About Journal of Paramedic Practice

Journal of Paramedic Practice (JPP) is the only monthly peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the clinical and professional needs of paramedics. It is a vital resource for helping paramedics enhance their professional knowledge and stay ahead of all their continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

Latest CPD

Achieve your CPD with JPP We offer a programme of 12 online reflective practice CPD modules per year. In consultation with experts, the online CPD modules will aim to cover core topics of practice relevant for paramedics, including the key area of pharmacology. Website subscribers can access our latest and archive modules, a selection of which can be found below. Subscribe Today

A current guide to airway management in prehospital patient care

A patent airway linking the nose and mouth with the lungs is essential to life. In emergency care, individuals may experience airway difficulties for many reasons including major trauma, airway inflammation and altered consciousness. Airway management is therefore a core skill for paramedics and other practitioners working in prehospital care. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the airway before moving on to consider causes of airway obstruction. A look-listen-feel approach to airway assessment is described, followed by a discussion of techniques used to clear, open and maintain the airway. Commonly used airway devices including oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal and supraglottic airways are evaluated, and their indications and insertion techniques discussed. The use of endotracheal intubation by paramedics is also evaluated.

The role of the paramedic in identifying modern slavery

Modern slavery is the recruitment or harbouring of people through the use of force and coercion for exploitation. Paramedics have significant potential and unique opportunities regarding the detection, prevention and combating of modern slavery. To analyse the literature relating to modern slavery and synthesise it for paramedic practice. Following a structured literature review, a comparative analysis was undertaken of articles concerning the relationships between modern slavery and healthcare. Five major themes were identified: barriers to healthcare access; causes of missing the indicators of trafficking; clinician knowledge; the need for training and education; and trauma-informed practices. Paramedics are in an optimal position to identify and intervene in cases of modern slavery. The introduction of survivor-centred education is recommended to better understand the barriers to healthcare access.

Exploring the clinical debrief: benefits and barriers

Paramedics are regularly exposed to traumatic situations in the prehospital environment, which can profoundly affect their emotional resilience. A debrief is a recognised tool that is used to manage the aftermath of such events. Its aims are to unpick the components of the situation, identify any issues or achievements in clinical care, highlight learning points to improve future practice and safeguard the clinician’s emotional wellbeing. This article explores the benefits of and barriers to debriefing in clinical practice as well as the emerging debate around the potential harm or benefit of single-session debriefing.

Legal issues in end-of-life care 2: consent and decision-making

Paramedics are legally and professionally obliged to uphold their patients' right to dignity, respect and autonomy—and this includes the general requirement to obtain their consent before proceeding with any intervention. The first instalment of this two-part article considered the challenges that this might present to the paramedic. This second article develops this theme and further explores the legal framework underpinning the decision-making process when caring for a patient approaching the end of life. It also examines issues around consent and mental capacity in more depth and addresses matters such as such as advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT) and do not attempt cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions.

What our readers say

“Journal of Paramedic Practice is an essential reference tool for the practising paramedic. Not only does it keep you up to speed with clinical best practice (focused on the topics you need to know), but its online CPD modules make it easy to carry out your required learning whenever is convenient.”