CQUniversity Unit Profile
PMSC12001 Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care
Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care
All details in this unit profile for PMSC12001 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of paramedic care through the investigation of 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 specific paramedic interventions 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. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit ensure you meet the Paramedicine Board of Australia's registration requirements through a series of coursework exercises and practical laboratory sessions.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites: PMSC11002 Foundations of Paramedic Clinical Practice BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1 Co-requisite PMSC11004 Paramedic Medical Emergencies 1

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

Cairns
Mixed Mode
Rockhampton
Townsville

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.

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 50%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 unit teaching evaluations

Feedback

The lectures were engaging and the skills videos were very helpful. The structure and expectations were made clear.

Recommendation

Continue to deliver lectures in this green screen format, and use of skill videos to ensure expectations are clear. 

Feedback from Student unit teaching evaluations

Feedback

Practical classes and residential schools were excellent. 

Recommendation

Recommendations- Continue to deliver practical classes and residential schools in this format.

Feedback from Student unit teaching evaluations

Feedback

Quiz timing was challenging, and the total number of questions was unclear. 

Recommendation

Review the number of questions and type of questions and appropriateness of time allocation. Ensure it is noted on all quiz assessment information the number of questions in the quiz

Feedback from Student unit teaching evaluations

Feedback

Confusion when presented with practical assessment task one as it was different from the expectations outlined.

Recommendation

Provide clarity surrounding this practical task. Ensure students have the opportunity to practice it before their assessment.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. 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 relevant to paramedic practice
  2. Identify and interpret the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice
  3. Employ critical thinking and clinical reasoning for using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital skills and interventions
  4. Explain and demonstrate the skills and interventions for specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice in a safe, ethical and professional manner.

It is a requirement of the Paramedicine Board of Australia that units align with the Australian Health and Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics. These are broken down into five (5) domains. Below aligns the learning outcomes with these domains. In addition, the learning outcomes have also been aligned with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.

Professional Capabilities for a Registered Paramedic
The Paramedicine Board of Australia is responsible for assessing, consulting on and setting the standards for paramedics practicing in Australia. These standards and relevant domains are articulated in the Professional Capabilities for a Registered Paramedic document. The learning outcomes of this unit are matched to the relevant capabilities.
Standard/Attribute/Criteria Learning Outcomes
Domain 1: The professional and ethical practitioner 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.9, 1.1.10, 1.1.11, 1.2.2, 1.2.4, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.4.1, 1.4.2 LO2, LO3, LO4
Domain 2: The communicator and collaborator 2.2.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.2.3 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
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 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Domain 4: The safety and risk management practitioner 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.54.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.7.9 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Domain 5: The paramedic practitioner 5.2.1, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.55.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.6 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.5, 5.6.3, 5.6.4 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Standards developed in this unit are:

StandardLearning Outcomes
Clinical GovernanceLO1, LO3
Partnering with ConsumersLO4
Preventing and Controlling InfectionsLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Medication SafetyLO2, LO4
Comprehensive CareLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Communicating for SafetyLO4
Recognising and Responding to Acute DeteriorationLO3, LO4


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Practical Assessment - 0%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 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
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine

5th edition (2019)
Authors: Peter Cameron, Mark Little, Biswadev Mitra, Connor Deasy
Elsevier
ISBN: 9780702076244
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Computer - ability to access study materials, including instructional videos and scan and upload assessment.
  • Earphones
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Joelene Gott Unit Coordinator
j.gott@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Systematic Approach Overview and Clinical Framework

12 Lead ECG Acquisition

Chapter

See eReading list and Moodle page. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Airway Management:

  • Basic airway adjuncts
  • Introduction of i-gel
  • Foreign body removal

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Ventilation

  • Basic assessment
  • APO, CPAP, PEEP
  • Chest trauma skills

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Drug Administration 

  • Drug safety, labelling and routes of administration 
  • Preparation of drugs
  • Intranasal drug administration
  • Intramuscular and subcutaneous drug administration
  • Intravenous drug administration
  • Intravenous adjuncts 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study One due Monday 29th July at 0900


Clinical case studies Due: Week 4 Monday (29 July 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma Part 1

  • Wounds and slings
  • Haemorrhage control
  • Amputations

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

VACATION WEEK

Chapter

No assigned readings; use this time to ensure learning and assessment tasks are completed.

Events and Submissions/Topic

VACATION WEEK

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma Part 2

  • Spinal management
  • Fracture management
  • Helmet removal

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Consolidation / Recap Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study Two due Monday 26th August at 0900

 

Internal student assessment day Friday 30th August. 

Week 8 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Extrication 

  • Manual handling 
  • Extrication 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School A Monday 02nd Sep- Thursday 05th Sep

No internal labs

 

 


Practical assessment Due: Week 8 Monday (2 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Infection control 

  • Hand hygiene 
  • Personal protective equipment 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School B Tuesday 10th Sep- Friday 13th Sep

No internal labs

Week 10 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Resuscitation

  • CPR
  • Defibrillation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Self Orientated Course Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz opens Monday 30th Sep 0900

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

PMSC12001 practical assessment must be completed prior to PMSC11004 residential school.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Clinical case studies

Task Description

Clinical case studies are a valuable tools used by health professionals to simulate authentic situations to enable the application of knowledge to develop clinical reasoning to complex problems.  Clinical case studies allow the practitioner to consider the case, research and reflect without pressure and constraints. 

In this unit there are two clinical case studies, each of the case studies will focus on a different complex clinical presentation. You will be required to answer the clinical questions and discuss the use of relevant paramedic procedures and skills. Your response must be academic and supported by evidence. 

Each clinical case study is to be 500 words (+/- 10%).

Each clinical case study is worth 25%.

Clinical case study ONE- Due Monday 29th July 0900.

Clinical case study TWO- Due Monday 26th August 0900.

 

See Moodle page for case study questions. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Monday (29 July 2024) 9:00 am AEST

See Moodle page for due dates.


Return Date to Students

Feedback and grading will be made available three weeks post due date.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

You will be required to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge through a clinical case study.

The word limit for this assessment is 500 words (+/-10%, not including cover page, headings, in-text references and reference page).

You will be assessed against the following criteria, see rubric on Moodle page.

Assessment Criteria:

Quality of information: Comprehensively addressed all elements of the discussion question (20 marks).

Evidence-based critical thinking: Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making, utlising contemporary evidence and current clinical practice to support the response (10 marks). 

Academic writing: Demonstrated appropriate grammar and sentence structure. Utilised language and dialogue that is expected and appropriate for the health profession. Adhered to word count and presentation requirements (10 marks).

Referencing: Utilised quality information sources including intext references. Reference list with a minimum of 5 quality journal sources. Intext referencing and reference list in accordance with APA7 referencing (10 marks). 

Presentation:

Your assessment should be formatted on A4 International Standard paper with margins of 2.54cm. Arial font (or similar) and size set to 11-12 point, and line spacing set to 1.5.

Please submit in PDF format. 

Format:

Cover page: a cover page must be included for this assessment in the following format:

• Assessment name

• Unit number and name

• Your name

• Student number

• Word count (not including cover page, headings, in-text references and reference page)

• Assessment due date (if you have an approved extension this needs to be noted here)

• Appropriately referenced using the APA 7th Edition format

Reference page:

• The reference list must be on a separate page at the end of your assessment

• References must be listed using the APA 7th Edition format

You must provide a reference list of no less than 5 peer reviewed scientific journal articles published after 2012. Subsequent resources can include Australian and/or New Zealand ambulance service guidelines, expert textbooks and websites, as appropriate. Whilst you may refer to ambulance service guidelines, do not overuse them or use them as your primary source of evidence. Ensure you are predominantly using recent peer reviewed journal articles (minimum 5).

The assessment will be marked against a rubric, which will be available on the Moodle page.

In the absence of an approved extension, a penalty of 5% of the total marks for the assessment will be deducted for each full or part calendar day the assessment is overdue, in accordance with the Assessment Policy and Procedure.

You must attempt all assessments to pass this unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • 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 relevant to paramedic practice
  • Employ critical thinking and clinical reasoning for using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital skills and interventions

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical assessment

Task Description

The safe and competent performance of medical procedures and skills forms a core aspect of paramedic practice. Paramedics must posses the theoretical knowledge underpinning these skills whilst also able to apply them to a safe standard. This practical assessment will be conducted using a variety of platforms, including written short answer quiz, skill station and voice viva. There are six (6) elements of assessment; a short answer quiz and five (5) skill stations. The skill station may assess one, or a combination of skills with verbal questions relating to that skill. These skill stations are designed to asses knowledge and practical application of paramedic skills. Each skill station will be 5 -10 minute duration.

Internal students will complete all assessment during Week 7 on Friday 30th August. 

Mixed mode students will undertake the 15-minute short answer assessment on the first day of residential school. This is the first of six assessments. On the final day of residential school students will undertake five skill stations.

The practical assessment is Pass/Fail.

Students are required to demonstrate their competence by passing four (4) out of six (6) assessments. Students who fail by one element (passing three out of six) will be offered one reattempt in order to resolve any doubt of their safe and competent performance. If a student fails the reattempt they will receive a fail for their practical assessment and fail the unit. If a student does not achieve a pass in three out of six assessments they are not eligible for a reattempt.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (2 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST

Assessments will be carried out during the internal assessment day or residential school. Please see Moodle page.


Return Date to Students

Feedback will be provided within three weeks after the final assessment is conducted.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be marked in accordance to rubrics specific to the skill station. The rubric will assess the articulation of theoretical knowledge of the skills and the safe and competent demonstration of each component in a timely manner. Points will be allocated to each step of the correct performance of the skill. An example rubric is available on the Moodle page. 


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify and interpret the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice
  • Explain and demonstrate the skills and interventions for specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice in a safe, ethical and professional manner.

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz

Task Description

The safe application of procedures and skills in a clinical setting must be underpinned by theoretical knowledge. The ability to rapidly recall indications, contraindications and complications of procedures and skills is imperative for safe paramedic practice. The online quiz will assess knowledge and understanding of the procedures and skills taught within the unit.

The online quiz will assess content from PMSC12001 from Weeks 1-11.

The quiz will open Monday 30th September 0900 and close Monday 7th Oct at 0900.

You will only receive one attempt at the quiz.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST

Quiz will open Monday 30th September at 0900 and close Monday 7th October at 0900.


Return Date to Students

Results will be released two weeks post quiz closure.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • Time allocation of 60 minutes to complete the quiz.
  • There will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer and diagrams. 
  • 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.
  • 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 test after this date. 
  • If you have any technical issues you must notify the unit coordinator immediately  


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • 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 relevant to paramedic practice
  • Identify and interpret the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital practice
  • Employ critical thinking and clinical reasoning for using specific paramedic interventions involved in advanced care prehospital skills and interventions

Academic Integrity Statement

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?