Leadership & Management

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...

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).’.

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...

Students' views of teachers using the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Inventory

Specific items of the CTEI have been observed to have scored more positively than others by the cohort of undergraduates. Scoring highly was item 1, ‘Establishes a good learning environment (e.g....

Emergency response driving education within UK ambulance services

Each ambulance trust across the country will have a pool of driving instructors, trained specifically to deliver driving programmes that range from basic driving assessments when new employees start...

The role of informatics in paramedic practice

So, what has informatics got to do with patient safety? The Department of Health says that:.

Health and Care Professions Council: protecting whom?

‘Medical education, evidence-based care, accountability and professionalism are all factors catalysing the modernisation and professionalisation of modern British paramedicine’.

Investigating gout: taking a new approach to an old disease

While gout is becoming an increasingly prevalent condition, it has its background many thousands of years ago. The Egyptians first identified gout in 2 640 BC, and in the fifth century, Hippocrates...

Exploring the developmental need for a paramedic pathway to mental health

The World Health Organization (WHO) (1946) defines health as ‘a state of complete, physical mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’ The DH (2011b) validates...

Assessing the accuracy of Internet-based patient information for whiplash

An initial search was made by the authors to ascertain possible synonyms for whiplash that the general public may use to find more information about the condition. Four search engines were used:...