Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is the third in a suite of foundation units for paramedics (PUB180/CSB331 and PUB280/CSB332) and is designed to introduce you to the foundation knowledge, understandings, skills and attributes that underpin paramedic science. This suite will also underpin your learning designed at a more advanced level of paramedic practice. The unit may also act as an introduction to paramedic practice for those entering the course at graduate level. There are a number of more advanced, generic principles, concepts and clinical skills (for example, advanced airway management, pain management, drug administration, fluid administration) that will be learnt, and then applied and adapted to the management of specific conditions in later units.

Aims

In this unit, it is expected that you will learn the advanced generic knowledge, concepts, principles and skills which will underpin and be applied in the more advanced paramedic management units.

Objectives

To complete this unit successfully it is expected that you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the underpinning principles of advanced life support including elements of ECG interpretation
2. Demonstrate the application of advanced life support techniques such as defibrillation, advanced airway procedures and drug and fluid administration.
3. Develop and apply knowledge of the out of hospital management of patients with pain, poor perfusion states and in respiratory and/or cardiac arrest.
4. Demonstrate a range of skills relating to the continuation of patient care beyond the pre-hospital encounter including documentation, handover and referral techniques.
5. Develop communication and clinical skills when interacting with culturally diverse groups.

Content

The major topics include:
1. Advanced airway management
2. Successful intravascular technique
3. Intravascular fluid therapy
4. Intravascular drug administration
5. Intramuscular drug administration
6. Safe handling and administration of controlled drugs
7. Pain management
8. The clinical application and interpretation of the electrocardiogram
9. Effective communication and documentation

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Your learning will be assisted by:

• Lectures and tutorials/clinical workshops;


• Small group activities using problem based learning (PBL) strategies;


• Clinical practical skills will be developed with the support of experienced clinical educators;


• Simulation and scenario based activities will allow you to transfer knowledge, skills and clinical problem solving skills into the simulated clinical environment.


• On-line problem based scenarios

Assessment

You will be required to undertake both theoretical and practical assessment tasks in this unit. Each week you will engage in clinical activities (assessment item 3) which will be assessed throughout the semester. You must receive a satisfactory grade on these tasks to then undertake the OSCE assessment. You will be provided with a log book of activities and afforded multiply opportunities (within the clinical workshop times) to achieve this standard. Active engagement with the learning activities will be needed to achieve your learning outcomes and a satisfactory grade and this will require your weekly attendance.You will receive formative feedback weekly as you engage in the theoretical and clinical skills activities designed for your learning. Feedback on the summative essay will be provided individually on return of your work discussed in more generic terms during the lecture time and on the BB site.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: You will be required to present as a group on a given topic or choice of topics.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (practical)
Description: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): physical demonstration of skills (during semester) and scenario based assessment (exam block).

Due date for this assessment is continually throughout the semester and during end of semester exam block
NB: Attendance at tutorials where assessment of demonstration of skills is mandatory.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: There will be a variety of questions adopting some objective and short answer assessment techniques including interpretation of ECGs.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

All texts and equipment used in PUB180 and PUB280.

Appropriate clinical activity clothing: torso covering shirt including shoulders and upper arms, covered shoes and trousers.

NO SINGLETS, SHORTS and/or THONGS/SANDALS permitted to be worn during tutorials and/or unit associated self directed learning, (SDL).

Gregory P, Ward K. Sanders' Paramedic Textbook. Mosby Elsevier. 2010

Queensland Ambulance Service. Clinical Practice Manual. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service; 2011.

Wesley K. Huszar's Basic Dysrhythmias and Acute Coronary Syndromes: Interpretation and Management Text & Pocket Guide Package. 4th ed.: Mosby; 2011.

Queensland Ambulance Service. Field Reference Guide. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service; 2011.

Risk assessment statement

You will be required to undertake simulated exercises as part of your practice and Appraisal/Evaluation. This will involve exposure to medical sharps, defibrillators and may involve lifting. Before commencing this unit you should review and practise the industry occupational health and safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012