Clinical Practice

Diabetes mellitus: balancing blood glucose

Body cells need energy to function; glucose (sugar obtained from digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates) is the body's main energy source. The glucose in digested food is absorbed in the small...

End of life care in the community: the role of ambulance clinicians

Patients at the end of their life may have a variety of symptoms or urgent care needs. Pain, nausea/vomiting, agitation, breathlessness and terminal respiratory secretions are commonly experienced...

History taking, assessment and documentation for paramedics

‘[the ambulance service] is recognised as having a wider role, as a conduit to other NHS services and in ensuring patients can access the facilities they need, close to their home (DH, 2011:7).’.

Management of patients following cold water immersion

Golden and Hervey's four stage theory (Golden and Hervey, 1981) begins during immediate contact with the water. On initial immersion, an autonomic reflex is triggered involving uncontrollable...

Is the role of the paramedic lecturer practitioner fit for purpose?

Several studies identify lack of clarity of purpose for the lecturer practitioner role (Fairbrother and Mathers, 2004; Williamson, 2004; Williamson et al, 2004; Hancock et al, 2007) and this in itself...

Sexually transmitted infections: impact in the remote and overseas environment

Risky sexual practices whilst working away can be linked to the rise in STIs detected and treated in the communities exposed to the workers. In one study, the inclusion of a large number of oil...

Students' views of teachers using the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Inventory

Specific items of the CTEI have been observed to have scored more positively than others by the cohort of undergraduates. Scoring highly was item 1, ‘Establishes a good learning environment (e.g....

Exploring paramedic patient assessment

Records of battlefield first aid can be evidenced on Grecian pottery from as early as 500 BC, demonstrating early records of ambulances in alignment with military activities (Pearn, 1994). With global...

To alert, or not to alert? That is the question

Spotlight on Research is edited by Julia Williams, principal lecturer, paramedic science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire UK. To find out how you can contribute to future issues,...

The role of informatics in paramedic practice

So, what has informatics got to do with patient safety? The Department of Health says that:.