PHC170 Paramedical Issues (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Allied Health (ALHEA)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject is designed to provide students with an introduction to ethical and legal issues likely to arise in relation to employment as paramedics. The themes of client autonomy and self-determination, client rights and professional responsibility are examined within the context of a paramedic setting.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: PHC170

Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Available only to students enrolled in Diploma / Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) or Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) courses

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- use an ethical framework to assist in decision making;
- understand the impact of law on the role and activities of paramedics;
- make reference to a legal framework in order to make decisions;
understand the professional role of a paramedic within the health care system;
- be aware of issues relating to patient confidentiality;
- understand the rights and obligations between an individual paramedic and her/his employer.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

- ethical frameworks to be subsequently related to each of the following topics: - torts - intentional (assault, consent, false imprisonment) and unintentional (negligence); - confidentiality; - statutory obligations and protections (as health care providers, allocation of resources, influence of insured/uninsured status, identifying priorities, defences against negligence, Mental Health Acts, emergency provisions for adults and children, Coroners Act, Traffic Regulations); - Workers' compensation, Occupational Health and Safety; - Contract (privity of contract issues for an ambulance service as a provider to a range of individuals and organisations - Local Medical Officers, health funds, private providers, the public health care system); - Professional associations, complaints, risks to employment status.

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