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

Diabetes and associated diabetic emergencies

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic complications of diabetes include accelerated development of cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, loss of visual acuity, and limb amputations. However, in the acute situation, diabetes can result in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, both of which have the same cause: insufficient insulin. This article explores the physiology of glucose control, the pathophysiology of diabetes and the role of the paramedic in the prehospital treatment of the diabetic emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Clinical decision-making and its place in paramedic practice

In the pre-hospital environment, paramedics are required to make clinical decisions, often rapidly to ensure correct treatment and care is provided. Decisions made by paramedics majorly impacts on the life, clinical outcome, safety, health and wellbeing of their patients. With the introduction of the Newly Qualified Paramedic Framework, it potentially has never been more pertinent to examine the decision-making process-an integral part of paramedicine. The implementation of the NQP framework has prompted an exploration into clinical decision making and its place in an ever-evolving profession. Through examination of theories and frameworks, this article aims to identify the underpinning evidence that enables a paramedic to reach a competent decision and the barriers experienced in the process.

Empathy in paramedic practice: an overview

Empathy is generally considered to be the understanding of another person's reactions, thoughts, feelings and problems, and being able to relay this sense of understanding back to the individual. Empathy in healthcare is associated with improved communication, reduced stress, lower complication rates and better clinical outcomes. Low empathy is associated with decreased patient satisfaction and provider burnout. The burden of emotional work in paramedic practice and coping strategies may be contributory factors to lower empathy. Some evidence suggests that the empathy of paramedic students varies between patient groups and can decline over time. Empathy is an interpersonal skill that can be learned and improved upon. In paramedic practice, it is complex and inadequately studied. Its relationship to patient care, paramedic burnout and wellbeing require investigation. Several strategies to teach empathy should be considered by educators.

Management of cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: part 2

Cardiogenic shock is a leading cause of death in those experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The objective of therapeutic strategies is to preserve end-organ perfusion and reduce mortality. Prompt revascularisation by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft is considered the gold standard of care. Pharmacological and mechanical support is indicated in patients with persistent hypotension and evidence of end-organ hypoperfusion. However, there is a paucity of scientiĉ data regarding the best pharmacological agent or form of mechanical support. Prehospital care has a pivotal role in caring for these patients by monitoring them and providing physical and psychological support during transfer to acute care. Palliative care is complementary to curative therapies and should be perceived as integral to effective symptom management.

Comment

Homelessness: implications for paramedic practice

February 2019

Key facts on homelessnessThe full extent of homelessness and rough sleeping in the UK is difficult to describe. Homelessness is recorded differently in each nation, and not all homeless people show up in official statistics. However, it is clear that...

What is the long-term plan?

February 2019

What is your ‘normal’?

February 2019

Ignorance isn't bliss: behind the unequal distribution of end-of-life demand and cost

February 2019

Homelessness: implications for paramedic practice

February 2019

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.”