Course Outline

PAR102 Paramedic Primary Healthcare: Clinical Foundations

Course Coordinator:Joanna Cairns (jharris8@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Paramedicine

2023Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This foundation course introduces you to the application of knowledge and skills developed in PAR101. You will develop commencing clinical knowledge, skills and judgement required to assess individuals experiencing common health emergencies. Case based learning, simulated scenarios and practical skills workshops will be used to develop these skills.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Key information will be presented with associated activities to prepare you for your practical laboratory classes. 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – Laboratory based skill stations and case based simulation 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Development of paramedic skills

Introduction to paramedic clinical & operational practice

Emergency preparedness, paramedic response and management of the scene of an emergency

Clinical patient presentations & management strategies

Paramedic clinical assessment & the application of clinical practice principles and guidelines

Personal protective equipment in the Ambulance environment

Professional reporting, patient handover & clinical consultation

Introduction to Paramedic & Ambulance equipment

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Paramedicine Board of Australia
1 Apply evidence-based primary healthcare to frequent clinical presentations across the lifespan in a culturally safe manner. Knowledgeable
Empowered
1.1.a, 1.4.a, 1.4, 4.6.a, 5.4.e, 5.6.b, 5.3
2 Demonstrate reasoning and an ethical approach to primary healthcare. Ethical
1.1.d, 1.1.g, 1.1.j, 1.1.k, 1.4.a, 1.4, 5.3
3 Describe the epidemiology of frequent clinical presentations across the lifespan, and factors that influence health outcomes. Knowledgeable
5.3.f, 5.4.e, 5.6.b
4 Find and describe the evidence using a prescribed style that underpins paramedic primary healthcare. Knowledgeable
4.6.a, 5.3

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Paramedicine Board of Australia
1.1.a Demonstrate understanding of: reporting obligations, legal responsibilities, legal requirements, ethical and professional responsibilities, and the legal and ethical boundaries of paramedicine practice.
1.4.a Demonstrate understanding of the principles of patient advocacy and their application to paramedicine practice.
1.1.d Apply the Paramedicine Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to their practice.
1.1.g Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles underpinning bio- ethics in paramedicine practice.
1.1.j Operate within the current legislation applicable to paramedicine practice.
1.1.k Practise in accordance with the applicable legislation governing the safe use of scheduled medicines by paramedics in the jurisdiction of practice.
1.4 Advocate on behalf of the patient, when appropriate in the context of the practitioner’s practice as a paramedic
4.6.a Demonstrate the principles, application and need for quality control and quality assurance in paramedicine practice.
5.4.e Demonstrate an applied knowledge of the indications and contra-indications of using specific paramedic interventions including their modifications.
5.6.b Demonstrate sensitivity to the factors which shape lifestyle that may impact on the individual’s health and affect the interaction between the patient and registered paramedic.
5.3.f Understand the clinical sciences underpinning paramedic practice, including physiological, pharmacological, behavioural and functional.
5.3 Understand the key concepts of the bodies of knowledge which are specifically relevant to paramedicine practice

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

PAR101 and enrolled in Program SC395 or SC306

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Throughout the semester students will be able to test their knowledge with formative online quizzes which will provide students with feedback on their progress. In week 8 of this course a draft copy of your assessment will be peer reviewed during lab time.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1a Quiz/zes Individual 0%
15 minutes
Week 3 Online Submission
All 1b Quiz/zes Individual 30%
Total 2 hours
Refer to Format Online Submission
All 2 Case Study Individual 30%
1500 words
Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 40%
3 hours
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1a:Formative clinical knowledge review
Goal:
This task is a collection of clinical knowledge reviews of different core competencies you need in Paramedicine. You will demonstrate safe application of basic life support skills and systematic approach to patient assessment and management of patients with common health emergencies. The collection will be made up of five clinical knowledge quiz assessments.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Students will be required to complete one formative online quiz - students will be assessed on their knowledge of the content from their weekly readings, learning materials and tutorial content from the previous weeks. 
For more information on the portfolio and marking of each item in it please refer to the Canvas site for this course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Empowered and Knowledgeable safe application of basic life support skills
1
2
systematic approach to patient assessment
1
3
management of patients with common health emergencies
1 2 3
4
Ethical application of the principles of informed consent in health care
2
All - Assessment Task 1b:Clinical knowledge reviews
Goal:
This task is a collection of clinical knowledge reviews of different core competencies you need in Paramedicine. You will demonstrate safe application of basic life support skills and systematic approach to patient assessment and management of patients with common health emergencies. The collection will be made up of five clinical knowledge quiz assessments.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Due weeks 5, 8, 11, 13

Students will be required to complete four online quizzes - the students will be assessed on their knowledge of the content from their weekly readings, learning materials and tutorial content from the previous weeks. 

For more information on the portfolio and marking of each item in it please refer to the Canvas site for this course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
safe application of basic life support skills
1
2
systematic approach to patient assessment
1
3
management of patients with common health emergencies
1 2 3
4
Application of the principles of informed consent in health care
2
All - Assessment Task 2:Health problem Investigation
Goal:
In this task you will research and explore a health problem that you may come across in your work as a Paramedic.You will look at this health problem using the fields of epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology and management of common health emergencies.
Product: Case Study
Format:
Individual Case study This case study will have six sections:Introduction Epidemiology - stats on occurrence Aetiology - person/human experience Pathophysiology - internal systems impacts Management - how paramedics would treat patient Summary
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Descriptions and supporting evidence of health problem
1 3 4
2
Description of and supporting evidence regarding epidemiology,
3 4
3
Description of and supporting evidence for aetiology,
3 4
4
Description of and supporting evidence of pathophysiology
3 4
5
Description and supporting evidence of the management of common health emergencies
3 4
6
Written communication
3
All - Assessment Task 3:Scenario Based Clinical Assessment
Goal:
You will demonstrate clinical decision making, communication and psychomotor skills appropriate Paramedic practice and demonstrate the application of the principles of informed consent in health care. You will also demonstrate the safe application of a basic life support skill
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format:
Simulation based assessment and skill demonstration15 minutes - timed
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate safe application of basic life support skills and systematic approach to patient assessment and management of patients with common health emergencies.
1 2
2
Demonstrate the application of the principles of informed consent in health care.
2
3
Patient assessment and gathering evidence
1 3
4
Use of appropriate equipment​
1

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Kate Curtis,Clair Ramsden,Margaret Fry,Ramon Z. Shaban,Julie Considine 2019 Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics 3rd Edition Elsevier

Specific requirements

Workplace Health and Safety Paramedic Laboratory Guidelines require covered active shoes.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au