Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject, students will have a sound understanding of the role of the emergency department practice in the community; the process of triage as being fundamental to effective emergency medical practice; universal precautions, the principles of infection control, and groups in the community who constitute the highest risk for transmission of blood-borne infection; the clinical management of medical, surgical, and paediatric emergencies.
Synopsis Students are attached for three weeks to the emergency department of a major hospital under the supervision of the director of the department. Introductory seminars are attended prior to the attachment and tutorials are scheduled during the rotation. Students are distributed throughout shifts to ensure maximum exposure and a low student/patient ratio. Appropriate levels of teaching and supervision are provided for all practical skills training and procedures to be followed in the event of potential infection exposure are reinforced repeatedly. Principles and practical skills will be learned in relation to suturing, fracture assessment and application of plaster casts, venepuncture, arterial puncture, intravenous drug administration, application of dressings, bladder catheterisation, electrocardiography, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the carrying out of vital signs including blood pressure measurement.
Assessment Contribution to OSCA examination: 30% (of final mark) + Class participation and contribution (satisfactory faculty requirement)