Overview
You will develop an understanding of the need to adapt paramedic practice for special populations. At the completion of this unit you will be able to effectively integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to manage the treatment of the obstetric, neonate, paediatric, and elderly patients. Knowledge and skills will be developed through a series of coursework and practical exercises.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite - PMSC12001 Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care & PMSC12004 Advanced Electrophysiology and Coronary 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 3 - 2019
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 Casual Staff Recommendation
Videos to demonstrate skills could be included for external students to watch prior to attending Residential School
Skill videos will be included in 2020 and posted to Moodle for students to access.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Paediatric resuscitation was not covered in enough detail prior to residential school
Further information will be provided on Moodle regarding paediatric resuscitation for students to access.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Recommendation to increase length of Residential School to four days
Continue discussions with Paramedic Science team to determine if a four day Residential School is possible.
- Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
- Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance
- Function safely and competently, drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge for the management and care of obstetric, paediatric and geriatric patients
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60% | |||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 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 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics
Edition: 2nd (2015)
Authors: Curtis & Ramsden
Elsevier
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
Binding: Paperback
PMSC12003 Special Populations in Paramedic Practice
Edition: 1st (2012)
Authors: Richard Beebe and Jeffrey C. Myers
Cengaga Learning Australia
New York New York , USA
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.denham@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Normal Pregnancy
Normal Childbirth
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2 Extract 3 and Extract 5
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 35
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Complications of Pregnancy
Complications of Childbirth
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2 Extract 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Care of the Normal Newborn
Special Considerations in Neonatology
Death and Dying in a Child
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2 Extract 6 and Extract 7
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 53 pp 1384
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Introduction to Paediatrics
Assessment of a Stable Child
The Critically Ill Child
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 8 and Extract 9
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 36 pp 861 - 880
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Paediatric Medical Emergencies
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 10
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 36 pp 881 - 921
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
QUIZ 1: Due 20th December 11:55pm
Module/Topic
Trauma and Child Abuse or Neglect
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 11
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 36 pp 922 - 931 and Chapter 40 pp. 1024 - 1028
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Geriatrics
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 12
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 39
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
QUIZ 2: Due 10th January 11:55pm
Module/Topic
Geriatrics
Death and Dying
Elder Abuse
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 12
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 39, Chapter 40 pp 1034 - 1036 and Chapter 53 pp 1412 - 1419
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
Module/Topic
Patients with Special Challenges
Death and Dying
Chapter
PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 13
Curtis and Ramsden Chapter 53 pp. 1382 - 1384
Events and Submissions/Topic
Web-based resources. Pre-recorded lectures
QUIZ 3: Due 24th January 11:55pm
Module/Topic
Compulsory Residential School - Townsville Only
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment Due: Week 11 Friday (7 Feb 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
All students are required to attend a compulsory residential school in Townsville only.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
You will complete three (3) separate online quizzes. Each quiz may consist of multiple choice questions, True/False, Sequence questions and/or Short Answer questions, exploring content included in the unit (such as, but not limited to, lecture materials, online modules, links and required readings).
Content for the quizzes is based on previous weeks' topics (as detailed in the schedule) and will test your ability to explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance; and explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance. You may also be required to explain specific medical conditions relating to these special populations.
QUIZ ONE: Available from 6th December 2019. DUE Friday 20th December 2019 2355hrs
QUIZ TWO: Available from 27th December 2019. DUE Friday 10th January 2020 2355hrs
QUIZ THREE: Available from 10th January 2020. DUE Friday 24th January 2020 2355hrs
3
Other
Quiz One: DUE 20/12/19; Quiz Two: DUE 10/01/20; Quiz Three; DUE 24/01/20
Students will receive feedback via the Moodle Website within 2 weeks post due date.
There are three (3) quizzes and each quiz is worth 20% of the total mark for the unit. Marks are awarded if a question is answered correctly and the total marks are tallied after each quiz has been attempted. Non-attempts will score a zero mark.
Quizzes are open-book, so the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines, book chapters, journal articles etc are allowed. Please take note that this is an individual assessment. Collaboration is not allowed and may lead to disciplinary action.
Each quiz will have a specific time limit imposed to complete the quiz.
In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after the due date, and there will be no opportunity to apply a late penalty of five percent per day. Quizzes may not be re-attempted.
You are required to achieve an overall mark of at least 50% to pass this assessment item.
- Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
- Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Practical Assessment
This assessment is a Pass/Fail Assessment.
This is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which will be conducted at the Residential School. There will be three (3) OSCE stations, each designed to assess your knowledge and practical skills acquired during this unit.
There will be two (2) short case OSCE stations. You will be allocated 10 minutes per station, with a mix of station types and competencies tested.
Some examples of these stations are:
- Voice Viva
- Fill in the blanks
- Quiz
- Mini Scenario
There will also be one (1) long case OSCE station. You will be allocated 20 minutes to complete the assessment. The long case OSCE will be delivered in the format of a structured scenario, looking at the following areas:
- Patient assessment and history taking.
- Evidence gathering and patient treatment.
- Implementation of interventions, procedures and skills.
- Overall patient and scene management.
Week 10 Friday (31 Jan 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
The Practical Assessment will take place during the Residential School
Week 12 Friday (14 Feb 2020)
2 weeks post Residential School
The Assessment Rubric will be provided on the unit Moodle page. The result from each OSCE will be added together to form a cumulative mark to determine the pass/fail result. You will be required to achieve an overall score of 50% to achieve a pass mark.
Critical errors in this unit will be classed as anything that causes immediate harm to self, partner, patient or bystanders and/or any procedure that is performed outside the students' scope of practice.
During any form of practical assessment, if any of the following critical errors are witnessed the assessment will immediately cease and no marks will be given for that item:
- Unsafe defibrillation.
- Incorrect joules delivered during defibrillation.
- Defibrillation of an non-shockable rhythm.
- Failure to recognise a cardiac arrest within 1 minute.
- Failure to defibrillate a shockable rhythm within 2 minutes.
- Failure to perform a complete drug check.
- Incorrect sharps disposal or unsafe practice with a sharp.
- Performing a skill and/or procedure outside the scope of practice taught in PMSC11002, PMSC12001, PMSC12004 and PMSC12003.
- 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.
Failure to attempt/undertake an assessment task will result in a fail for this assessment.
No submission method provided.
- Function safely and competently, drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge for the management and care of obstetric, paediatric and geriatric patients
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
Often the phrase "A child is not a small adult" is heard in the medical professions. Your task is to research current literature, learning materials or peer-reviewed sources to discuss this phrase. In this essay you should review the above statement and explain the pathophysiological, anatomical and physiological concepts behind this. You should also relate your findings to paramedic clinical practice.
Week 11 Friday (7 Feb 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (21 Feb 2020)
Students will receive feedback via the Moodle Website within 2 weeks post due date.
Your essay should contain at least the following:
- Title Page
- Contents Page
- Introduction
- Body - logically presented and divided into relevant paragraphs
- Conclusion
- References
Please note the following details:
- The length of your essay should be 2000 words (+/- 10%) excluding references.
- Text should be word-processed, with appropriate layout and use of headings/sub-headings.
- Diagrams can be used if relevant - please ensure you cite/reference all sources appropriately.
- Referencing should be in APA format and a complete Reference List should be included at the end of the essay.
- You should locate and use relevant primary peer-reviewed source material published within the last 10 years.
- Please save/upload your file in either Word Format (.doc or .docx) or PDF format.
- Further guidance is provided using the marking rubric provided on the Moodle page.
This essay will be worth 40% towards the total percentage mark for this unit.
You are required to complete and achieve a mark of at least 50% for this assessment item to pass the unit.
- Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
- Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance
- Function safely and competently, drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge for the management and care of obstetric, paediatric and geriatric patients
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- 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?
