Understanding the do's and dont's of social media

Social media provides both benefits and challenges: paramedics both nationally and internationally can share knowledge and information, debate critical issues and keep up-to-date with developments in practice. However, being aware of potential pitfalls is essential; social media is not peer-reviewed, for instance, and the maintaining of professional and personal boundaries can be challenging.

Legal, regulatory and professional considerations apply to paramedics as allied health professionals (AHPs) or students when using social media. What you make public about your personal life on social media sites could have an impact on your employment and professional standing. Inappropriate comments written and shared have potential to breach a number of laws or regulations—from data protection, defamation or harassment laws, to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or employer regulations.

Social media is a public domain and you should be aware that while online you are still representing the profession and your employer and should be aware of how you could be viewed by society/service users/colleagues/other agencies/the media/governing bodies. There are increasing numbers of paramedics being involved in social networking disciplinary cases; the internet is not anonymous, nor does it forget. Everything written on the internet can be traced back to its author very easily and there is a permanent record which is accessible to all.