Clinical Paramedicine 1

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2025/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Unit Title:

Clinical Paramedicine 1

Unit ID:

HCPAR5001

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

(HCPAR5011)

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

069905

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit, in conjunction with the unit HCPAR 5011: Paramedic Clinical Diagnostics 1 introduces the student to paramedicine, pre hospital care and the paramedic profession. Utilising models of practice, the student will develop the fundamentals of paramedicine practical and theoretical clinical competencies. These will include an introduction to the pre-hospital ambulance management of patients both at scene and in moving vehicles, lifting and transferring of patients, working as a member of the health care team and written and interpersonal communications in paramedicine. The unit will also review Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues, an introduction to aspects of law and ethics, and Patient Care Records (PCR) in paramedicine. This leads to undertaking basic and advanced life support in a paramedic context including treatment delivered in resuscitation, medical, trauma and psychological health crises. Throughout the unit problem-based and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), learning models will be used and students will be constantly encouraged to develop critical thinking processes.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:No

Supplementary assessment is not available to students who gain a fail in this Unit.

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Describe the human anatomy and physiology, understanding the normal function, structure and pathophysiology specifically relevant to paramedic practice

K2.	Apply relevant principles of pharmacology and accurately describe the indications, contra indication, precautions, side effect and onset times specific to pre hospital pharmacological interventions

K3.	Correctly calculate medication doses and volumes without the assistance of an electronic calculating device

K4.	Define the role of the paramedic and identify the requirements of professional accountability and autonomy within the pre hospital setting

K5.	Analyse Victorian Ambulance Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) and Clinical Work Instructions (CWI), along with CPGs from interstate and assess their importance within paramedic scope of practice

Skills:

S1.	Demonstrate competently the ability to apply specialised skills and knowledge into a practical environment through successful completion of Objective Standard Clinical Examinations (OSCE)

S2.	Safely and proficiently operate ambulance equipment including but not limited to the cardiac monitor, oxygen delivery and stretcher

S3.	Exhibit superior communication and teamwork skills with all essential stakeholders within the pre hospital setting

S4.	Systematically interpret electrocardiographs (ECG) recognising lethal rhythms and applying appropriate management

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Independently interpret patient assessment findings and apply the appropriate management as per the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Work Instructions providing the optimum outcome for the patient

A2.	Combine theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology with practical clinical skills to demonstrate a high level of understanding and autonomy relating to pre hospital paramedics care and scope of practise.

Unit Content:

This unit is designed to build upon and extend your knowledge and skills, and to introduce and develop competence:
Topics may include:
1. The history and the structure of the ambulance service; The role of a paramedic; Legal and ethical considerations; Overview scope of practice
2. Review of assumed knowledge – anatomy, pathophysiology, microbiology and pharmacology
3. Introduction to clinical approach, basic assessment techniques and scenario skills; Introduction to Clinical Practice Guidelines, equipment and Clinical Work Instructions (CWIs)
4. Introduction to cardiac monitoring (manual defibrillation accreditation); ECG analysis; management of the patient in cardiac arrest and decision-making with regard to withholding or ceasing pre-hospital resuscitation
5. Review common modes of medication delivery and assessment of drug practical mathematical calculations
6. Communication (verbal and written) in the pre-hospital environment (including interview preparation); OH&S and Manual Handling in the pre-hospital environment; Working with other first line agencies and emergency services
7. Introduction of pre hospital neurological assessment and management of such health crisis

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S3, S4, A1, A2	Examination of 2 hours consisting of a combination of multiple choice questions, short answers questions and/or case study based questions to determine understanding and application of unit content	Written Examination	60% - 80%
2.	K1, K2, K5, S4,A1, A2	To test learning and to support consolidation of knowledge two (2) short multi choice online tests will be conducted. The tests will comprise of 20 multi choice questions each and be delivered via MOODLE.	Online Multiple Choice Tests x 2	20% - 40%
3.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2	Practical demonstration of theoretical and clinical skills assessed via a scenario setting	Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)	S/U
4.	K4, S2, S3, A1	Students are required to attend and participate in practical sessions during the first face-to-face intensive teaching block. This will occur before they attend clinical placement.	Practical participation	S/U

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency