This unit (HFB3202) aims to provide students with the resources to help them manage and optimise their own physical and mental health. Content includes research findings on the mental health and physical health of paramedics and how it compares with the general population and other occupational groups. The content of this unit also includes the bio-psychosocial model of health and how it might be utilised in the understanding of mental health issues. The physical and psychological health effects of shift work and effects on sleep are covered as well as aspects of sleep hygiene. Topic areas covered with respect to nutrition and exercise include key concepts of metabolism, diet and the shift worker and lifelong health supporting choices. Other topics include depression, anxiety, stress, health behaviours, substance use and abuse, psychosocial modifiers of stress, suicidality, and the basics of cognitive behavioural approaches. The culture of the ambulance service will also be explored including positive, negative and ethical behaviours. A model of resilience is introduced as a framework to provide the tools to help students to manage their reactions to demanding events and situations.

Unit details

Location:
Online Real Time
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HFB3202

Prerequisites

HFB2223 - Clinical Practice 4 and

HFB3130 - Paramedic Clinical Science 4 (Mental Health and Mental Illness) or

HFB3004 - Mental Health and Illness

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Elucidate the research evidence on paramedic mental health and how it compares with the general population;  
  2. Analyse key health and wellbeing topics relevant to paramedics and extrapolate how they relate to the biopsychosocial model of health;  
  3. Determine strategies to optimise their own mental and physical wellbeing;  
  4. Assess reactions to a demanding situation using a model of resilience and appropriately modify those reactions; and  
  5. Formulate a view on how social contexts, including the workplace culture of ambulance services, influence mental and physical health.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Resilience Project: Part A, individual written assignment (700 words) 20%
Presentation Resilience Project: Part B, group presentation 20%
Assignment Paramedic Wellbeing Blog (1700 words equivalent) 40%
Test MCQ Assessment (60mins) 20%

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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