Reflective Practice Critical Essay – Role and importance of paramedic responses in mental health emergencies

Reflective Practice Critical Essay (2,250 words)

Due: Week 8

Weighting: 30%

Choose one of the following:

− Role and importance of paramedic responses in mental health emergencies;

− Paramedic risk assessment and behaviour at the coal-face;

− Subjective reality – “Normal” versus “abnormal” behaviour;

− State and national standards for mental health responses;

− The power of de-escalation – non-pharmacological treatment options in mental health emergencies;

− When to medicate – pharmacological treatment options in mental health emergencies;

− Mental health justice – the Mental Health Act, state and national clinical practice guidelines, patient rights and paramedic duty of care;

− Being an ally in a mental health emergency – resisting mental health oppression;

− Mental health issues for youth – dos and don’ts;

− Geriatric mental health issues – dos and don’ts;

− Mental health of aboriginal Australians – dos and don’ts;

− Interprofessional mental health care practices;

− Paramedic self-care.

Write a reflective practice critical essay on your chosen topic. Research the topic in the context of the existing literature in paramedicine (and beyond). Be sure to explore the full terrain of views on the topic and include a critical analysis that discloses your perspective that is backed with supporting evidence.