CQUniversity Unit Profile
PMSC13011 Trauma and Emergency Management
Trauma and Emergency Management
All details in this unit profile for PMSC13011 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

Traumatic injuries form a significant treatment burden on Australia’s health care system and are a major cause of death and disability across all demographics. Within this unit, you will develop an understanding of traditional and emerging approaches to treating those suffering traumatic injuries within a prehospital specific context. The number of natural and man-made disasters has risen dramatically over the last decade. Natural disasters, industrial accidents, terrorist attacks and pandemics represent major incidents, often involving multiple casualties; therefore a component of this unit will include emergency management. Upon successful completion, you will have a comprehensive understanding of trauma management, multiple casualty scene management and emergency management within a prehospital context.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites PMSC12001 - Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care PMSC12002 - Clinical Paramedic Practice 1 PMSC13012 - Paramedic Medical Emergencies 3

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 - 2021

Mixed Mode

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 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 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. Online Test
Weighting: 50%
3. On-campus Activity
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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 Have your Say.

Feedback

Students wanted the lecture format to be easier to download.

Recommendation

To ensure the recorded lectures are in an easy to download format.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Using a systematic approach, assess emergency environments for mechanisms of injury and predicted pattern of injuries
  2. Develop, evaluate and apply evidence based clinical management to the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with traumatic conditions in the prehospital environment
  3. Compare and contrast the management of emergencies via air and ground transportation
  4. Apply the principles of emergency management to multi-casualty scenes in the prehospital context
  5. Identify emerging technology and procedures utilised within the prehospital setting for trauma related emergencies.

This proposed unit aligns to the graduate paramedic competency standards as defined by the professional organisation representing paramedics, Paramedics Australasia and the national body providing accreditation standards for competent paramedic practice and educational design, Council of Ambulance Authorities. Reference document can be found at:

http://www.caa.net.au/images/documents/accreditation_resources/Paramedic_Professional_Competency_Standards_V2.2_February_2013_PEPAS.pdf

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 5
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%
3 - On-campus Activity - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%
3 - On-campus Activity - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine

5th Edition (2019)
Authors: Peter Cameron, Mark Little, Biswadev Mitra, Conor Deasy
Elsevier
ISBN: 978072952050
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

If you prefer to study with a paper text, you can purchase one at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
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
Shannon Delport Unit Coordinator
s.delport@cqu.edu.au
Lisa Hurring Unit Coordinator
l.hurring@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

  • Introduction to trauma management
  • Kinetics of trauma.

Chapter

Refer to your eReading List in Moodle for full reading tasks

The eReading List within Moodle will list all of your readings, with direct links to online and web-based resources, and the chapter and page details of prescribed textbook readings. Your reading and supporting material for each week shall comprise some or all of the following resources:


  • Chapters of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Clinical Practice Manual (CPM) and those of other Australian statutory ambulance services
  • Chapters from your prescribed textbooks
  • Online resources such as other textbooks, web-based videos, and peer-reviewed articles.


This information applies to all following content weeks.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.
Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

  • Head and traumatic brain injuries
  • Facial and dental trauma.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.
Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

  • Neck and spinal trauma.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.
Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

  • Thoracic trauma.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

  • Abdominal trauma.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.
Trauma Management Written Report Due: Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Mid-term break.

Chapter

No assigned readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

No tutorials.

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

  • Pelvic, hip, and neck of femur injuries
  • Extremities trauma
  • Pain management.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

  • Burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Fluid resuscitation.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

  • Barotrauma
  • Multi-systems trauma
  • Trauma resuscitation
  • Retrieval considerations in trauma.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

  • Road traffic crash scene management
  • Multi-casualty management.

Chapter

Refer to eReading List in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

  • Review period.


Chapter

No further set readings during review period.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly clinical tutorial: 1300-1400 on Zoom.

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

  • Review period.

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test Opens: Week 11 Monday (27 Sept 2021) 00:00 am AEST


Online Test Due: Week 11 Friday (1 Oct 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

  • Review period.

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School A: 05-08 October.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School B: 14-17 October.

Term Specific Information

You are required to attend a compulsory Residential School for this unit. You must nominate your preferred Residential School location through MyCQU, under My Timetable in the My Units tab. Numbers at Residential Schools are capped and a position at your preferred Residential School is not guaranteed. Geographical proximity to and/or previous attendance at a Residential School location does not guarantee placement at your preferred location. Attendance at Residential Schools is compulsory and you must attend 100% of Residential School days. If for any reason you cannot attend a day at Residential School you must immediately notify the Unit Coordinators and provide appropriate evidence, as per Assessment Policy and Procedure, to justify your absence. You will be responsible for making arrangements with the Unit Coordinators to make up for all missed learning and assessments.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Trauma Management Written Report

Task Description

For this task you must review contemporary literature to determine best practice management of a trauma presentation, and produce a report on your findings. The purpose of this report is to contribute pre-reading material for a clinical learning session being held at your station, and your audience is therefore fellow qualified paramedics in your region.


Please choose one of the following topic choices:


  • Airway management in trauma
  • Burns management
  • Electric shocks 
  • Haemorrhage control
  • Permissive hypotension
  • Trauma resuscitation.


As these topics are quite broad you should focus more deeply on recent advances in one particular area of your topic, for example airway management in cases of maxillofacial trauma, or emergency preservation in trauma resuscitation. You may wish to focus on a specific subset of the general population, perhaps uncontrolled haemorrhage in geriatric patients.


Your report should cover the pathophysiology and clinical features of your chosen presentation, and clearly explain how the best-practice treatments work at the physiological level to manage the given condition. Since your audience comprises on-road paramedics, you should discuss not only the theoretical aspects of clinical best practice but also practical considerations in applying treatment recommendations to prehospital practice. For example, are your best practice findings different to current treatment guidelines in your State? If so, do you recommend adjustment to existing treatment guidelines, or the purchase of new equipment, or some other alternation to current approach? If you are unsure about or require advice on your chosen focus area please feel free to discuss this with one of your Unit Coordinators.


Content and structure:

In researching current best practice you should review peer-reviewed literature published within the last five years, and may also include papers and reports from relevant Government or medical authorities. At this level, undergraduate textbooks and public information websites should not be used as primary resources. Your report should be 2,000 words in total, with a clear logical structure comprising at a minimum the following sections:


  • Cover page
  • Introduction to your chosen topic
  • Report body
  • Conclusion
  • Reference list.


The body of the report may vary as best suits your focus topic and research findings, so feel free to use subheadings as you please to internally structure the report body.


You must write in a professional, academic style, and must use correct APA formatting for in-text citations, the reference list, and report layout. Please ensure that you carefully read through the Task Description, Assessment Criteria, and Moodle assessment page to understand the nature and requirements of this task.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 11:59 pm AEST

2359hrs on Friday 13 August, 2021 (Friday of Week Five).


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (10 Sept 2021)

3 teaching weeks after date of submission.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Content:

  • Sections: Your report should contain at a minimum the following sections: Cover Page, Introduction, Report body, Conclusion, and Reference List. (You may add subsections to the body if you wish.)
  • Topic: Your report should focus on one aspect of your choice of the stipulated trauma presentations. This should not be a shallow summary of treatment guidelines but a deeper synthesis of recent literature on best-practice management.
  • Style: This task requires writing at a professional standard, with information presented in a clear & logical sequence, and written in academic style with correct grammar, syntax, and spelling.
  • Research: You must demonstrate critical appraisal of current best practice in trauma management by presenting recent literature and synthesising your findings into a coherent report.
  • Citations & references: All statements must be correctly cited and referenced in APA 7th Edition style, using reference sources appropriate to the task level. 


Report formatting:

  • Cover page: State the title of your paper, your name and student number, your course of study, this unit code and title, and the word count excluding title page, in-text citations, reference list and any appendices. Start these 1/3 down from the top, and make them horizontally centred.
  • Margins: One-inch margins (2.54cm) on all sides (usually MS Word default margins).
  • Page numbers: Top right in the header, starting from the cover page.
  • Alignment: Left margin alignment throughout; do NOT use justified margins.
  • Body indentation: The first line of each paragraph of the report body is indented 3-5 characters.
  • Font: Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12. Either is fine, but use just one font for the entire document.
  • Spacing: Double spacing throughout the entire document; no extra returns after each paragraph or reference (this is why we have the indentations, headings, and hanging indents).
  • Headings: Section headings are centred and bolded in title case; use APA style headings for any subheadings. 
  • Content: All required subsections are present and completed as directed.
  • Referencing: All sources must be cited and referenced appropriately throughout this task in correct APA 7th Edition style; ensure that you use the Library guide for APA 7E style.
  • Word count: 2,000 words +/-10%, excluding the cover page, in-text citations, the reference list and appendices. Calculate your word count minus exclusions prior to submission and include this on the cover page; if you do not do this, your submission will be returned.
  • File format: Submit your document in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx).

Grading:

  • Pass mark: You must achieve a pass mark of 50% in order to pass this assessment, and you must pass all assessment tasks to pass the unit.
  • Grading rubric: Please refer to the Moodle site for additional task information such as assignment marking rubric.
  • TurnitIn: All submissions are subject to TurnitIn scans, and all TurnitIn reports are scrutinised. All instances of plagiarism are reported to the Academic Misconduct Board for review. 
  • Late submissions: Late submissions will be accepted, but penalties will accrue at 5% for every part or full calendar day past the due date.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit the written assignment by the date specified in Moodle in MS Word format (.doc, .docx).

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, evaluate and apply evidence based clinical management to the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with traumatic conditions in the prehospital environment
  • Apply the principles of emergency management to multi-casualty scenes in the prehospital context
  • Identify emerging technology and procedures utilised within the prehospital setting for trauma related emergencies.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

For this assessment task you will complete a two-hour online quiz on the Moodle website. The quiz will assess your knowledge of the pathophysiology of trauma presentations, and your capacity to effectively manage trauma cases.


This quiz will comprise a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer questions related to the material in this unit. Further information on the quiz questions will be provided in Moodle and during the term. 


Please ensure that you read directions within this Unit Profile and upon the Moodle page prior to undertaking this quiz.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (1 Oct 2021) 11:59 pm AEST

This online quiz opens at midnight Monday morning of Week Eleven, remains open for five days, and closes at 2359hrs on Friday 01 October, 2021 (Friday of Week Eleven).


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021)

3 weeks after closing.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • Please ensure that you read each question carefully and that you provide as much information as you can in your response.
  • You will only be given one attempt for this quiz.
  • Once started, do not press BACK on your browser or REFRESH the page at any time; your work will be lost as responses are not saved until the quiz is submitted or the allotted time expires.
  • You will have a time limit of two hours (120 minutes) to complete the quiz.
  • When your time limit expires, any open attempts are automatically submitted.
  • When the due date expires, any open attempts are automatically submitted; you must therefore start the quiz at least two hours before that deadline, or you will not receive your full time period.
  • This quiz is worth 50% of your overall mark.
  • You must achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% to pass this assessment, and you must pass all assessment tasks to pass the unit.
  • The quiz becomes available at 0000hrs on Monday, Week Eleven.
  • The quiz closes at 2359hrs on Friday, Week Eleven.
  • For this assessment task no late submissions will be accepted and the quiz 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 task after this date.
  • If you experience a technical issue you must notify the Unit Coordinators immediately. 
  • This is an INDIVIDUAL TASK and must not be collaboratively completed. Quiz submissions are scrutinised to identify instances of collusion between students, and all such instances are reported to the Academic Misconduct Board for review. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The online quiz is completed within Moodle. You must not navigate away from the page or press refresh at any stage as data is not saved until submitted.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Using a systematic approach, assess emergency environments for mechanisms of injury and predicted pattern of injuries
  • Compare and contrast the management of emergencies via air and ground transportation


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
Residential School

Task Description

During this residential school you will apply the knowledge and systematic approach required to effectively assess and manage trauma and multi-casualty emergencies. Due to the complexity of these cases and the depth of knowledge required to effectively triage and manage such emergencies, PMSC13011 is a capstone unit assessing all the critical elements of knowledge and practice prior to graduation. As all clinical practice is underpinned by the foundational learning that preceded it, the assessments for this unit necessarily incorporate not only the content learnt this term, but all elements of learning across the whole paramedic degree course.


This assessment task is undertaken during the compulsory four day Residential School held at the end of term. During Residential School you will practice correct clinical methods and systematic approach to effectively manage trauma emergencies, and then undertake the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). These will comprise two twenty-minute scenarios assessing your overall management of trauma cases.


Assessment Due Date

The practical assessments will take place during Residential Schools, with dates published within the Handbook.


Return Date to Students

Confirmation of Residential School results will be within three weeks of completion.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

During the Residential School for this unit, you will complete two OSCE assessments in the form of structured scenarios. These scenarios will assess your:

  • Patient assessment and history taking
  • Evidence gathering and patient treatment
  • Implementation of interventions, procedures and skills
  • Overall patient and scene management.


Grading details:

  • Each scenario is twenty minutes long
  • The scoring tools for each scenario are validated and reliable and will be available to students via the Moodle page prior to attending Residential School
  • You must achieve 50% within each scenario to pass that scenario
  • If you commit a Critical Error you will immediately fail that scenario; please see below for explication of this term
  • You must pass both scenarios to pass the Residential School
  • You will have one resit available to you in total; resits shall be conducted at the end of the Residential School
  • As you have only one resit available you will immediately fail the Residential School if you fail both scenarios
  • Full details of grading for these scenarios will be provided on the Moodle page; please ensure you read all information in this Unit Profile and upon Moodle prior to Residential School.


Critical errors:

According to the Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, "critical" can be defined as extremely important or essential. Critical Errors in this unit are classed as any act, by action or omission, that causes immediate harm or the potential to cause harm, to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders. This includes any intervention or clinical 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 an incorrect drug/drug dosage 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 Coordinators.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Using a systematic approach, assess emergency environments for mechanisms of injury and predicted pattern of injuries
  • Develop, evaluate and apply evidence based clinical management to the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with traumatic conditions in the prehospital environment
  • Compare and contrast the management of emergencies via air and ground transportation
  • Apply the principles of emergency management to multi-casualty scenes in the prehospital context
  • Identify emerging technology and procedures utilised within the prehospital setting for trauma related emergencies.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

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?