutes) (10%)
- Practical skills exam (20%) (Hurdle - Pass 4 out of 5 stations)
- Final exam (2 hours) (40%) (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