Overview
Bioethical principles and the law both inform and impact every aspect of contemporary paramedic practice. In this unit, you will gain introductory knowledge of the fundamentals of ethics, law, and professionalism. You will learn the skills you can apply and tools you can use to help navigate common legal issues and challenges in everyday situations. In the process of exploring ethical and legal issues in paramedicine, opportunities for deliberation, discussion, critique, and reflection will arise within a case-based framework.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE feedback
Students expressed that greater clarity is required for the assessment tasks
Provide additional resources to support student's understanding of tasks including assessment instruction videos and examples
Feedback from SUTE feedback
Students enjoyed engaging content which included real world application, 5HP resources and case-based discussions
Continue to include 5HP resources, integration of 'real-world' application and case-based discussions with breakout rooms
Feedback from SUTE feedback
Students requested more pre-recorded lectures, short summaries, and more interactive discussions rather than heavy reading loads
Weekly content will consider use of a greater number of smaller pre-recorded lectures on each topic with accompanying study guides
Feedback from SUTE feedback
Students communicated the need for greater unit alignment of the poster presentation assessment task
Poster presentation assessment task will be reviewed, to ensure alignment with the unit learning outcomes
- Explain ethical and legal principles and ethical obligations as they relate to paramedic practice, with an emphasis on the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
- Describe the features of the Australian legal system and statutory bodies
- Locate relevant and important legislation, legal concepts and case law, and discuss them with application to paramedicine
- Relate professionalism and regulation to paramedicine
- Identify and discuss ethical and legal issues arising within paramedicine, and apply relevant skills and tools to resolve these issues.
The Paramedicine Board of Australia requires that units align with the Professional capabilities for registered paramedics, which consist of five (5) domains. The below section aligns the proposed learning outcomes with these domains. In addition, the learning outcomes have been aligned with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Ambulance Health Service Standards.
Professional capabilities for registered paramedics
| Standard/Attribute/Criteria | Learning Outcome/s |
|
Domain 1: The professional and ethical practitioner 1.1.1, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 1.1.10, 1.1.11, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.4.1, 1.4.2 |
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
|
Domain 2: The communicator and collaborator 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.2.2 |
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
|
Domain 3: The evidence-based practitioner 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.4.1, 3.4.2 |
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
|
Domain 4: The safety and risk management practitioner 4.1.2, 4.2.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.4, 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.6.5, 4.7.4 |
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
|
Domain 5: The paramedicine practitioner 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 5.1.5, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5, 5.6.1, 5.6.2, 5.6.3, 5.6.4 |
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
| Standard | Learning Outcome/s |
| Clinical Governance: 1.01b, 1.01c, 1.08d, 1.16b, 1.16c, 1.17b, 1.17c | LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4 |
| Partnering with Consumers: 2.01a, 2.01b, 2.01c, 2.03a, 2.03b, 2.04, 2.05a, 2.05b, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08 | LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5 |
| Preventing and Controlling Infections: | - |
| Medication Safety: | - |
| Comprehensive Care: 5.03a, 5.03b, 5.03c, 5.13c | LO1, LO3, LO5 |
| Communicating for Safety: 6.03a, 6.03b, 6.03c, 6.09a, 6.09b | LO1, LO3, LO5 |
| Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration: 8.07 | LO1, LO3, LO5 |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Applied Paramedic Law, Ethics, and Professionalism
- Edition: 2nd (2019)
- Authors: Ruth Townsend, Morgan Luck
- Elsevier
- ISBN: 9780729543088
This textbook is supplied electronically by CQUniversity. You are not required to purchase it
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- E-reading List
- Microphone + Webcam
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
i.e.dejonge@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Ethics, Law and Professionalism
Chapter
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Practical Ethics for Paramedicine
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapters 2 and 3
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
The Australian Legal System
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 4 pp. 54-68
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Finding, Reading, and Interpreting law
Chapter
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Professionalism
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 4 pp. 68-80
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Consent, Capacity and Refusal
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 5
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Negligence and Standards of Care
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 6
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Protective Jurisdiction
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 8
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Mental Health and the Law in Paramedicine
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 9
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Privacy, Confidentiality and Records
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapters 10 and 11
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
End-of-life Care, Death, Decisions and the Coronial System
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapter 7
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Operational Matters
Chapter
Townsend and Luck (2020)
Chapters 12 and 13
E-reading List Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
You will be required to complete one (1) online quiz. The quiz will open on Friday of Week 5 and will have a specific time limit imposed.
The quiz will consist of a range of question types, including multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions, exploring content based on the first five weeks of material (including lecture materials, online modules, links, and additional readings). The quiz will focus on your foundational knowledge of ethical and legal principles, the Australian legal system, aspects of professionalism, and regulation relevant to paramedicine.
1
Other
Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Week 8 Friday (11 Sept 2026)
You will be required to answer each question to receive the marks allocated to that question. Non-attempts will score a zero mark. The quiz may not be reattempted. This is an individual assessment with no collaboration allowed.
The quiz will open at 0900hrs AEST on the Friday of Week 5 and will remain open for one week. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after this date, and there will be no opportunity to apply a late penalty of five percent per day.
The 72 hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
1. No AI
The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills.
- Explain ethical and legal principles and ethical obligations as they relate to paramedic practice, with an emphasis on the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
- Describe the features of the Australian legal system and statutory bodies
- Relate professionalism and regulation to paramedicine
2 Presentation
In paramedic practice, clinicians frequently encounter complex situations where suggested clinical interventions conflict with a patient's legal rights or the paramedic's ethical obligations. Navigating these scenarios requires the systematic application of structured ethical and legal decision-making frameworks.
For this assessment task, you will apply the PRECARE decision-making model to a clinical scenario. The PRECARE model is discussed in your textbook Applied paramedic law, ethics and professionalism : Australia and New Zealand, which is available for free in the unit reading list.
To support you in this task, you will utilise Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Gemini). Your objective is to use the AI platform to develop a PRECARE assessment, and then to critically evaluate the AI-generated outputs against current Australian statutory law and common law precedents.
You will summarise this into a recorded presentation.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
4. Full AI
AI may be used to complete any elements of the task, with students directing AI to achieve the assessment goals. Assessments at this level may also require engagement with AI to achieve goals and solve problems.
Week 10 Friday (25 Sept 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026)
Your presentation will be assessed on
- Length (Assessor will stop watching at the 7 minute mark)
- Writing and presentation
- Introduction to the situation
- Framework generation
- Legal verification of consent
- Reflection
- Locate relevant and important legislation, legal concepts and case law, and discuss them with application to paramedicine
- Identify and discuss ethical and legal issues arising within paramedicine, and apply relevant skills and tools to resolve these issues.
3 Written Assessment
This written assessment requires you to complete a workbook, which offers you the opportunity to reflect on the unit material, demonstrate your engagement and show what you have learnt to support your continued professional development through structured self-directed learning. You will need to work through the tasks set out in the workbook for each corresponding week. The workbook will be provided to you via the Moodle page and will involve a mixture of question types, including short-answer responses and long-answer responses.
Please review the workbook thoroughly before commencing. You must complete all parts of the workbook according to the instructions provided, ensuring that any written responses are referenced appropriately. Please submit your workbook once complete in Week 12.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
1. No AI
The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
The workbook will be assessed on:
- All questions are complete.
- Understanding of key concepts and ideas from the unit and the ability to apply these to concrete situations.
- Demonstration of learning and clear and succinct reflection (where required).
- Organisation of and writing mechanics in written responses.
- All written responses are referenced appropriately.
- Explain ethical and legal principles and ethical obligations as they relate to paramedic practice, with an emphasis on the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
- Locate relevant and important legislation, legal concepts and case law, and discuss them with application to paramedicine
- Relate professionalism and regulation to paramedicine
- Identify and discuss ethical and legal issues arising within paramedicine, and apply relevant skills and tools to resolve these issues.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
