PAR5320 - Extended care paramedicine 1 - 2018

This unit will introduce the scope, context and role of the extended care paramedic practitioner including the obligations, documentation and reporting requirements as well as referral options and pathways for patients. This unit will also focus on the advanced assessment, management, prescribing and referral of patients with musculoskeletal and soft-tissue injuries in the out-of-hospital environment.

Unit content will address the reduction of uncomplicated shoulder and patella dislocations, wound care including suturing and wound glue, local anaesthetic administration and sedation for minor musculoskeletal procedures as well as post-procedure care including prescribing opioid analgesics and NSAIDs.

Students must be actively engaged in appropriate clinical practice, clinical placements or clinical simulation to achieve the outcomes of this unit.

It is expected that students will gain an advanced authority to practice after demonstrating the requisite clinical knowledge, skills and training of this unit as per the local statutory guidelines after completing an internship at the end of their course.

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

1. Demonstrate core knowledge of the normal structure, function and development of the human body at all stages of life.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the aetiology, pathology, symptoms and signs, natural history, and prognosis of common ailments in children, adolescents, adults and the aged.
3. Recognise risk factors for disease or injury, while using appropriate screening tools to be able to triage patients to remain in their home, refer to general practice or other appropriate health services.
4. Select and interpret appropriate, cost-effective diagnostic tools and use them as an adjunct to the history and physical examination findings to formulate an appropriate diagnosis, differential diagnosis and implement an appropriate management plan.
5. Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach.
6. Identify emergent cases and complex conditions beyond the paramedic's range of medical knowledge and competence.
7. Recognise the limitations of the student's medical knowledge, and how this relates to scope of practice, patient safety and their role within the broader health care team.

• Examination (50%)
• Portfolio (50%)

Students will be expected to complete at least 6 hours of distance education directed learning and a minimum of 6 hours of private study and self-directed learning per week

Paramedic practice