Overview
You will develop an understanding of paramedic care through investigation of the underpinning theory and practice of procedural applications in the discipline. This will include examples of clinical investigations of the neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems including basic practical procedures, such as cannulation, ventilation techniques, defibrillation and trauma management at an introductory level. Your knowledge and skills will be developed through a series of coursework exercises and practical laboratory sessions.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: PMSC11002 Foundations of Paramedic Clinical Practice BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1Co-requisite BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2 Emergency Medicine is a fast paced, ever changing environment. At CQU we are continually adapting our course to ensure students are prepared to meet these needs. With this in mind, if in the last 12 months you have not: Successfully completed a clinical placement unit or Successfully completed a PMSC unit with a compulsory residential school attached or Undertaken equivalent and relevant work experiences (as deemed by the Unit Coordinator) You will be required to attend the residential school for PMSC12001 again at your own cost.
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 - 2020
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 Student feedback
Feedback on assessment not helpful to learning.
Review the format and content of feedback to ensure it is specific and helpful to student learning.
Feedback from Student feedback
Skills videos were invaluable to learning, however the quality of some videos was poor.
To improve the quality of the recording of the skills videos.
- Articulate the theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of advanced care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
- Identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice
- Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of advanced care skills and interventions
- Demonstrate the skills and interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice.
The new learning outcomes align with the Council of Ambulance Authorities accreditation standards of:
3.1.4 Collaboration with the ambulance sector
3.1.5 Collaboration with the profession
3.1.6 Collaboration with other sectors
Also aligns with the CAA paramedic professional competency standards:
- professional expectations of a paramedic
- makes informed and reasonable decisions
- demonstrates professional autonomy and accountability
- develops and maintains professional relationships
- demonstrates the knowledge, understanding and skills required for practice
- operates within a safe practice environment
- identifies and assesses health and social needs in the context of the environment
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||
| 2 - Presentation - 50% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
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 | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Presentation - 50% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine
Edition: Fifth (2019)
Authors: Peter Cameron, Mark Little, Biswadev Mitra, Connor Deasy.
Elsevier
Chatswood Chatswood , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 978-0-7020-7624-4
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
If you prefer to study with a paper copy, they are available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code). eBooks are available at the publisher's website.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Computer - ability to access study materials, including instructional videos and scan and upload assessment.
- Earphones
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
Systematic Approach Overview
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Airway Management
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Clinical Practice Discussion Forum One Opens
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VACATION WEEK
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No assigned readings; use this time to ensure learning and assessment tasks are completed.
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Self Orientated Course Revision
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Self Orientated Course Revision
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Clinical Practice Discussion Forum Two Opens
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Self Orientated Course Revision
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Clinical Practice Discussion Forum Two Closes
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Revision
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Due to COVID-19 impacts at the time of preparing this unit profile, the residential school attached to this unit for Term 2 2020 has been postponed and will need to be completed at a later date. Further details will be made available on the unit Moodle site in due course.
1 Practical Assessment
The safe and competent performance of medical procedures and skills forms a core aspect of paramedic practice. As such all qualified Paramedics need to be assessed on a regular basis to ensure continued excellent standards of practice. This assessment will be conducted using a variety of platforms, including (but not limited to) general observation, one-on-one discussion and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Attendance at the Residential school is compulsory. Inability to attend must be discussed as soon a possible with your lecturer BEFORE THE SCHEDULED TIME with alternate arrangements being made. Please note that appropriate documentation will need to be provided.
Clinical Skills assessed during Residential School for all Students.
Students will be made aware of their results on completion of the residential school.
You will be required to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge and practical abilities for each skill and procedure addressed in this course. This will be conducted on a number of varying platforms, such as general observation, one on one demonstration and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE's). The practical assessments consist of a quiz on the first morning of the residential school, followed by a random selection of two skills covered throughout the unit on the last day of the residential school. Students must achieve a Pass Mark for every assessment attempted to pass the unit. Students will be provided with one resit should they fail one assessment. If a student fails two or more assessments, an overall Fail will be awarded for this unit.
Critical errors in this unit will be classed as anything, by act or omission, that causes immediate harm or the potential to cause harm, to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders or any procedure that is performed outside your scope of practice. During any form of assessment, if any of the following are witnessed the assessment will immediately cease, and no marks will be given for that assessment. Furthermore, any critical error discovered on review or moderation will also result in no marks being given for that particular assessment:
· Unsafe defibrillation
· Incorrect joules delivered during defibrillation
· Defibrillation of a non-shockable rhythm
· Failure to recognise a cardiac arrest (>1minute)
· Failure to shock a shockable rhythm in a timely manner (<2 minutes)
· Failure to perform a complete drug check
· Incorrect sharps disposal or unsafe practice with a sharp
· Performing a skill or procedure or administering a drug outside your scope of practice
· Any grossly unsafe practice, as determined by the assessing academic.
If you do not understand any of the above, please do not hesitate to clarify with your unit coordinator.
- Identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice
- Demonstrate the skills and interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Presentation
Preamble: Pre-hospital care in Australia is a dynamic and constantly evolving environment. With the introduction of new technology and emerging research, how we treat our patients and the scope of paramedic practice also evolves.
Rationale: Pre-hospital care is becoming an evidence-based profession, all new skills and procedures should, therefore, be supported by best practice. As health care professionals we need to remain current in our clinical practice and be cognisant of when we are limited by our own scope of clinical practice.
Details: You are to investigate and report on a skill or procedure that is currently taught or utilised in PMSC12001. You will deliver your findings as a scientific poster presentation.
Objectives:
Research a skill or procedure in patient assessment or management that is currently taught or utilised within PMSC12001.
Using evidenced based data:
Discuss the procedure/skill: Provide an overview of its application and discuss its relevance to paramedic practice. Using supporting evidence discuss the utilisation prehospitally and the benefits it provides.
Clinical Practice Procedure breakdown: Explain why it has the current INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS and COMPLICATIONS, or why it has none. Utilise supporting evidence.
Comparison: Compare and contrast to previous procedures/skills that were used prior to the application of the chosen skill.
Future: Research what new procedures/skills are available or being developed that could be adopted by an ambulance service. If you are unable to find a new and improved version, then suggest improvements for the current procedure/skill.
Word count: 1000 words (+/- 10%)
Weighting: 50%
Week 7 Friday (4 Sept 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (5 Oct 2020)
Feedback and grading will be made available four weeks post due date
Results for this assessment will be based on the following criteria:
Discussion: Demonstrated an appropriate overview of the procedure/skill, utilising contemporary evidence to support or justify arguments made. Maximum Score: 10
Clinical Practice Procedure Breakdown: The indications, contraindications and complications of the skill were addressed with correct and relevant content. Explanations provided were appropriate with the utilisation of evidence to support them. Maximum Score: 10
Comparison: Appropriate examples of past skills provide with an appropriate overview of its benefits and limitations. Maximum Score: 10
Future: Appropriate choice of future skill with an adequate overview or appropriate outline of possible improvements. Maximum Score: 10
Poster Setup: Professional presentation of the scientific poster in terms of organised layout (e.g. flow and use of headings), use of visual aspects (images/diagrams and readability). Presented the information in a logical sequence with an appropriate flow of information. Demonstrated appropriate grammar and spelling. Maximum Score: 5
References and Referencing: Utilised at least eight (8) high-quality references (a minimum of three peer-reviewed articles are expected) in line with APA referencing. Use of predominantly peer-reviewed scientific articles including sentinel articles, high levels of evidence or quality studies and articles. Utilised the APA referencing style with appropriate and correctly formatted in-text referencing, reference list and images. Maximum Score: 5
Total Score: 50
- Articulate the theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of advanced care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
- Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of advanced care skills and interventions
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
Clinical Practice Discussion Forum
You are required to participate in two (2) different Module Clinical Practice Discussion (CPD) forums throughout the unit that correspond with selected topics within each respective Module. A new topic of discussion will be presented every Monday and will close two weeks later on the Sunday night at 11:55 pm.
- Forum One: Opens Monday Week Three 27/07/2020 8am (closes 09/08/2020)
- Forum Two: Opens Monday Week Ten 21/09/2020 8am (closes 04/10/2020)
The CPD forums will utilise the ‘Verso’ education software platform and involve the entire class as well as smaller groups at times. Teaching staff will act as moderators for the CPD forums however the emphasis of these forums centers around student engagement and interaction as well as student-led constructive and contemporary contribution.
A copy of your CPD response must also be uploaded to Moodle under Clinical Practice Discussion Assessment item.
Various (please review Task Description or Moodle site for further details)
Students will be provided feedback during the open forums as well as throughout the course
CPD One and Two will be worth 25% each.
Word Count: 450 (+/-10%) for each CPD.
Results for this assessment will be based on the following criteria:
Interactivity and Professionalism: Demonstrated prompt and appropriate interaction with the posed question responded to within the first 7 days. Demonstrated proficiency and professionalism in ability to address questions posed by other participants in the forum. Utilised language and dialogue that is expected and appropriate for the health profession. Maximum Score: 3
Engagement and Contribution to Dialogue: Demonstrated engagement with the forum and positively contributed to the discussions by addressing or posing questions, challenging ideas, stimulated ongoing relevant conversation and added real value to the discussions. Actively improved the learning outcomes for other students as a result of the contributions. Maximum Score: 2
Quality of Information: Demonstrated appropriate language, descriptions, structure, and references in response to the forum question. Comprehensively addressed all elements of the forum questions. Utilised contemporary evidence or teachings in the response with clear links to clinical or practical implementation. Identified gaps in the evidence and/ or located evidence to support current clinical practice. Maximum Score: 15
Formatting and Referencing: Demonstrates appropriate grammar and sentence structure. Utilises quality information sources including in text references. References list with minimum of 5 quality sources. APA referencing. Maximum Score: 5
- Articulate the theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of advanced care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
- Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of advanced care skills and interventions
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
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?
