Overview

This topic provides a basic understanding of how the cardiovascular system works, how it is assessed, how it fails, and emergency medical treatment options, is fundamental knowledge for paramedics. It will focus on the anatomy, physiology, electrophysiology, pathophysiology and treatment of cardiac emergencies. There is a large emphasis on reading … For more content click the Read More button below.

Topic availabilities

To view topic availabilities, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Tuition pattern

To view tuition patterns, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Aims

This topic will explore cardiovascular emergencies through a discussion of the cause, pathophysiology, presentation and treatment of the major disorders. The topic is divided into the following modules:

  • Cardiovascular Anatomy
  • Electrophysiology
  • ECG Analysis
  • Dysrhythmias
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome
  • Myocardial Infarction Recognition on 12 Lead ECGS
  • Imposters of Myocardial Infarction Recognition on 12 Lead ECGS
  • The systemic inflammatory aspects of shock
  • Vascular, Renal and Blood Pathophysiology
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Outline the physiologic mechanisms by which the cardiovascular system maintains homeostasis
2.
Critically review the potential pathophysiologic processes within cardiac physiology & electrophysiology that can lead to perfusion abnormalities
3.
Synthesize a prehospital cardiovascular patient assessment & risk stratification tool to formulate a differential diagnosis taking into consideration diverse patient cultural and socio-economic factors
4.
Interpret a 12-lead ECG and correlate findings to altered cardiovascular function and activation of prehospital specialist resources
5.
Demonstrate the ability to identify acute coronary syndrome within the prehospital setting and discuss the treatment options available to patients residing within both the rural and metropolitan settings
6.
Identify the prehospital management of peri-arrest arrhythmias
7.
Correlate the cardio-respiratory compromise associated with heart failure and evaluate the use of various prehospital interventions for a diverse patient context including those across the lifespan

Assessments

To view assessment information, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Requisites information

Pre-requisites:
Anti-requisites:

Assumed knowledge

Concurrent enrolment in PARA2001 Pathophysiology 2A and PARA2002 Paramedic Practice 1.