Features

Air Ambulance National Conference 2013 and Awards of Excellence

This year also saw the Association of Air Ambulances' inaugural Awards of Excellence. Held in the evening following the conference, the Awards were open to all air ambulance operations within the UK...

Ambulance CPAP Saves Lives: why don't we use it?

Current UK ambulance guidelines (Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC), 2013) advocate the use of nitrates (in particular, glyceryl trinitrate) as the first-line treatment of ACPE....

Anatomical and physiological mechanisms of heartblock associated with AMI

The heartbeat is initiated by an intrinsic electrical system composed of modified myocytes. These myocytes are organised into a group of spontaneously discharging pacemaker cells, situated in the...

The decision-making process in an emergency: a reflection on paramedic practice

A relative made an emergency call requesting an ambulance for a 64-year-old female, who had collapsed at home and appeared to be having a stroke. Whilst responding on a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV),...

Australian paramedics' provision of analgesia for older fallers

‘This paper found higher proportions of analgesia administration than previously reported’.

Implementation of a mechanical chest compression device

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,...

Publication of the new Paramedic Curriculum Guidance

‘The introduction of preceptorship… has changed the orientation and foundation process for newly registered practitioners into practice’.

A good death: key conceptual elements to end of life care

Achieving a “good death for all” is a prominent social and political priority across the western world (Ellershaw et al, 2010); however despite this prominence the concepts of such a death remain...

“Trojan Ambulances”: an emerging threat

An ambulance vehicle with blue lights illuminated and with its siren sounding is generally permitted access to locations other traffic may be barred from, and using that access detonates at its...

Mentorship: a reflective journey of self discovery

Throughout my entire working life I have had a passion for training and education and greatly enjoy mentoring and developing the skills of others. As I did not have any specific training, teaching or...