The future of training and education

Since the advent of the paramedic profession, its means of educating and training its members has constantly evolved. The transition from predominantly first aid and transport-focused ambulance operations to more specialised services involving increased clinical decision-making has meant the way in which paramedics are trained has had to adapt to meet these accumulating demands. This increase in clinical capability has also led to the realisation that paramedics can, and do, make a fundamental contribution to unscheduled and urgent care.

As a result of this growing interest in the delivery of paramedic education and training, the Allied Health Professional Health Education Advisory Group (formally the Department of Health's AHP Professional Advisory Body) commisioned a study that has called for the introduction of a national education and training framework for paramedics (Allied Health Solutions, 2013).

The Paramedic Evidence Based Project (PEEP), which was funded by the College of Paramedics, emphasises the need for a more robust education and training system. As current education and training for paramedics in England is locally determined, very different levels of learning outcomes are being achieved at the point of registration. It has therefore been highlighted that education and training needs to be standardised, and a clear framework enabling this to happen must be developed.