Overview
In this unit, you will develop the skills to recognise, diagnose and manage patients with commonly encountered acute and life-threatening disease processes throughout their life span. You will integrate your developing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology with patient assessment, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical history taking to formulate a provisional diagnosis. You will use this information to apply the most appropriate clinical management in line with contemporary professional guidelines, protocols, and emerging evidence-based practices. You will also utilise appropriate communication styles, including verbal, non-verbal, and written, to communicate with patients and other professionals to convey information. Case-based learning will assist you to contexualise your essential clinical skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Throughout this process, you will explore the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities required to practice as a paramedic.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite – BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1Pre-requisite – PMSC11002 Foundations of Paramedic Clinical PracticeCo-requisite - PMSC12001 Procedures & Skills in Paramedic Care
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Report
Students mentioned some lectures were hard to follow when the lecturer spoke outside of what was on the PowerPoint slide: there was also mention of a lecturer sounding monotonic as if they were reading from the slide.
Adjust the content delivery to include emerging technologies to support engaging lecture activity. The use of a green screen and more refined presentations were well received in the other week's course content: ensure consistency in this space throughout the whole unit.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Report via emails and on Moodle Forums.
Due to the amount of content in the unit, students provided feedback regarding the possibility of opening all content early for the best learning outcomes.
Consider opening all of the week's content or larger blocks to support students to work through content in a manner that suits their work/life/study balance.
Feedback from SUTE Unit Comment Report
Feedback for practical assessment items could be improved to support student progression.
All student assessment feedback will be reviewed and implemented before the next offering to ensure consistency in the quality and tone of feedback across different markers. Review the guidelines for assessment feedback.
- Examine patients systematically and comprehensively, including clinical history and assessment data, in a safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner
- Apply knowledge of foundational anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes and patient assessment data to identify a provisional diagnosis
- Employ appropriate clinical management, including the use of basic pharmacology, through comprehensive knowledge and demonstration of best-practice clinical interventions with consideration to safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice principles
- Apply the principles of safe, ethical, and professional practice concerning legislative and regulatory requirements and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
| Standard/Attribute/Criteria | Learning Outcomes |
| Domain 1: The Professional and Ethical Practitioner (1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 1.1.10, 1.1.11, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6, 1.4.1, 1.4.2) | LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 |
| Domain 2: The communicator and the collaborator (2.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.6) | LO1, LO2 and LO3 |
| Domain 3: The evidence-based practitioner (3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.4) | LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 |
| Domain 4: The safety and risk management practitioner (4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.5, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.5.3) | LO1, LO3 and LO4 |
| Domain 5: The Paramedicine Practitioner (5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.6) | LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 |
| Standard | Learning Outcomes |
| Clinical Governance | LO1, LO3 and LO4 |
| Partnering with Consumers | LO1 and LO4 |
| Preventing and Controlling Infections | LO1, LO3 and LO4 |
| Medication Safety | LO3 and LO4 |
| Comprehensive Care | LO1 and LO4 |
| Communicating for Safety | LO1, LO3 and LO4 |
| Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration | LO1, LO2 and LO3 |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Portfolio - 60% | ||||
| 2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine
Edition: 5th (2020)
Authors: Cameron, P., Little, M., Mitra, B. & Connor, D.
Elsevier
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780702076244
Additional Textbook Information
Both the paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.verney@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Professional Capabilities.
Pharmacology presentations and terminology for paramedics.
SITREPS and Patient refusal.
Chapter
eReading list and Moodle page
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Neurological:
- GCS review
- Altered level of consciousness
- Syncope
- Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Respiratory and Infection.
- Ventilation and hyperventilation
- Perfusion and respiratory assessment
- Dyspnoea
- Infection
- Fever
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine
Section 9.1
eReading list and Moodle page
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Respiratory Emergencies & Anaphylaxis.
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Anaphylaxis
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 2.8, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Diabetic Emergencies & Seizures.
- Endocrine system
- Classification of Diabetes
- Hypoglycaemia
- Seizures
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 8.5, 11.1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Break Week
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Pain and Acute Coronary syndrome (ACS)
- Pain physiology
- Analgesia
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Chest pain differential diagnosis
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 22.1, 5.1, 5.2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary Emergencies
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea and gastroenteritis
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infection
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 7.2, 7.3, 7.5, 9.4
Events and Submissions/Topic
.
Module/Topic
Assessment of the Older Patient
- Geriatrics
- Organ systems
- Physical assessment
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 21.6, 9.5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential School A
Friday 6th to Monday 9th September.
Practical assessment (Pass/fail)- Scenario
Portfolio Part B (30%)- Voice viva completed at residential school
Module/Topic
Intimate partner and family violence.
Chapter
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine Section 21.3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential School B
Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th September.
Practical assessment (Pass/fail)- Scenario
Portfolio Part B (30%)- Voice viva completed at residential school
Module/Topic
Law in paramedic practice.
Chapter
Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cultural sensitivity in paramedic practice.
Chapter
Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Professional Capabilities Part B.
Chapter
Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Three Online Quiz (40% Weighting).
Opens Monday 30th September 0900hrs and closes Monday 7th October 0900hrs
Residential School C- Internal students only
Tue 1st- Fri 4th Oct
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Three Online Quiz (40% Weighting).
Closes Monday 7th October 0900hrs
Online Quiz Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
PMSC12001- Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care is a co-requiste for this unit PMSC11004- Paramedic Medical Emergencies One.
PMSC12001 Procedures and Skills residential school MUST be completed before PMSC11004 Paramedic Medical Emergencies One residential school.
The practical aspect of PMSC11004 is delivered by a compulsory four-day residential school.
1 Portfolio
You are required to complete a portfolio to document your learning throughout the unit. The portfolio comprises of two parts, a written task (A) and verbal task (B).
Part A (30%)- Written Task. You will complete a written task exploring the clinical presentation of a patient utilising knowledge gained throughout the unit. This task will support your continued professional development through structured, self-directed learning. You will be required to work through the task, responding to each question with a researched and academic response.
Part B (30%)- Voice Viva. A voice viva assessment task is an examination completed in spoken form. You will be asked questions by an assessor and required to verbally answer the questions to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the unit content. This will be by direct questions of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of various conditions covered within the unit. This task will be completed at the residential school, on the final day. The marks for this task do not relate to the practical assessment task. Practice voice viva questions will be provided on the Moodle page and the opportunity to practice responses will be provided at residential school.
Vacation Week Monday (12 Aug 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Feedback and grading will be made available three weeks post due date.
You will be required to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge taught throughout this unit.
This will be conducted through varying tasks throughout the portfolio.
Part A- Written task (30%). The assessment questions are located on the Moodle page. Responses will be marked according to the quality of information, evidence based critical thinking, academic writing and referencing. A rubric is provided on the Moodle page. This is a researched and academic response using journal articles as sources of evidence. The total word count for this task is 1000 words.
Part B-Voice Viva (30%). Verbal responses will be marked against a marking guide.
- Examine patients systematically and comprehensively, including clinical history and assessment data, in a safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner
- Apply knowledge of foundational anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes and patient assessment data to identify a provisional diagnosis
- Employ appropriate clinical management, including the use of basic pharmacology, through comprehensive knowledge and demonstration of best-practice clinical interventions with consideration to safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice principles
- Apply the principles of safe, ethical, and professional practice concerning legislative and regulatory requirements and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
2 Practical Assessment
Theoretical knowledge and the practical application of this knowledge is vital when performing the paramedic role. You must complete one scenario designed to assess your knowledge, understanding and practical skills acquired acquired in this unit to a novice level. The assessment will take the format of a 20 minute clinical scenario by means of structured, simulated patient interactions in which a passing grade must be achieved.
The assessment task is designed to assess your ability to perform a thorough and accurate patient assessment and use this information to formulate a provisional diagnosis. You will be required to implement appropriate and timely clinical interventions, procedures and/or skills adhering to your scope of practice. Effective communication and safe and ethical conduct will also be assessed.
This is a pass/fail assessment task. You must achieve 50% to pass this task.
Feedback and rubrics for this assessment will be provided within three weeks after ALL residential schools have concluded.
This assessment will be conducted during residential schools for external students.
Results from this assessment will be made available by no later than three weeks after the completion of all the residential schools
Theoretical knowledge and the practical application of this knowledge is vital when performing the paramedic role.
In this assessment, you will need to articulate your theoretical knowledge gained within this unit as well as apply the knowledge to successfully undertake a clinical scenario simulation at a novice level.
The assessment will be based on marking criteria covering the following key points:
- Patient assessment
- Systematic approach
- Provisional diagnosis
- Management
- Pharmacology
- Professional capabilities
- Safe practitioner
The rubric for the practical assessment task is available on the Moodle page.
This is a pass/fail assessment task. Students must achieve 50% to pass this task. Students who fail to achieve 50% will be offered a re-attempt of the assessment task. This reattempt will occur at the residential school following the collation of results. Failure to pass the re-attempt will result in fail for the practical assessment task, and an overall fail grade for the unit.
- Examine patients systematically and comprehensively, including clinical history and assessment data, in a safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner
- Apply knowledge of foundational anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes and patient assessment data to identify a provisional diagnosis
- Employ appropriate clinical management, including the use of basic pharmacology, through comprehensive knowledge and demonstration of best-practice clinical interventions with consideration to safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice principles
- Apply the principles of safe, ethical, and professional practice concerning legislative and regulatory requirements and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
3 Online Quiz(zes)
You will be required to demonstrate your understanding of the content covered in Week One to Week Twelve through an online quiz.
The online quiz will assess the foundational anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes, patient assessment, and formation of provisional diagnosis and management, including pharmacology. The quiz will include questions covering content from weeks one to twelve, encompassing lecture materials, online modules, links, and required readings. The questions will be in the form of multiple-choice, matching, and short answers.
The online quiz is worth 40% of your grade.
The quiz will be open for 7 days from Monday 30th September 0900- Monday 7th October 0900.
1
Other
Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Quiz opens Monday 30th September 0900.
Feedback and grading will be made available one week post due date.
- There will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and diagrams.
- Time allocation of 45 minutes.
- You will only be given one attempt.
- When the due date expires, any open attempts are automatically submitted; you must therefore start the quiz before that deadline or you will not receive your full-time period.
- This is an individual assessment with no collaboration allowed.
- The use of artificial intelligence platforms is considered cheating.
- No late submissions will be accepted, and the test will close and become unavailable after the due date and time.
- In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the quiz after this date.
- If you have any technical issues, you must notify the unit coordinator immediately.
- Apply knowledge of foundational anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes and patient assessment data to identify a provisional diagnosis
- Employ appropriate clinical management, including the use of basic pharmacology, through comprehensive knowledge and demonstration of best-practice clinical interventions with consideration to safe, ethical, and evidence-based practice principles
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
