Book Review

The evolution of paramedicine in recent years has been mirrored by parallel developments in both formal education programmes and the accompanying published literature. No more so is this best witnessed than in the field of pharmacology. A topic which could once send paramedics into 3rd stage shock at its very mention, is now an integral part of a modern paramedic's scope of practice.

A cursory glance at the content of this book reaffirms that assertion with most, if not all, of the subject areas forming the fundamentals of paramedic practice. This offering, however, should not be considered a ‘large’ version of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) pocket handbook. While individual drug therapies are given a mention and a list of so-called core drugs is provided, the emphasis is on pharmacology as a whole, with specific reference to some of the most common medical conditions e.g. heart failure, respiratory pathologies and pain management.