CSB340 Major Incident Management

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

As a Paramedic you may be required to attend incidents involving multiple patients from transportation/industrial accidents, natural disasters or terrorist related events. The management of these events in a unique and unpredictable environment creates real challenges, and requires timely application of evidence-informed decision-making. You will learn the principles of disaster health management and apply these to a variety of likely clinical scenarios. During your studies you will have the opportunity to participate in major incident training scenarios with emergency service and defense personnel. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Analyse contemporary challenges of medical care in the disaster environment in out of hospital practice involving mass gatherings and major incidents;
2. Identify the legislative framework that supports the Federal and State approaches to disaster planning and management;
3. Describe the disaster management cycle (prevention, preparedness, response and recovery) and to the role of emergency services in disaster planning, hazard analysis and mitigation, including mass gatherings, mass casualty situations, and chemical/nuclear/radiation /biological (including emerging health threats) incidents;
4. Describe the psychological impact of disasters on individuals, populations and responders; and
5. Identify complex humanitarian emergencies and describe the role of paramedics in emergency health in the international setting.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit applies an inquiry-based learning approach, using problem-based and case-based activities in multi-disciplinary, real-world situations. Educators from QAS and QUT will speak to their real-world experiences for your analysis. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in simulated major incident scenarios with other emergency services personnel.
In problem-based learning, the problem is presented to students in a collaborative learning space, simulating the paramedic crew and the inter-professional work environment. Students build on previous knowledge, and incorporate, adapt to new knowledge to determine evidence-based solutions, strategies to respond in context, manage the incident with appropriate social care needs and assessment.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback is provided in the following ways:

• Opportunity to receive formative feedback exist during all learning activities.
• In addition to the assessment marking rubrics, specific feedback is provided on summative assessment items.
• General feedback on summative assessments is provided during learning activities and/or via Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment Submission and Extensions
Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked and will receive a grade of 1 or 0%. If special circumstances prevent you from meeting the assessment due date, you can apply for an extension http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/assessment/extension.  This assessment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension. If you don't have an approved extension, you should submit the work you have done by the due date, and it will be marked against the assessment criteria.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study

A review of an emergency incident in which you will be required to analyse and make recommendations on improving the management, response and recovery. You will be expected to support your recommendations by making reference to relevant legislation and both peer-reviewed and grey literature.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (Written)

This exam assesses your knowledge of on-scene management in major incidents, legislation, the role of emergency services in disaster planning, the psychological impact of disasters on individuals, populations and responders. References to relevant legislation, literature are expected to support your recommendations. The exam will consist of MCQ and short answer questions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Advanced Life Support Group. (2011). Major incident medical management and support: The practical approach at the scene. (3rd ed.). BMJ Books, John Wiley & Sons (Wiley-Blackwell).

Fitzgerald, G., Tarrant, M., Aitken, P., & Fredriksen, M., (Eds.) Disaster Health Management: A Primer for Students and Practitioners. Routledge, Abington, Oxon; New York, NY (Please note that although this text was produced by QUT staff, there is no personal financial benefit as any royalties will be donated to Medicines Sans Frontiers.)

Risk Assessment Statement

The role of student paramedic can be hazardous. You will be required to undertake simulated exercises as part of your practice and Appraisal/Evaluation. This will involve exposure to medical sharps, defibrillators and may involve lifting. Before commencing this unit you should review and practise the industry occupational health and safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.

Course Learning Outcomes

CS43 Bachelor of Paramedic Science

1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills from paramedicine and related disciplines that focus on the needs and holistic care of the individual.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination (Written)
2. Perform reflective and safe evidence-based paramedic practice, that informs clinical decision-making across diverse paramedic care settings.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination (Written)
3. Access, evaluate, and utilise digital health information that informs holistic paramedic care and assists in intra- and inter-professional communication and clinical decision-making.
   Relates to: Examination (Written)
4. Develop and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills, that promote and achieve person-centred care.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination (Written)
5. Practice and promote the qualities of ethical conduct, social inclusivity, reflexivity and reflection, and bearing responsibility for risk management and quality assurance across a range of community settings.
   Relates to: Case Study, Examination (Written)
6. Practice within a framework of human rights and cultural safety, acknowledging intersectionality, and the inalienable right to culture, values, and beliefs.
   Relates to: Examination (Written)