Knowing our specialist roles

I've previously advocated for us all to celebrate the opportunities that are available within our profession. We should excitedly welcome and embrace the change and offer a commitment to continuing the development of our profession as far as possible—or should I say, as far as safely possible? It is said that only the limitations of our own vision or imagination restrict progression and it's true that much is achieved through passionate determination.

Two incidents in the last month have made me pause and consider the following: as a profession, are we ready for this? Can we adequately support the diverse range of paramedic roles? Should we be a little more cautious as we develop the roles of the future?

List in your minds some paramedic roles and you may start with the more traditional: critical care, HART or HEMS. Perhaps you drift towards advanced practice, primary or urgent care. There are many who have chosen a less-than-traditional career pathway and will always identify as a paramedic. As a profession, do we know where these clinicians are and what they are doing? If not, how as a professional group are we supporting them?