This unit will discuss the pathophysiology and pre-hospital management of selected medical and other conditions. Students will be introduced to the pharmacology and pathophysiology of immunological, haematological, oncological, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine emergencies and infectious and communicable diseases. Assessment and management of these patients will be explored within the paramedic context. The role of diagnostic testing and in-hospital interventions and management of patients will be discussed. 

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HFB2233

Prerequisites

HBM1202 - Anatomy and Physiology 2

HFB1207 - Principles of Drug Actions for Health Professionals

HFB2121 - Paramedic Clinical Science 1 (Medical Emergencies 1)

HBM1202 and HFB1207 not applicable for HLT51015 - Diploma of Paramedical Science students.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Articulate the health challenges and long-term outcomes of patients with selected medical and other conditions and the efficacy of pre-hospital intervention in relation to immediate and long-term patient outcomes;  
  2. Articulate knowledge of and describe the appropriate pre- and in-hospital assessment and management of patients presenting with selected immunological, haematological, oncological, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine emergencies and infectious and communicable diseases;  
  3. Justify the use of and articulate the mechanism of action and administration of the various pharmacological agents related to the management of selected medical conditions;  
  4. Apply knowledge of pathophysiology of selected conditions and critically analyse current pre-hospital care treatment regimens;  
  5. Qualify clinical tests, imaging techniques and laboratory tests used in diagnosis and assessment of patients with selected medical and other conditions and demonstrate advanced clinical decision making skills.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Presentation Proposal and contract for group presentation 10%
Presentation Group presentation of research project (1500 words) 40%
Journal Collaborative Written Forum (800 words) 30%
Test Online test MCQ quiz (45min) 20%
To obtain a passing grade or higher in this graded unit, students must achieve a mark of 50% or greater combined result in the Journal and the Test (hurdle), and achieve an overall accumulative mark of at least 50%. The exam encompasses critical knowledge essential for safe paramedic practice and to meet industry expectations of graduate paramedic students.

Required reading

Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children. 8th ed.
McCance, K.L., Huether, S.E., Brashers, V.L., & Rote, N.S. (2018).
St Lois MO: Elsevier

Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 4th ed.
Cameron, P., Jelinek., G., Kelly, A., Murray, L. and Heyworth, J. (2014).
Sydney: Churchill Livingstone.

Pharmacology for health professionals. 5th ed.
Bryant, B., Knights, K., Darroch S., & Rowland, A. (2018).
Sydney

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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