CSB335 Paramedic Management of Cardiac, Respiratory and Neuro Emergencies

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit is a first in a series of two paramedic management units that cover some of the most common medical and surgical emergencies seen in ambulance practice. The unit focus is on the development of your clinical skills for the management of patients suffering cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological emergencies. Additionally, to better prepare students for international placements and employment opportunities, an overview of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurovascular advanced life support (ALS) knowledge will be provided and student discussions regarding the ALS content is promoted through a collaborative learning platform. This unit synthesises your application of knowledge and clinical reasoning skills that underpin the management of such patients whilst providing a solid grounding in paramedic practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of national and international epidemiology of neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases;
2. Apply critical reasoning when developing and implementing paramedic management strategies for patients with acute and life threatening disease from cardiac, respiratory and neurological emergencies;
3. Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology, skills and clinical pharmacology relating to neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will use technology enhanced learning activities, an inquiry based approach and case based learning to deconstruct core theory and clinical practical skills invigilated by ambulance service and QUT personnel all of whom are experts in the topic areas. By sharing learning in problem solving groups, this unit fosters a reflexive learning environment preparing you to work in multidisciplinary teams in the clinical management of patients with cardiac, respiratory and neurological emergencies. Simulation and scenario based activities will allow you to transfer knowledge, skills and clinical problem solving skills into the simulated clinical environment.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Qualitative or quantatative feedback will will provided following each assessment.

Assessment

Overview

There are two assessment items to be completed for this subject.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Stroke recognition, respiratory assessment, and 12 Lead ECG acquisition and interpretation

By using the systematic process taught in lectures and workshops, you will complete a problem-solving task about 12 Lead ECG acquisition and interpretation. The assessment aims to demonstrate your identification of, and underlying pathophysiological understanding relating to common dysrhythmias, ST segment elevated myocardial infarcts (STEMIs), and mimics when interpretation findings relating to a 12 Lead ECG to assist in the paramedic management of cardiac emergencies.

Assessment: Examination (written)

A variety of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions will assess your management of cardiovascular, neuro and respiratory emergencies and knowledge of related pathophysiology, skills and clinical pharmacology.

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.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Equipment and personal protective clothing:

The following equipment will be required for tutorial throughout the course. Advice will be given by your lecturer at the beginning of the semester:

• Stethoscope
• Watch with second hand or display
• Appropriate tutorial dress includes trousers/ jeans, covered shoes and a collared shirt/polo.

Personal protective equipment will be available as required during tutorials.

Details on purchasing uniforms and personal protective equipment for clinical placements will be provided by your lecturer.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Cameron, P., Little, M., Biswadev, M., & Deasy, C. (Eds) (2020). Textbook of adult emergency medicine.</i> (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Cohn, E.G. Flip and see ECGs</i> (4th ed.). Elsevier: Sydney.

Curtis, K., Ramsden, C., Shaban, R.Z., Fry, M. & Considine. (Eds) (2019). Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics. (3rd Ed.). Chatswood: Elsevier

Wesley, K. (2011). Huszar's Basic Dysrhythmias and Acute Coronary Syndromes: Interpretation and Management. (4th ed.). St Louis: Elsevier

Risk Assessment Statement

The role of student paramedic can be hazardous. There is regular exposure to body fluids, medical sharps and defibrillators. During the on campus phase the risk is minimised and only simulated exercises are conducted. While undertaking this unit you should review the industry Occupational Health and Safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.