1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding relating to potentially vulnerable service-user groups
Knowledge and Understanding

2.Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of social inequalities and lifestyle upon health
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of chronic conditions and/or disability upon psychological and physical health
Knowledge and Understanding

Paramedics provide care for the general-public, often seeing and treating those who are most vulnerable in society. This module looks at the concept and reality of vulnerability in the pre-hospital setting.

It will help you to understand and identify patients who are vulnerable. Informing your assessment and treatment, at the point of contact and beyond. Some of the subjects explored will include:
Vulnerability- from Birth to End of Life. What makes people vulnerable and why?
Cultural and Societal vulnerability- How to these aspects create vulnerability?
Disability- Ensuring practice that effectively cares for and treat those with disabilities.
Mental Health- Indicators, assessment and legislation in relation to the pre-hospital setting.
Addiction- Considerations needed to treat and support people with substance addiction.
Collaborative working- how to work with other professionals and services who work with vulnerable groups.
Safeguarding- Identifying how and when to safeguard.
Best interest’s- What is in a patient’s best interest?

Alongside these you will also be introduced to social determinants of health, a theme that will be embedded through Level 5 and Level 6 modules. Vulnerability is intrinsically linked to the concepts of:
Health Inequality- why are we not all equal?
Psychosocial factors of health- The psychological and social aspects that affect health.
Exploration of these subjects will inform your understanding of the human condition and your clinical practice, preparing you for further study.

Learning will be divided between online study materials (approx. 10 hours) and class-room learning (approx. 26 hours).

An online introduction to each subject area will be built upon through lead lectures.

Due to the complex nature of the subject matter there will be a heavy emphasis on discussion and debate within lectures to facilitate full exploration of the topic.

Incorporated into these will be tasks and activities, which will help to form the basis of face-to-face tutorial sessions to reinforce your learning.

Specialist guest lectures and service users will also be included to give students an in-depth professional and personal experience of key subject areas.

LARKIN, M. (2009) Vulnerable Groups in Health and Social Care. London: Sage
PENHALE, B., PARKER, J. (2007) Working with Vulnerable Adults. Oxon: Routledge
HUSSEIN RASSOOL, G. (2018) Alcohol and Drug Misuse, A guide for Health and Social Care professionals 2nd Ed. Oxon: Routledge
JYOTI, B. AND HAMAD, A. (2016) Geriatrics, Mental Health and Social Care (BMJ Clinical Review). London. BPP Learning Media
MUGHAL, A F. AND RICHARDS, S. (2015) The deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding Handbook. UK: Book wise Publications Ltd
NORMAN, I. AND RYRIE, I. (2013) The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing. Berkshire: Open University Press
NICHOLAS, J. (2015) Practical Guide to Child Protection, The Challenges, Pitfalls and Practical Solutions. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
WOODFORD, H. AND GEORGE, J. (2013) Acute Medicine in the Frail and Elderly. London: Radcliffe Publishing

ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING. (2012). Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Health. Available: https://www.rcn.org.uk/about-us/policy-briefings/pol-0112. Last accessed 21/12/2017
Journal: Journal of Child Health Care. Sage Journals.
Journal: Society, Health and Vulnerability. Taylor & Francis online

Lecturers
Classroom
VLE
IT resources
Library resources

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