PAR1031 - Professionalism in paramedic practice - 2019

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 about resilience, essential self-care strategies, the challenges of working within a highly dynamic field, and having to deal with adverse and often potentially dangerous situations.

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

The legal context for paramedic practice is discussed, including the medico-legal concepts of professionalism and ethics, and essential legal aspects of paramedic care, such as consent and negligence.

These skills will be delivered in online and face to face lessons, and further developed in simulated settings.

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

1. Describe contemporary paramedic practice and identify how ambulance services operate within Australia
2. Recognise key hazards and challenges to wellbeing faced by paramedics, and implement essential self-care skills to ensure success in future practice
3. Identify and use professional language and behaviours appropriate for a paramedic practice
4. Define commonly used medical terminology
5. Describe models of communication and explain the barriers to effective communication and how these can impact patient care
6. Describe and discuss legal and ethical concepts pertaining to the delivery of paramedic care

• Preparedness plan (500 words + 2 minute video) (20%)
• Legal Case Study (1,500 words + short answer questions) (30%)
• Practical class activities (10%)
• Final exam (2 hours) (40%) (Hurdle)

On-campus: 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