At our launch in 2008, the Journal of Paramedic Practice's (JPP) first ambition was to demonstrate that paramedics would embrace a journal that took their job and career seriously.
From the outset, with the unstinting help of the editorial board, JPP published peer-reviewed articles free from political and commercial bias and very quickly, new strands to the journal emerged. Through the website, we introduced a bi-monthly reflective practice CPD element to the journal. This year the online CPD became monthly, expanding the range of training we are able to offer.
The continued support and enthusiasm of our subscribers all point to success in our aims. UK paramedics have definitely shown that they were ready for a publication which refects the strides forward the profession has taken.
Recent developments
Refective learning log
Regular JPP readers will have noticed that we recently introduced a fold-out reflective practice learning log. This allows subscribers to quickly record their learning outcomes gained from reading the issue. It is a simple way to regularly update any CPD portfolio.
Bigger issues
Starting in May 2011, JPP increased the size of each issue, allowing us to give readers at least three more articles each month.
New international edition
Since its launch, JPP's editorial content and approach have attracted considerable interest from overseas. However, although many of our articles can benefit emergency care professionals wherever they practice, the journal as a whole is published specifically with reference to the needs of UK paramedics.
To alter the character of the journal to accommodate an international favour makes no sense. Therefore, the JPP team are happy to announce that we shall be launching a new quarterly title, International Paramedic Practice (IPP). IPP will be produced quarterly and online on account of its global reach—www.internationaljpp.com
IPP will share the publishing style and quality thresholds of the JPP you are currently reading, but the content will be unique to the new title. The first issue will be available from 5 September 2011. Scheduled content is outlined in Box 1.
Bespoke editorial board
As a separate publication to JPP, the international edition benefits from its own editorial board comprising: Guillaume Alinier (UK/Qatar); Stephen Burgess (Australia); Peter O’Meera (Australia); Stew Stancil (USA); Geoff Miller (USA); and Tim Essington (Canada). Their experience and enthusiasm for developing standards and themes that apply to dedicated professionals, whatever their national jurisdiction, will ensure the title is interesting and useful.
Free with your JPP renewal
IPP will help substantially as an evidence-based resource for UK paramedics. A subscription to IPP will cost US$75. However, the JPP team feel it is right to reward the readers who have supported the UK title through its early years. Therefore, current subscribers to JPP will receive access to IPP for free when they renew their subscription. A subscription may be extended at any stage of its lifecycle.
Conclusion
I would like to conclude with a huge thank you to all those in the paramedic profession for helping develop and support the journal you are reading today. It is a tremendous achievement to have reached a position from which we canlaunch a global edition. Surely the role of a professional and clinical journal is to act as a forum for ideas, promote best practice and encourage innovation. With your support we will continue to pursue these aims.