Paramedic Health and Wellbeing

Unit code: HFB3202 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
St Albans
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, students will focus on the health and wellbeing of paramedics themselves, exploring key health psychology concepts relevant to their work. Topics include the impact of nutrition and exercise on wellbeing, as well as the psychological challenges faced by paramedics, such as stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide risk. Students will examine the health implications of shift work—covering sleep, diet, work–family balance, and stress—and consider how workplace culture, violence, stigma, and help-seeking behaviours affect paramedic wellbeing. The unit also provides students with knowledge of practical coping strategies for managing stress and building resilience when responding to potentially traumatic call-outs, encouraging students to reflect on their personal circumstances and preferred approaches.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse key health and wellbeing topics relevant to paramedics and extrapolate how they relate to models of health;
  2. Determine strategies to optimise their own mental and physical wellbeing;
  3. Assess reactions to a demanding situation using a model of resilience and appropriately modify those reactions; and
  4. Formulate a view on how social contexts, including the workplace culture of ambulance services, influence mental and physical health.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Resilience Project: Part A, individual written assignment (700 words)
Assessment type:
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Grade:
Resilience Project: Part B, group presentation
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Paramedic Wellbeing Blog (1700 words equivalent)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Multiple-choice test on wellbeing topics relevant to paramedics, in-class and invigilated

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

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