| Paramedics must frequently make crucial patient care decisions in the field independent of direct physician consultation. This requires development of a high level of critical thinking ability in student paramedics. As this report indicates, standard approaches to encourage, measure and evaluate levels of critical thinking have not historically been applied in the SAIT paramedic program.Curriculum adjustments and a standard set of critical thinking development and evaluation tools, along with instructor education, are required to ensure consistent development of a high level of critical thinking in student paramedics. Recommendations for program redesign are presented with the findings of this report.The research reported in this project suggests that high-fidelity human patient simulation provides and opportunity to place the student in situations similar to what they will face in the field, and offers a learning environment that will engage and develop critical thinking at the level required of a field practitioner. |
