Looking at the information resources available for paramedic practice

This article describes the sources of published research available to NHS Ambulance Service staff. It gives advice on where to find resources and how to access them. The article shares knowledge and experience with readers to support study, research and continuing professional development (CPD). The authors are librarians currently supporting NHS Ambulance Service staff in England.

The NHS invests in library and information services and electronic resources to support clinical practitioners in developing and delivering evidence-based services. This definition of evidence-based medicine summarises the intention of using the best and most current research to inform clinical practice:

Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.

Evidence is contained in leading medical and allied health research journals, summaries and analysis of current published research around a specific topic, e.g. systematic reviews, and in reports, guidelines and reports of best practice.

Finding and using the best published research is a skill embedded in the paramedic practice and paramedic science programmes across the United Kingdom. Librarians would characterise these skills as information skills. These are transferable skills that are useful for CPD, study and research at university, and for preparing for reports and guidelines for work. All NHS Ambulance Service staff should have information skills and knowledge of the resources available to them.