Educational standards

Dear Editor,

Educational standards for paramedics are one of the most important issues facing our profession and I have had many discussions with colleagues about the merits of higher education (HE) versus more practical routes of training. I am glad it was raised in the Journal of Paramedic Practice editorial (Quaile, 2013). Personally, I have got to thank the HE route for having a better understanding of how my practice can continue to improve post qualification. Our professional body has worked tirelessly looking at these standards and working with HE institutions to establish how they can be best implemented.

A national standard of education for paramedic education is very laudable; however, I feel it may be slightly diminished if our emergency care assistant (ECA) colleagues don't have a similar standard to work to. Our colleagues are increasingly required to work without a paramedic to guide them, only locally taught, with no nationally recognised qualification. The qualifications they do obtain via employers isn't transferable and the lack of national standards can diminish the quality of qualification, depending on the educational establishment. The argument to establish the paramedic framework first is compelling; however, our working partnerships on ambulances must surely mean that we aspire for national standards for our associates as well.