PARA8001 Advanced Bioscience for Intensive Care Paramedic Practice

Critical to the appropriate assessment and management of the critically ill patient is the ability of the Intensive Care Paramedic to be able to relate a patient's clinical presentation to the homeostatic state and predict the potential alterations to this as a result of the implementation of a treatment strategy. This foundation subject will overview the relevant basic sciences, normal biology, anatomy and physiology to provide the necessary underpinning knowledge for the various pathophysiological conditions encountered during the course. Subject material, based on contemporary clinical understanding and best practice, will include Pharmacology, Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Microbiology and Inflammation and will prepare the student with the necessary knowledge to enable appropriate clinical decision making when dealing with often complex and interacting pathologies.

This topic aims to develop an advanced level of understanding in the core biosciences related to Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) practice which forms the foundation on which sound clinical judgement and practice are to be based.

1. Discuss basic organic and inorganic chemistry as relevant to ICP practice
2. Describe and apply to ICP practice the concepts of clinical pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
3. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to cell structure and basic biochemistry
4. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the Cardiovascular System
5. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to coagulation
6. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the respiratory system including the airway
7. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to central and peripheral nervous systems
8. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the renal system
9. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to fluid and electrolyte balance
10. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the endocrine system
11. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the musculoskeletal system
12. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the skin
13. Identify, describe and apply to ICP practice a knowledge of normal human anatomy and physiology in relation to the immune system
14. Explain the immunological processes involved in inflammation as relevant to ICP practice
15. Discuss basic microbiology as relevant to ICP practice
16. Identify and describe the variations in biological characteristics that occur across the life span, including during pregnancy, as relevant to ICP practice
17. Demonstrate the ability to form and revise clinical judgements and practice plans when presented with new evidence or information as relevant to ICP practice