PARA1000 Introduction to Paramedic Practice

Paramedic practice is a broad field of expertise, requiring the practitioner to be proficient in a wide range of professional activities. This topic introduces the concepts of paramedic practice and covers the primary competencies of safe practice, patient and professional communications, initial patient assessment and resuscitation. Concepts of evidence based practice and guidelines for clinical practice are introduced. Skills associated with the paramedic primary survey and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are integrated in the learning.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce the student to the complex environment of pre-hospital care and the practice of a paramedic
• Emphasise the importance of work practices, where these practices are derived and how to apply the practices in a safe manner
• Emphasise the skills of communication with patients and other health care professionals

1. Demonstrate safe working practice associated with manual handling, defibrillator use and infection control
2. Apply interpersonal skills when dealing with people: the patient; bystanders; colleagues and other health care professionals
3. Apply communication skills in an effective case handover and written case report
4. Demonstrate effective patient assessment skills required to perform a primary survey and secondary assessments
5. Apply clinical practice guidelines in the effective delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to adult patients
6. Describe the nature of out-of-hospital professional health practice