Clinical Practice

What makes clinicians decide to use spinal immobilisation? A review of the literature

‘Quadriplegia resulting from spinal instability missed by a clearance test had enormous impacts on longevity, quality of life, and costs, overshadowing the effects of prolonged collar application,...

Decision making for refusals of treatment—a framework to consider

In September 2009, a young adult Ms Wooltorton drank antifreeze, dialled 999 and presented the attending ambulance staff with a letter dated 14 September saying she wanted no lifesaving treatment but...

Is there a lawyer on board? In-flight emergencies and other Good Samaritan acts

‘Even though it is theoretically possible, to our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of a doctor ever being sued successfully for acting as a Good Samaritan in a medical emergency’ (Seddon,...

Student perceptions in relation to Paramedic Educator (PEd) roles

This study aimed to address a lack of published literature surrounding PEds' mentoring role within paramedic education. As findings from other healthcare professions were used when creating the PEd...

Is interprofessional teaching enhanced through peer-assisted learning?

‘Participants in this study clearly articulated benefits of inter-professional peer-assisted learning’.

Paramedic attitudes to deliberate self-harming behaviour in Ireland

‘On the occasions I have been admitted to an A&E department they have concentrated on medically patching me up and getting me out. Never have I been asked any questions regarding whether this is the...

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance: a focused case series for pre-hospital practice

We report the case of a 2-year-old boy who sustained a scald to the abdomen after pulling a freshly made cup of tea over himself. Following a crew request for analgesia and transfer to a burns unit,...

Paramedics developing rapport with the elderly: a pilot study

‘Instructional methods should not be used in the teaching of communication skills, since they are ineffective in comparison with experiential methods’.

Developing leadership in the UK's ambulance service: a review of the consultant paramedic role

The concept of improved clinical leadership through non-medical consultant roles was first introduced in DH guidance Making a Difference (DH, 1999a), and was part of the wider modernisation agenda set...