This theoretical unit will introduce students to assessment and management of the trauma patient in the pre-hospital and hospital setting. Trauma systems in Australia and mechanism of injury will be examined. Specific areas of focus will include the medical and pharmacological treatment of haemorrhage, shock and burns, soft tissue, head and facial, spinal, thoracic, abdominal, musculoskeletal trauma. Toxicological and environmental emergencies will also be discussed. This unit (HFB2232) will focus on pre-hospital assessment and management of these patients, through to hospital procedures and includes pathophysiology and the safe use of pharmacotherapies. Students will apply their knowledge as professionally and culturally safe clinicians underpinned by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. Students are encouraged to participate in effective written and verbal communication and critical, self-reflection throughout the unit, to allow for continued student development.

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HFB2232

Prerequisites

HFB2117 - Clinical Practice 3 (applicable for HBPD students ONLY)

HFB2121 - Paramedic Clinical Science 1 (Medical Emergencies 1) (applicable for HBPD students ONLY)

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Apply the pathophysiology of trauma cases to the clinical and pharmacological management of patients;  
  2. Articulate knowledge of the pathophysiology of patients presenting with pain of traumas, haemorrhage and shock, soft tissue, burns, head and facial, spinal, thoracic, abdominal and musculoskeletal trauma;  
  3. Articulate the mechanism of action and the correct management of the various and suitable non-pharmacological and pharmacological agents and medicines related to trauma;  
  4. Discuss the management for various toxicological emergencies and environmental traumas;  
  5. Appraise and recommend trauma scales used in the pre-hospital setting; and  
  6. Demonstrate the effective use of interpersonal skills, reflective and, analytical strategies in clinical reasoning and patient management  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test MCQ Assessment 10%
Test Scenario-based MCQ Assessment (60 min each) 15%
Presentation Group Assessment: Trauma Aetiology Poster and Report (1500 words) 35%
Case Study Individual Case Study Analysis (60 min each) 40%
To obtain a passing grade or higher in this graded unit, students must achieve a mark of 50% or greater in the case study assessments. The assessments encompass 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: Mosby

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)
Elsevier

Emergency and trauma care for nurses and paramedics 3rd ed.
Curtis, K., Ramsden, C., Shaban, R., Fry, M. & Considine, J. (2019)
Elsevier

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.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.