1. In the practice environment, demonstrate understanding and the application of the fundamental principles of communication in accordance with the physical and psychological needs of the service-user
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication
Application

2. In the practice environment, apply, record, and reflect upon specific assessments and clinical investigations in accordance with the physical and psychological needs of the service-user, and appropriately interpret the information obtained
Application
Problem Solving
Reflection

3. In the practice environment, utilise subject knowledge in relation to fundamental treatment and management plans/pathways and in accordance with the physical and psychological needs of the service-user
Knowledge and Understanding
Application
Learning

4. In the practice environment, utilise subject knowledge in support of practice which is cognisant of the potential hazards and risks associated with emergency and unscheduled care, and which ensures safety for the clinician, colleagues, service-users and carers
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

This module incorporates the application of skills learnt in the Introduction to Clinical Skills module. Students will undertake practice experiences, which will provide them with opportunities to practice skills appropriate to this level, under the supervision of a practice educator or practice supervisor.

The majority of practice (minimum of 400 hours) will comprise of ambulance practice learning experiences, involving shifts on a front-line emergency ambulance, under the direct supervision of a paramedic practice educator or other qualified paramedic. During this practice learning experience, students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, communication, application, and problem-solving abilities in the areas appropriate to this level of study.

A minimum of 36 hours will comprise of alternative practice learning within a range of alternative practice settings. These experiences will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the wider health service, multi-disciplinary working and the developing role of paramedic practice.
In each of these practice areas you will be under the supervision of an appropriate practice supervisor and will interact with a wide range of service-users.

At Level 4, areas of study include the following:

• Application of guidelines in accordance with evidence informed practice
• Primary and secondary survey
• Patient history
• Patient assessment
• Collection and interpretation of vital signs/clinical observations
• Use of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
• Communication
• Appropriate referral pathways
• Intermediate Life Support
• Principles of clinical decision-making
• Interpretation of examination and assessment findings
• Scope of practice
• Ethics
• Interprofessional working

These areas of focus will be covered within your Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and reflective case studies (see assessment details).

During your practice learning, you will select a clinical case-study, which will form the focal point for your summative presentation in the Introduction to Communication and Professionalism for Paramedic Practice module.

1. Practice Placement Document (Pass/Fail element)
2. Assignment Portfolio (100%) – this provides the graded element of the module.


The assessment for this module consists of two assessments, which both need to be passed to obtain an overall pass for the module:

Practice Assessment Documentation (PAD):

You will be provided with a Practice Assessment Document at the start of the module, for completion during your practice placement learning experiences. Your PAD will include a range of competencies that need to be achieved by the end of your ambulance practice, and learning objectives to be completed within your alternative practice. It will also include opportunities for reflective practice, and to discuss your ongoing progress with your practice educator or practice supervisor.
Your practice placement hours, a minimum of 400 ambulance hours and 36 alternative practice area hours, will be recorded in the PAD. These hours have to be completed in order to pass the module.

Your PAD covers all four module learning outcomes and will result in a pass/fail mark. Submission of your PAD will be following completion of your practice learning experiences.

Reflective Case Studies

Whilst in practice, you will compile three separate reflective case-studies based on real-life incidents (to a given template), which explore your underpinning knowledge in accordance with all learning outcomes for the module. This forms the graded aspect of this module.

Each case study will be approximately 750 words and is expected to cover a different aspect of your practice. They will also address specific module learning outcomes.

Each of the reflective case-studies will focus on the following areas:

1. Communication (LO1) weighted 33%
2. Assessment (LO 2) weighted 33%
3. Management (LO3 and LO4) weighted 33%

These assignments will be submitted via the University’s online Virtual Learning Environment.

Each assignment will be graded individually, and your overall mark for this module will be an average of your grades of each of the individual assignments.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed.

A minimum of 400 hours will be spent on ambulance practice under the supervision of a paramedic practice educator. This will be spread over a practice period of 14 weeks. During this practice period you will also spend one additional week in university. This week will allow the staff to consolidate your practice experience, identify any issues that require addressing, and provide an opportunity for you to reflect on your practice experience so far.

A minimum of 36 hours will be spent in alternative practice areas, under the supervision of an appropriate practice supervisor. These will take place at appropriate times throughout the academic year and will be allocated time on the timetable as appropriate. These alternative placements will encourage interprofessional education (IPE) by affording you the opportunity to learn from practice educators from other healthcare professions.

More detail on ambulance and alternative placements can be found in the Practice Learning Handbook.

You will also be expected to conduct independent study as required throughout your placement block, reflecting on your own practice, engaging in your own study on identified areas of weakness, and working on your assignments.

BLABER, A. Y. & HARRIS, G. (2011) Assessment Skills for Paramedics. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill
GREGORY, P. & WARD, I. (Eds) (2010) 'Sanders' Paramedic Textbook. UK Edition. London: Mosby Elsevier
PILBERY, R., LETHBRIDGE, K. (2016) Ambulance Care Practice. Bridgwater: Class Professional Publishing

VLE
IT resources
Library resources
Clinical practice
Clinical practice placement educator (ambulance placements)
Placement supervisor (alternative placements)

Enrolled onto the following award;
BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science

Introduction to Applied Paramedic Practice Module incorporates the application of clinical and social skills essential for the student paramedic to undertake practical experiences, with many opportunities for them to practice skills appropriate to their academic level of study.

Students complete placements allowing them to engage with practice educators or practice supervisors within an ambulance service setting and a number of diverse alternative practice environments such as, primary care settings, acute trusts, the education sector and custodial environments.



During these practice learning experiences, students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, communication, application of skills, and problem-solving abilities in the areas appropriate to their level of study interacting with a wide range of service-users.