Book Review

So here they are at last, the much anticipated (and overdue) Clinical Practice Guidelines 2013. Last published in 2006 under the auspices of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC), these latest guidelines have again been developed with JRCALC, Warwick University and National Ambulance Service Medical Directors group input, but now under the umbrella of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.

There is, however, one group of contributors that have come to the fore since the previous guidance was issued. A cursory glance at the list of contributors confirms the increased involvement of paramedics themselves in formulating these clinical guidelines. Perhaps reflecting a growing body of evidence that supports and recognises the contribution the profession can make to the wider health economy, it also signifies an increased involvement of paramedics in research.

While there is still a comparative paucity of evidence in the pre-hospital setting (which is apparent in some of the guidelines, e.g. fluid therapy, use of anti-emetics and management of pelvic trauma), there can be no doubt that the primacy of evidence-based practice informs these clinical guidelines.