PARA1008 Integrated Clinical Physiology for Paramedics

To effectively manage life threatening emergencies in the pre-hospital environment, the paramedic student must first acquire an integrated understanding of normal human anatomy and physiology. This topic will provide students with the theoretical platform on which they can build their understanding of clinical pathologies encountered in paramedic practice. This topic will prepare students for undertaking further pathophysiology studies.

This topic aims to expand the student's knowledge of human anatomy and physiology developed during HLTH1004 Human Bioscience and provide a sound theoretical foundation for the acquisition of clinical skill sets required by the paramedic practitioner.

The primary aim is to prepare the students for second year clinical pathophysiology topics by integrating their understanding of:

• Cells, tissues and body organs
• Cellular metabolism and its relationship to energy production and oxygen utilisation
• The general control of physiological function by the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems
• The homeostatic and compensatory mechanisms important for normal function of body systems with a focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems

1. Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues and body organs. Relate functions to the whole body context
2. Explain cellular metabolic pathways and the impact of reduced oxygen supply
3. Describe the structure and function of key components of the autonomic nervous system and its role in maintaining homeostasis
4. Describe the key mechanisms used by the endocrine system to control body functions and explain the pathways relevant to maintaining cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis
5. Describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and explain how tissue perfusion occurs
6. Describe the structure and function of the heart and explain the factors influencing cardiac output
7. Describe how the body regulates fluid levels and explain the compensatory mechanisms involved in maintaining blood pressure and adequate tissue perfusion
8. Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system. Explain its role in maintaining tissue oxygenation and discuss the compensatory mechanisms involved
9. Describe key components of the immune system and their role in normal physiology