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Trauma-Informed First Response and Public Safety unit (CPS217)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Online

Introduction

This unit examines trauma-informed practice as an approach to promoting health, wellbeing, resilience and recovery within public safety environments. As part of your work in this Unit, you will explore how trauma, adversity and vulnerability affect individuals and communities, and how public safety professionals can contribute to positive health outcomes through safe, ethical and person-centred responses. You will draw on principles of health promotion, prevention, early intervention and strengths-based practice to examine how public safety organisations can reduce harm, support recovery and foster resilience.

After being given an introduction to the basic neurobiology elements that will help you understand the impact of trauma on the brain and subsequently decision-making and behaviour, you will analyse the relationship between trauma, social determinants of health, community wellbeing and public safety outcomes. At the same time, you will develop some practical skills for engaging with individuals experiencing crisis, distress and vulnerability. You will explore trauma-informed communication, de-escalation, collaboration and referral pathways, alongside strategies to support practitioner wellbeing and organisational resilience. By the end of the unit, you will understand how trauma-informed approaches can contribute to healthier individuals, stronger communities and more effective public safety systems.

Summary

Unit name Trauma-Informed First Response and Public Safety
Unit code CPS217
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator Professor Isa Bartkowiak-Theron
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 05/07/2027 27/07/2027 30/08/2027 24/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the impacts of trauma and trauma-related vulnerability on individuals, communities and public safety service interactions.
  • Apply trauma-informed principles to communication, decision-making and first-response practices in public safety contexts
  • Evaluate public safety responses to vulnerable populations using trauma-informed, ethical, legal and wellbeing-focused frameworks
  • Reflect on professional wellbeing, secondary trauma and organisational responsibilities in supporting trauma-informed public safety practice

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
061307 $1,235.00 $1,235.00 not applicable $3,065.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory (100) level

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 1 hour lecture, weekly.
1 x 30 minutes discussion forums, weekly.
2 x 1 hour drop in sessions, per semester.
9 x hours of independent learning, weekly.

AssessmentQuiz (MCQ) (20%)|Oral Assessment (40%)|Scenario-based short-answer questions (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.