PAR1011 - Foundations of paramedic practice 1 - 2019

This unit provides students with a standard approach to the assessment of a patient in paramedic care. This will include the patient centred interview, measurement of key vital signs, and the use of key pieces of equipment.

Students will learn about common risks inherent to the paramedic role, and will learn self-protection strategies.

Appropriate and professional communication will be addressed with a specific focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of health communication.

Paramedic clinical practice will be contextualised through supervised clinical experience with a community non-emergency transport ambulance service.

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

1. Demonstrate a standardised clinical approach to the paramedic assessment of ambulance patients;
2. Implement the safe and appropriate use of common medical assessment equipment used by paramedics.
3. Use strategies to avoid or mitigate the dangers inherent in paramedic practice.
4. Use professional language and behaviours appropriate for a paramedic and learn commonly used medical terminology;
5. Identify models of communication and explain the barriers to effective communication and how these can impact on patient care.

Community Placement x 4 (32 hours)

• Mid-semester examination (1 hour) (10%)
• Peer feedback (2 x 250 words) (10%)
• Practical skills exams (2 x 30 mins) (40%) (Hurdle)
• Final examination (2 hours) (40%) (Hurdle)
• Community placement (32 hours, Pass/Fail) (Hurdle)

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

Paramedicine