Paramedicine placement compliance
An integral component of the Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree program are clinical placements which involve on-the-job experience with the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS).
The Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedicine combines clinical placements within an Australian ambulance service and in-hospital placements.
The purpose of clinical placements is to provide the essential experience of working in the pre-hospital emergency and non-emergency care environments.
Paramedic degree placements are designed to give you valuable exposure and experience in a variety of emergency and non-emergency medical settings. Students work as a 'third' with their crew.
The following is an explanation of the different types of placements that you may be involved in:
- 1st year: Patient Transport Services (PTS) and Emergency Support Services (ESS) placements.
PTS vehicles are allocated for transport service work so that emergency ambulance crews can be kept free to attend to more serious cases. ESS vehicles are similar to PTS vehicles in that they are used for transport service work, however they are also used as Emergency vehicles if the need arises. - 2nd and 3rd year: Emergency placements.
Emergency vehicles respond to every day call outs, as well as large scale emergencies. - Graduate Diploma: ICP placements and in-hospital experience.
All students must complete and submit all of the mandatory clearance and immunisation screens that are required to undertake placement in South Australia and interstate.
Number of placements required
The number of placements you are required to complete for each topic is provided in the Statement of Assessment Method for that topic. Placements are an assessable (non-graded pass - NGP) requirement of PARA1000, PARA1005, PARA2002, PARA2007, PARA3002, PARA3007, PARA8012 and PARA8013.
Pre-requisites for placement
Essential compliance for all students
| Activity | What you need to do |
Form / more information | Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness for placement declaration | Declare your fitness for placement by reading and acknowledging the Fitness for Placement statement on InPlace. Let the University know if you have an access plan. |
N/A | InPlace |
| Student consent for placement | Read and acknowledge the relevant essential conditions around student consent for placement using the applicable form. (Please note: if you are required to undertake multiple placements during your degree, you may be required to read both student consent documents, check with your WIL team if you are unsure.) | Placements undertaken outside Flinders University - Student Consent for Placement Statement (PDF) OR Placements undertaken within Flinders University ONLY - Student Consent for Internal WIL Placement with Flinders University Statement (PDF) |
InPlace |
| Intellectual property for placement |
Read the student IP declaration and acknowledge the changes to intellectual property while you are on placement. |
Student Intellectual Property Statement (PDF) | InPlace |
| COVID – 19 Vaccination | As of 1st November 2021, SA Health, Aged Care and a vast majority of agencies require a full COVID vaccination status. | Please upload proof of vaccination to InPlace |
InPlace |
| Activity | What you need to do |
Form / more information | Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Check | You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). In accordance with the Northern Territory government guidelines for clinical placements within NT Health, only National Police Certificates (NPCs) provided by police services in Australian states or territories will be accepted. NPCs issued by 3rd party providers are not accepted. |
Police Check detailed information | InPlace |
| Immunisation standard and precautionary advisory | Read and understand the information in the Immunisation Standard and Precautionary Advisory booklet. For refusal to immunise - information is included in the booklet and a refusal to Immunise Declaration must be completed and uploaded to InPlace. |
Immunisation standard and precautionary advisory booklet (PDF) |
InPlace |
| Immunisation Compliance Certificate | See a GP to complete and document the necessary immunisation requirements on the Immunisation Compliance Certificate. |
Immunisation compliance detailed information | InPlace |
| Annual influenza vaccination | Book an annual influenza vaccination from an immunisation provider. | Influenza vaccination certificate (PDF) | InPlace |
| Hand hygiene | Undertake the online Hand Hygiene Australia medication module:
Upload the certificate. |
Hand Hygiene Australia - Complete a learning module | InPlace |
Additional compliance for SA placement eligibility
Activity |
What you need to do |
Form / more information |
Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHS Aged Care Sector Related Screening | Obtain a clearance from DHS | DHS compliance information |
InPlace |
| DHS Working with Children Check |
Obtain a clearance from DHS |
DHS compliance information | InPlace |
| DHS Vulnerable Person Employment Screening | Obtain a clearance from DHS |
DHS compliance information | InPlace |
| DHS Disability Employment Screening |
This screening is no longer provided by the department of Human Services Screening Unit. It has been replaced with the NDIS Worker Check. If you require this clearance for a placement a member of the WIL Placement team will contact you. | Not applicable | InPlace |
| SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll | Read, understand and sign the SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll | Better Placed Deed Poll information and form | InPlace |
| SA Tuberculosis Services screening | Complete the online questionnaire and follow any instructions you receive by email from SA TB services. Upload your questionnaire results to InPlace. IMPORTANT: Some vaccinations can interfere with the blood test that is used to screen for Tuberculosis. For this reason, you should delay any vaccinations until AFTER you have been cleared by SA TB Services, or until you have received your IGRA test results. |
InPlace | |
| Observer indemnity | Acknowledge and agree to accompany a SAAS staff member as an observer. | SAAS Observer indemnity form (PDF) | InPlace |
Additional compliance for NT placement eligibility
Activity |
What you need to do |
Form / more information |
Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| NT Government Deed Poll | Students will have access to a range of confidential information while attending a placement and need to be familiar with and understand the relevant requirements of maintaining confidentiality. Students must read, understand and sign the and upload to InPlace |
NT Department of Health student placement information and forms |
InPlace |
| Tuberculosois screening | Follow information as directed on the NT Government website information on TB. | Guidelines for the control of Tuberculosis in the Northern Territory | InPlace |
| Ochre Card | To undertake placements in the Northern Territory you are required to have a working with children clearance in the Northern Territory, known as an Ochre Card. | Ochre Card detailed information | InPlace |
| Observer Indemnity | Complete a St John Ambulance NT Observer Agreement to accompany a St John Ambulance NT operational staff member as an observer. | St John NT Observer Agreement | InPlace |
Detailed compliance information
These clearances are valid for three years from date of issue (unless revoked prior), except Working with Children Check which has an expiry of five years.
There are four types of screening offered by the DHS; Aged-Care Sector, Working With Children Check (WWCC), Vulnerable Person employment, and Disability Services employment. Refer to the pre-placement compliance checklist to determine which screenings you require.
Formerly known as Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) clearances, DHS clearances are state-based clearances used that are used to determine suitability for employment within specific care sectors in South Australia.
Note: Working With Children Checks issued prior to 1 July 2019 are known as Child-Related Employment Screenings.
Obtaining DHS clearances
- WIL team will initiate your application with DHS.
- Await application email – It may take 5 – 10 business days to receive an email from the DHS Screening Unit. Be advised that the email may be sent to your junk/clutter folder.
- Activate and complete application – Once the activation email is received, follow the links to log into the DHS Screening portal and complete the application. Students are responsible for paying the application fee.
- Complete ID Verification – There are three options for completing the ID verification:
- Verify online – Recommended for students with Australian ID documents.
- Requesting organisation – Recommended for students that cannot complete online verification. Students selecting this option will need to bring 100 points of ID (eg student ID and passport) to the CMPH college office, FMC level 5 or the CNHS college office in Sturt N101.
- Print and seek verification – Not recommended. Students selecting this option must have their ID verified by a Justice of the Peace and post the application to DHS.
Existing clearances can be renewed up to 6 months prior to expiry. It is recommended that clearances are renewed early to ensure there is no lapse in compliance.
View more information on the DHS website.
What is the difference between DHS clearances and the Police Check?
The Police Check is a printout of all disclosable criminal convictions as recorded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). DHS clearances involve additional probity checks and continuous monitoring. Both are required.
Your working with children clearance notice, the Ochre Card, is valid for two years. It is issued by the screening authority.
You must by law apply for a working with children clearance, also called an Ochre Card, to work or volunteer with children in the Northern Territory (NT).
Information checked
A working with children clearance is an assessment of the risk of harm or exploitation that you may pose to children.
It involves a check of:
- your police history
- employment records
- character references
- or reports about your recent behaviour.
The check is conducted by the Northern Territory Screening Authority, appointed by the Minister for Children and Families.
The authority works with Screening Assessment for Employment in the Northern Territory (SAFE NT), a unit of the Northern Territory Police.
The information you submit to SAFE NT will be kept private unless it is required by law to be disclosed.
Students are responsible for paying the application fee.
- Students must supply a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) prior to the commencement of their placement.
- International students must supply an NCCHC within 3 months of arrival, and prior to placement commencement date, unless otherwise instructed.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
Valid for three years from date of issue
Commonly referred to as a Police Check, a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is a document that lists all criminal convictions recorded against a person in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) database. For more information visit the ACIC website.
Police Checks (NCCHCs) can be issued by:
- State, Territory or Federal Police
- Private brokers that have been accredited by the ACIC
An acceptable Police Check (NCCHC) must meet the following requirements:
- Unsupervised Contact within the Health/Aged Care Sector.
- The following information is provided to assist you complete an application form for your Police Check:
- Reason for Check – Unsupervised Contact with Vulnerable Groups (if there is a character limit, ensure Unsupervised Contact is recorded at a minimum).
- Proposed Place of Work – Health/Aged Care Sector
- Location – Adelaide, South Australia
Please note – if you are completing a Police Check for a Northern Territory placement, please follow the instruction provided by Flinders NT or your discipline specific checklist. In the absence of this advice, follow the above instructions to complete the application form.
Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining their Police Check (NCCHC).
Students completing placements in South Australia may choose to apply for a Police Check (NCCHC) directly through their local police, or through a commercial broker. If a Police Check (NCCHC) is required urgently (e.g. sooner than 4 – 5 weeks) then it is advisable to apply online through an accredited broker that offers fast turnaround.
Police Check (NCCHC) providers:
- South Australia Police (SAPOL) - We strongly recommend you use the SAPOL Police Check as this the most accepted document.
- Third party providers are https://flinders.checked.com.au and www.cvcheck.com.
- State clearances are most widely accepted across organisations and interstate, third party provided clearances may not be accepted by host organisations outside of the control of the University.
Please note that Flinders University does not endorse these providers and cannot guarantee their turnaround times.
What happens if there are offences listed on my Police Check?
Students with criminal convictions should to refer to the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive. Students with serious criminal convictions may be precluded from placement. Students with criminal convictions are advised to meet with their course coordinator to discuss their ability to satisfy the requirements of their placement topic.
Will you accept a Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Registration Certificate?
No. The Teachers Registration Board (TRB) undertakes a Police Check (Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) as part of the registration process, however, no outcomes are listed on the registration certificate. You are required to obtain a separate Police Check (NCCHC).
How can I obtain a replacement Police Check?
Replacement Police Checks (NCCHCs) can sometimes be obtained by contacting the organisation that issued the original certificate. In many cases, students who have lost their Police Check (NCCHC) will need to apply for a new one.
Valid indefinitely.
The Immunisation Compliance Certificate sets out the immunisation requirements for students and identifies acceptable evidence of immunity for each disease. The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider, this can include General Practitioners (GPs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
Students are responsible for:
- Understanding the immunisation requirements.
- Ensuring the immunisation provider completes the Immunisation Compliance Certificate correctly.
- Ensuring the immunisation provider provides the student with evidence of immunity, including vaccination records and blood test results (serology).
Completing the Immunisation Compliance Certificate may require several appointments with an immunisation provider. The schedule of appointments will vary depending upon previous vaccination history and the availability of medical records. A typical appointment schedule may include:
- First appointment
- Review vaccination history
- Request blood test to determine immunity
- Follow-up appointments
- Administer vaccinations according to schedule
- Blood test to determine immunity post-vaccination (required for Hepatitis B)
Who can complete the Immunisation Compliance Certificate?
The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider in Australia. This can include General Practitioners (GPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Students are encouraged to utilise the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability service.
Do I have to be fully compliant with the immunisation requirements to attend placement?
Some students may find that they are unable to complete the immunisation requirements before their first (and sometimes second) placement. In such cases, students can be deemed provisionally compliant and allowed to attend placement if they meet the following criteria:
- All other pre-placement requirements are met, AND
- At least one vaccine dose has been given (or immunity confirmed by blood test) for all vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), AND
- The student is not overdue for vaccines and/or blood tests
Can Hepatitis B immunity be confirmed by vaccination record?
No. Immunity to Hepatitis B must be confirmed by blood test. For students undergoing a course of vaccinations, the blood test is to be completed 4-6 weeks after the final (3rd) dose of the vaccine.
I have been vaccinated against Poliomyelitis but do not have a record of this. What can I do?
If a student is confident of their previous vaccination against Poliomyelitis, the Poliomyelitis Statutory Declaration (PDF) can be completed and will be accepted as evidence of immunity. Students that are unsure of their vaccination history should complete a course of vaccinations.
What happens if I can’t be fully vaccinated/immunised?
There are several reasons why a student may not be able to fulfil the immunisation requirements:
- Hepatitis B carrier: In cases where serology confirms Hepatitis B infection, students must provide evidence of this. Students that carry the Hepatitis B infection are able to attend placement, but will be limited in the types of care settings in which they can work.
- Hepatitis B non-responder: In cases where post-vaccination serology does not confirm immunity to Hepatitis B, a booster dose may be given followed by another blood test. If immunity is still not confirmed, students may provide documentation from their medical practitioner, and will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.
- Medical contraindication: Students with a medical contraindication to vaccination should follow the advice of their doctor. Once the Immunisation Compliance Certificate is completed to the extent possible, and a letter from the doctor is provided, students will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.
Students who cannot be fully vaccinated/immunised for the above reasons will be required to meet with their placement education coordinator to discuss strategies for ensuring the safety of themselves and others while on placement.
Students who refuse to be screened or vaccinated, or who refuse to provide this information to the University, are not considered as having met the immunisation requirements and will be refused a placement on this basis. Vaccination refusal will impact a student’s ability to complete their course; students that refuse vaccination are advised to meet with their course coordinator.
Do I need to provide evidence of flu vaccination?
Students are required to obtain an annual flu vaccination, and evidence of this may be required by your placement venue, so please carry the influenza vaccination certificate on your person.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
South Australia
As of the 7th October 2021, the Emergency Management (Healthcare Setting Workers Vaccination) (COVID-19) Direction 2021 issued under the Emergency Management Act 2004, comes into effect.
This Direction places COVID-19 vaccination requirements on all persons working in a public hospital, private hospital or ambulance service, including patient transport service in South Australia. A public hospital includes all services provided by a Local Health Network, not just those physically located in a hospital.
This Direction applies to all persons engaging in work or duties in one of the above settings, including clinicians, ambulance workers, allied health workers, cleaners, administrative and executive staff and students undertaking placement regardless of whether they work in a patient or a non-patient area.
People must be vaccinated against COVID-19 with a TGA approved vaccine, with the first dose being completed by 1 November 2021 and the second dose being completed within one month of the first dose.
You will need to upload evidence of your vaccination after each dose, to InPlace.
What happens if I cannot be vaccinated because of a medical reason? How can I get an exemption?
Northern Territory
National Cabinet have announced that all aged care workers are to have had at least their first COVID-19 vaccination by 17 September 2021.
A person who is an officer, employee or contractor of an aged care facility must not enter or remain on the premises of the aged care facility if the person has not had:
• on or before 17 September 2021- the first does of a COVID-19 vaccine; and
• on or before 31 October 2021- the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
You will need to upload evidence of your vaccination after each dose, to InPlace.
Other blood-borne diseases
For Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - it is recommended that students obtain serological evidence with regard to these two diseases as it is important to know their status especially if the student is exposed to bodily fluids. Students are not to advise their HCV or HIV status.
While students do not have an obligation to notify AHPRA about an infection, the student must comply with CDNA guidelines.
Preparing for placement
Students must obtain the appropriate placement uniform. This uniform must also be worn during practical sessions and at other times when requested.
The uniform consists of:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Paramedic science shirt | Embroidered with your name and the Flinders University crest and course title. |
| Softshell jacket | Embroidered with your name and the Flinders University crest and course title. |
| Black cargo pants | No track pants, tights or jeans. |
| Black work boots |
Sturdy, closed-in black boots. No sneakers. |
| Safety glasses | For clinical placements and practical sessions. Glasses must meet Australian Standards (AS 1337). |
How to order
For more information on sizing and to place orders visit the Corporate Image website.
You are required to read and understand the SA Health Clinical Placement Requirements for Healthcare Students (PDF)
Under the national law, all students enrolled in an approved program of study, or who are undertaking clinical training in a health profession, must be registered as a student with their respective national board.
The university is responsible for ensuring that students who are enrolled in an approved program of study who are undertaking clinical training in a health professional are registered. The University provides this information to AHPRA.
Travel
You may be required to travel distances to some of your rural and regional placements, that you would not ordinarily drive.
Please refer to the Flinders University Driver and Vehicle Safety Procedures (PDF)
Relevant documentation:
During placement
Do all students need to do placements?
The majority of paramedic degree students are required to participate in placements.
How many clinical placements do I need to complete, and what exactly do the different types of placements involve?
The number of placements you are required to complete for each topic is provided in the Statement Assessment Method for that topic. Placements are an assessable (non-graded pass - NGP) requirement of PARA1000, PARA1005, PARA2002, PARA2007, PARA3002 and PARA3007.
If you experience something traumatic while on placement, you should immediately let your team leader or supervisor know. They will then ensure that you are followed up - initially by SAAS Peer Support (who will contact you) and then through stages of the process that apply to your situation.
It is important that you speak to someone as soon as any issues arise. Your concerns will be treated with respect and can be kept confidential. For enrolled students further detail about the Peer Support Process is provided in FLO.
Remember that you have free access to the University Health, Counselling and Disability Services.
Are you experiencing bullying or harassment?
Flinders University is committed to ensuring that students can participate in workplaces that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and where people are respected and diversity is embraced.
The College complies with the Flinders University principles outlined in No bullying at Flinders.
If you feel that you are being, or have been, bullied or harassed at a placement venue, report this immediately to your topic coordinator.
Also, seek support and assistance as soon as possible from the University Student Equal Opportunity Adviser, who provides assistance to resolve complaints that arise from harassment or bullying, under the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF).
Flinders University is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment and has zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, or you are concerned about an incident or behaviour, contact us. We will be there to listen, provide information about options available to you and support you through the process.
Placements in the NT
Tropical cyclones in the Northern Territory
Tropical cyclones pose a serious threat to Northern Territory communities. The NTMP has a cyclone procedure and will implement when necessary.
Contact your WIL placement team
Paramedic placements
College of Medicine and Public Health
Location: Flinders Medical Centre, Level 5 Room 5E213
Phone: 7221 8390
Email: cmph.placements@flinders.edu.au
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A
