This book provides a well written and accessible text for paramedics who wish to begin engaging with research in pre-hosptial care. Written and edited by a number of high–calibre professionals who are involved with paramedic research and education, the book provides a good platform to assist the profession in developing towards more evidence– based medicine.
While students and registrants undertaking higher education are likely to be well versed in the research process as well as critical appraisal, those who undertook a more traditional route into the paramedic profession may consider the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements to be a critical user of research slightly more daunting.
As an introductory text this book will equip the reader with an understanding of the research process and methodologies, as well provide them with the tools to critically appraise research relevant to their practice. The book is well referenced and provides some guidance for additional reading in order to expand on certain topics.
While my peer group and I have often complained that our higher education research teaching can often feel irrelevant to our practice, this book provides plenty of real life examples to demonstrate the relevance of research to paramedic practice. I would highly recommend this book as a research guide for paramedics and students. As, if the profession seeks to grow and fulfil the vision of the Collage of Paramedics (CoP) career framework, then paramedics in the profession will need to develop their research skills to be as highly tuned and as competent as their clinical skills.
Although this book may not provide all the answers to every question paramedics may ask on the subject of research, it certainly makes a good starting point, and is certainly recommend for all those wishing to gain a basic understanding of paramedic research.