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Course Outline

PAR222 Legal and Ethical Practice in EMS (Emergency Medical Services)

Course Coordinator:Natalie Dodd (ndodd1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Paramedicine

2024Semester 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

In this course you will examine the complex array of legal and ethical issues associated with paramedic clinical practice and the implications the law and ethics have on your clinical practice as a contemporary paramedic. The law and bioethical principles impact upon every part of your clinical practice and your employment as a paramedic, with your decisions regarding the provision of clinical care increasingly subjected to public scrutiny. Contemporary legal and bioethical issues will be examined in order for you to critically appraise the decisions you make as a paramedic.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials will be posted each week 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus face to face workshop with group work 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Introduction to Ethical Theory and Decision Making

Introduction to the Law

Regulation of the Australian Health Service

Ethical and Legal Record Keeping

Mental Health Law

Consent and Capacity

Children and the law

Death and Dying 

Open disclosure

Tort Law

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

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 Appraise the criteria that constitute ethical and legal paramedic practice. Ethical 
1.1.a, 1.1.d, 1.1.g, 1.1.j, 1.1.k, 1.4, 5.3
2 Apply the major bioethical principles and relevant legislation to paramedic primary healthcare provision. Ethical 
1.1.a, 1.1.g, 5.3
3 Apply the major bioethical principles and relevant legislation to the paramedic profession. Empowered
Ethical 
1.1.a, 1.1.j, 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.
1.1.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
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 PAR103 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

Students will be provided with informal opportunities for feedback in each of their workshops. Feedback will be provided after each summative task.

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 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20% 
N/A
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Artefact - Creative Group 30% 
1000 words
 Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Written Piece Individual 50% 
2500 words
 Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Task 1a & 1b
Goal: 
To demonstrate your understanding of the legal and ethical principles related to your future
clinical role.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
You will be required to complete two online quizzes that assess your knowledge of the
content from the weekly readings, learning materials and workshop content from the previous
weeks. To be completed weeks 6 and 12.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
You will be assessed on:
Ethical principles and their application to clinical services;
Legal principles and their application to clinical services.
 1
All - Assessment Task 2:Bioethics Presentation
Goal: 
The aim of the bioethics presentation is to enable you to identify and discuss the key
bioethical issues in paramedic practice.
Product: Artefact - Creative
Format: 
An infographic (poster or webpage). In a group of 3-5 participants you will need to
collaboratively decide on a bioethical issue in paramedic practice and present the issues in a
creative form.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Explains the relevant bioethical principles underpinning paramedic practice;
Application of bioethical principles to paramedic practice;
Use of Technology to convey meaning;
Use of referencing style;
Presentation and Grammatical Conventions.
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 3:Legal Analysis
Goal: 
The aim of the legal analysis is to allow you to demonstrate an understanding of the legal aspects associated with the provision of paramedic care.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Written document
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Explains the relevant legal and ethical concepts and fundamental principles underpinning
paramedic practice
Application of legal issues to paramedic practice
Reaches an arguable conclusion on legal issues
Use of referencing style
Presentation and Gra
 3

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 Moritz, D. 0 PARAMEDIC LAW AND REGULATION IN AUSTRALIA. n/a n/a

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety 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

Group assessments. 
Students that have been identified as not meaningfully contributing to the group work in a timely fashion, will be removed from the group and allocated an individual assessment task to complete.

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
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