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

As an Ambulance Paramedic you may be required to partake in incidents involving multiple patients from transportation/industrial accidents, natural disasters or terrorist related events. The management of these events in a unique and unpredictable environment creates real challenges. You will learn the principles in managing these events and patients in these situations.

Aims

As ambulance paramedics you may be required to deal with emergency situations involving large numbers of patients and/or in the setting of complex health emergencies. These events can be challenging and difficult to manage. This unit will give you underpinning knowledge and skills in managing these incidents.

Objectives

1. Identify and discuss contemporary challenges in out of hospital practice involving mass gatherings and major incidents using local, national and international literature;
2. Identify the legislative framework that supports the Federal and State approaches to disaster planning and management;
3. Describe the disaster management cycle (prevention, preparedness, response and recovery) and their application to disaster planning, hazard analysis and mitigation, including mass gatherings, mass casualty situations, and chemical/nuclear/radiation /biological (including emerging health threats) incidents;
4. Describe the approaches to disaster planning at local levels that includes the roles of emergency service and health agencies;
5. Know the principles of on scene management including the roles of Emergency Services and challenges of medical care in the disaster environment;
6. Understand the psychological impact of disasters on individuals, populations and responders; and
7. Identify complex humanitarian emergencies and describe the role of paramedics in emergency health in the international setting.

Content

1. History, epidemiology and impact of disasters and mass casualty incidents including lessons learnt.
2. The emergency management approaches of comprehensive approach, all hazards approach, all agencies approach and the prepared community.
3. The disaster management planning framework at the federal, state and local levels.
4. The disaster management cycle and its relationship with planning and incident management.
5. The roles and responsibilities of the emergency medical services at major incidents.
6. Assessment and management of patients in mass casualty incidents and complex health emergencies.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Core theory will be presented by QAS and QUT personnel all of whom are experts in the topic areas. Your learning will be assisted by:

• Lectures and tutorials;


• 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 name: Case Study
Description: A review of a emergency incident in which you will be required to analyse and make recommendations on improving the management and response.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: A variety of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
Relates to objectives: 2-7
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

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

Required textbook:
Major Incident Medical Management and Support: The Practical Approach at the Scene, 3rd Edition. Advanced Life Support Group Manchester UK; December 2011, BMJ Books

Risk assessment statement

The role of student paramedic can be hazardous. 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: 09-Oct-2012