Inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Paramedicine

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Paramedicine is a profession that is governed by professional competency standards, codes, guidelines and state government legislation. Paramedics are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts.  

2

Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in, ethical behaviour in practice. 

3

Compliance with guidelines, codes of conduct, and professional guidelines, as per AHRPA registrations (provide hyperlink), ensures safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all parties. 

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the ethical behaviour requirement must ensure that any policies or procedures are not compromised, or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments can be discussed with the College Disability Academic Advisor or Course Coordinator.

5

Examples of ways in which ethical behaviour applies to this course:

- Appropriately acknowledging sources in the preparation of written assignments

- Complying with medico-legal requirements relating to informed consent, privacy and confidentiality with patient information in academic and clinical settings

- Demonstrating ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Behavioural stability is required for students to be able to function and adapt effectively in this demanding paramedic role. 

2

Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic and clinical setting.  

3

Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Paramedicine students will be exposed to emergency situations and human suffering and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events objectively and professionally.

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the behavioural stability requirement must support stable, effective and safe behaviour in academic and clinical settings.

5

Examples of ways in which behavioural stability applies to this course:
- Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback
- Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals in the clinical setting
- Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively when engaging in interactive simulated learning activities in the academic setting
- Being able to deal with public scrutiny and accountability from others

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Paramedic practice is mandated by specific legal and regulatory requirements and standards to enable the safe delivery of care.

2

Student demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Australian Law, professional regulations and scope of practice.

3

Knowledge, understanding, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others in clinical and related settings. Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian Law ensures students are both responsible and accountable for their practice and behaviour.

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the legal requirement must be consistent with legal and regulatory requirements.

5

Examples of ways in which behavioural stability applies to this course:
- Child protection and safety legislation
- Complying with National Police Checks
- Complying with regulatory requirements for eventual registration with the Australian Health Professional Registration Authority (AHPRA).
- Complying with the policies of clinical placement e.g. uniform requirements
- As per AHPRA standards, complying with compulsory self-directed learning

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Effective written communication is a fundamental paramedic responsibility with professional and legal ramifications. 

2

Student paramedic must demonstrate the capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances.

3

Students must demonstrate the ability to produce English text, including record-keeping, to a standard which provides clear and professional communication for safe patient care.
The student must construct written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards. 

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the communication requirement must not compromise the individual’s demonstration of their capacity to communicate effectively, clearly, accurately, in a timely manner, and in an appropriate format.

5

Examples of ways in which communication applies to this course:
- Summarise and appropriately reference a range of literature in written assignments.
- Constructing Patient Care Records in a timely manner that meets legal and professional standards

The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships

Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships.

Being sensitive to individual differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships.

The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for safe and effective observation of patient symptoms and reactions to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients 

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe, effective and timely paramedic care. 

2

Students need to demonstrate the capacity to locate, process, synthesise, recall, and apply information and knowledge in a variety of contexts, in an efficient manner. Students also demonstrate an ability to solve problems and think laterally in a clinical setting. 

3

Understanding and retention of coursework information and the effective processing of this information is required for appropriate, safe and effective delivery of care/practice.

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the knowledge and cognitive skills requirement must not compromise the student’s capacity to demonstrate their knowledge and cognitive skills.

5

Examples:
- Using an evidence-based framework to make sound decisions in a clinical setting
- Assessing a patient using different assessment tools, and being able to interpret results and make a sounds clinical judgement/management plan based off evidence
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items
- Managing multiple tasks and priorities in distracting, dynamic and time-sensitive environments
- Knowledge of ambulance machinery and equipment and how to resolve problems e.g. ECG monitor
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities in time critical situations

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

2

Students need to demonstrate the ability to comprehend written information in English presented in a variety of styles, and the capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner.

3

Students must have the ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages, as well as read and interpret multiple sources of information, to ensure safe, effective patient care. 

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the literacy (language) requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information.

5

Examples:
- Interpret policies, protocols and guidelines regarding university assessments and patient care
- Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing written assessments
- Producing clear, legible and accurate patient care records

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for safe and effective patient care. 

2

Student demonstrates the ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

3

Competent reasoning and reliable accuracy with numerical concepts are essential for safe and effective paramedic care. 

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the numeracy requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate the capacity to competently and accurately manage and interpret numerical data.

5

Examples:
- Accurately calculable drug/medication dosages for the appropriate weight and age of patient
- Read and interpret electrocardiographs
- Total body surface area of burns

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Paramedic practice requires physical, mental, and emotional performance over an extended period at a consistent level. 

2

Student paramedic must demonstrate a consistent and sustained level of physical energy, manual tasks, cognitive engagement, repetitive tasks, and performance level that is required throughout and until a task is completed in full. 

3

Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective care.

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the sustainable performance requirement must facilitate the completion of compulsory components of the course within acceptable timeframes.

5

Examples:
- Remaining focussed and providing consistent responses over a negotiated time frame while on clinical placement (between 8 – 14 hours including nightshift)
- Maintaining consistent physical performance throughout an entire shift whilst on clinical placement (between 8-14 hours including nightshift)
- Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for an extended period (minimum 2 minutes at a time)

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Adequate visual acuity is required to provide safe and effective paramedic care. 

2

Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of skills in a range of environments. 

3

Elements in the working and learning environment are delivered by visual means, and the ability to learn from or respond to these inputs is required to provide safe and effective practice. 

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the sensory ability (visual) requirement must not compromise the student’s ability to interpret visual information competently and accurately. 

5

Examples:
- Recognising skin colour during patient exam
- Checking, preparation and administration of medication
- Working in a safe manner during placement in poorly lit areas and at night
- Calculating a patients respiratory rate

Elements in the learning and working environment are detected and measured by tactile means, and the ability to learn from or respond to these inputs is required to provide safe and effective practice. The appropriate use of touch as a part of effective patient care is also required.

Level

Inherent requirement statements

1

Paramedic practice is a profession involving physical demands which requires gross motor function. 

2

Student demonstrates the ability to perform gross motor skills to function within scope of practice.

3

A wide range of physical patient care actions in a time-constrained environment is required to provide safe and effective practice. Tasks that involve gross motor skills include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.

4

Adjustments offered by Flinders University to assist students to meet the strength and mobility (gross motor) requirement must facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care.

5

Examples:
- Assisting/extricating patients to and from beds, chairs and standing positions, in a variety of complex environments
- Maintaining own balance whilst mobilising or transferring patients
- Carry medical equipment (e.g. cardiac monitor weighing approx. 15kg)
- Participate in advanced life support including chest compressions
- Mobilising around patients, complex scenes and the inside of an ambulance, and complete various tasks in an efficient manner.