CPD on the move for student and newly qualified paramedics

Chest pain and other cardiac problems represented just over 8% of emergency responses to 999 calls made to a UK Ambulance Service Trust in 2011–2012, with unconscious/fainting episodes representing a further 3% (South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, 2012). Although I have been unable to find a more up-to-date reference, it is likely that these figures have not changed much. In fact, they are comparable to findings from a recent study in Northern Ireland, which found that 5% of patients attending the emergency department presented with chest pain (McDevitt-Petrovic et al, 2017). Although slightly different, this means that on average, per shift, a paramedic will probably encounter at least one patient who has chest pain or another cardiac symptom such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

In light of this, it comes as no surprise that the assessment and management of cardiac patients is included in undergraduate paramedic courses, and that practical placements in coronary care units are recommended by the College of Paramedics (2015). In fact, Kingston University and St Georges University of London (2018) even offer a 30-credit module solely focused on ‘Cardiac Care for Paramedics’ as part of their BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice.