Clinical Practice

Appropriate morphine administration by paramedics: a review of the literature

Full text online and English articles accessible through EBSCO, Medline, CINAHL and PubMed between 1997 and 2013 were included in the overall review of the literature..

A pilot international exchange programme for paramedic students

Study in other countries is viewed as a strategic goal for many universities, as it promotes understanding of world issues affecting society, cultural competence, and international engagement, which...

The need for paramedics to be able to identify cauda equina syndrome

The spinal cord descends from the base of the medulla oblongata in the vertebral space, terminating approximately two thirds of the way down the vertebral column at the level of the second lumbar...

Exploring emergency airway management techniques for paramedics

Ideally, the placement of an endotracheal tube should be performed in a controlled environment, although this is rarely possible in a community setting. With the high probability of gastric contents...

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...