Role Development Essay

Role Development Essay

For this short essay I will be exploring how the role of the paramedic developed in the UK.  “The concept of stretcher barers in Ambulance Paramedic’s more basic form has been documented as early as the 16th century in England”. This was when less able warriors were used to remove injured soldiers- this role was also expected to be happening in much earlier times too”. (Emergency Paramedic, 2010-2018). Medics, were used as more of a transport service during  and after the wars.


In 1946, “The national health services act required local authorities to provide ambulances where necessary”. This is considered when the modern services started (Liverpool medical institution, N.D). These ambulances were firstly ran by volunteers, then introduced those considered as professionals. Kilner (2004) states that “in the post-war years all that was required of ambulance staff was a driving licence and an agreement to undertake a first aid certificate once in service” The article also continues to state that some staff did not achieve this qualifications for months after starting the job, meaning they had no training at all.

 

The miller report (1964) introduced the idea of services having staff to provide treatment on the road. It also included that staff should do at least 8 weeks training to be able to provide care (Scottish ambulance service, N.D) .  This then led to extended training programmes for ambulance staff to become paramedics, and providing clinical care such as CPR, spinal care, drug and oxygen therapy.  This followed with the department of health introducing a national training scheme for “extended trained ambulance staff” in 1985, followed a few years later by university’s starting degree programmes – showing that the role was developing and more skill was required for the role. In 2001, the first paramedics graduated with a degree, and the paramedic title became protected, also, this is the year The College of paramedics was introduced (College of Paramedics, N.D). In 2003, paramedics became registered with the HCPC. Around this time, the paramedic role has begun to develop from just being on ambulances, paramedics had begun to start roles in GP’s and walk in centres, followed by the first consultant paramedic starting the role in 2005 (College of Paramedics, N.D).

 

 In 2005, it was decided that ambulance staff should have more ability to treat patients on scene and have further clinical skills. Skills such as cannulation, defibrillation and intubation were lifesaving skills that would benefit those in need of emergency care. “Ambulance clinicians should be equipped with a greater range of competencies that enable them to assess, treat, refer, or discharge an increasing number of patients and meet quality requirements for urgent care” (DoH, 2005, pg. 44). This was introduced demonstrating more paramedic responsibility and emphasis on patient centred care and alternative pathways. This led to the decision that higher education was needed for paramedics - This would be either a Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Science.

This was then supported  The introduction of training for paramedics meant that over the past years, paramedics had acquired more advanced life-saving skills to enable them to have more clinical input and provide more advanced roadside care to those in need, however the role was still developing, therefore, so was paramedic education.


Education for paramedics is continuously evolving, it has recently been announced that as of 2021, all paramedics must be trained to BSc level to enable to register with the HCPC. The Urgent and Emergency Care Review (2013) stated that sustainable hospital care needed to be supported by the emergency services to increase survival chances for those experiencing and recovering from serious or life-threatening needs. This meant that the ambulance service needed to support hospitals, and the idea of providing alternative care for individuals was introduced to reduce emergence department attendances. Paramedics had to make clinical decisions based on each patient needs and provide effective, patient centred services outside of the emergency departments. This has led to the role of a paramedic needing further legislation and training, It has recently been announce that as of 2021, to register with the HCPC paramedics will need to have BSc level of education.


The role of a paramedic is continuously evolving, from being simply a transportation service, paramedics now have further skills enabling them to provide out of hospital emergency care. In current day, We have many roles for paramedics, including Advanced paramedics who have further skills – NWAS (N.D) states “all advanced paramedics work towards a master’s degree in a specific subject, allowing them to develop their area of advanced practice even further” – They attend more complex cases and provide support to staff. Air ambulances with a doctor and medic on board also attend more complex cases and can transport patients to the most suitable hospital in a shorter amount of time, whilst still providing emergency care.


 Another way the role has evolved is by introducing new roles, such as those who specialise in mental health - with the rise of mental health issues, and the increase In calls for this, some ambulance services have introduced a role for mental health cars, working with other agencies to triage those in need. EMAS (N.D) states that “Trained staff man the car from ambulance and mental health services to ensure a complete Pyscho-Social assessment is completed combining the expertise of the two health professionals”, this is something that wouldn’t of been considered or have been needed in the start of the services.


Paramedics have developed from having limited skills and equipment to being equipped with the appropriate resources, medication and knowledge to deal with almost any emergency. Paramedics can make clinical decisions on what is the best pathway from each patient and deal with a wider variety of calls than ever before. The role of a paramedic is also more widely recognised as being a skilful role that can be used not only on the road, this has been shown in the increase of jobs now available to paramedics, such as: primary care, Forensic services, Research, Mental health, 111 advisors, prison services, lecturers. (Richard Taffler, 2018)

In conclusion, the opportunity for paramedic development has evolved introducing more roles for those with Master degree’s and PhD’s. There are also continuous trials that will enable more skills, a recent trial being paramedic prescribing. Paramedic is a role that’s diverse and continuously evolving in line with public needs, this will be reflected in future training and opportunities for registered paramedics as the role continues to evolve.



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