PARA8003 Acute Assessment and Management of Ventilatory Abnormalities

Fundamental to the appropriate management of the critically ill patient is the ability of the Intensive Care Paramedic to recognise the clinical presentation and physiological consequences of clinical conditions that result in an alteration of normal ventilatory function or respiration. Based on contemporary clinical understanding and best practice, this subject will cover the physiology related to ventilation & respiration, the interrelationship between the respiratory process and various body systems and ventilation as a compensatory mechanism to maintain homeostasis. Also reviewed will be the factors that can influence ventilation and respiration, pathophysiological conditions that can result in an altered ventilatory function or inadequate respiration and the clinical management strategies related to these conditions including advanced airway skills. This underpinning knowledge is critical to enable appropriate clinical decision making and management when dealing with often complex and interacting pathologies that result in or from changes in normal ventilatory function or respiration.

This topic aims to develop an advanced level of understanding of the physiological regulation of ventilation and respiration and the various factors that can result in altered ventilatory function or inadequate respiration as related to ICP practice which forms the foundation on which sound clinical judgement and practice are to be based. The topic provides the core foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes in the assessment & management (including advanced airway skills) of the patient who presents with abnormal ventilation or inadequate respiration.

1. Explain the physiological mechanisms responsible for the regulation of ventilation and respiration
2. Identify and describe the causes of altered ventilation and respiration as relevant to ICP practice
3. Identify and describe the influence of pharmacological agents and co-morbidities on ventilatory function and respiration as relevant to ICP practice
4. Identify and describe variations to the physiological mechanisms that are responsible for ventilation and respiration that occur across the life span
5. Demonstrate the appropriate application of ICP clinical procedures and equipment to maintain or improve ventilation and respiration including advanced airway skills
6. Describe the pharmacology of medications used in ICP clinical practice to manage a patient with abnormal ventilation or inadequate respiration
7. Describe and demonstrate the appropriate clinical assessment and management of a patient with abnormal ventilation or inadequate respiration including the management of any underlying pathological cause
8. Demonstrate the ability to form and revise clinical judgements and practice plans when presented with new evidence or information as relevant to ICP practice