The future for the professional body

This issue of the Journal of Paramedic Practice features the College of Paramedics’ Strategic Plan. Developed by the College of Paramedics’ Governing Council and Executive team following consultation with the College's membership, it serves as the key reference point for the direction of the College over the next two to five years.

As outlined in the document, there are currently more than 19 500 paramedics registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Members of the College represent 19% of the present UK paramedic registrants with the HCPC. This marks a substantial growth of membership since the formation of the College of Paramedics (then the British Paramedic Association) in 2003.

This is an important time for the paramedic profession, which has had to evolve and develop to cater for the needs of the acutely ill and injured patients it attends. As the demand for ambulance services has risen, the need for a pre-hospital healthcare professional with enhanced clinical capabilities and clinical decision-making skills has become increasingly evident (Allied Health Solutions, 2013).