Paramedic education: Important developments in 2012–13

The College of Paramedics is committed to developing the paramedic profession and recognises that education represents a significant ingredient to prepare and equip paramedics for the challenges presented by evolving healthcare. This article describes work currently underway by the college to update the curriculum guidance and to develop an evidence-based business case for the standardisation of paramedic education in the UK.

Since 2004, the college has made a key contribution to paramedic education through its curriculum guidance and competencies framework, which is currently undergoing its third revision and reflects the rapid evolution of the paramedic role. It will provide higher education institutions (HEIs) and other stakeholders with a comprehensive curriculum to prepare paramedics in the UK as they move through education, training and the early stages of professional practice.

A great deal of paramedic expertise from across the UK has been put into the development of the third edition which will be published in March 2013. This includes stakeholder consultation events attended by representatives from higher education institutions and ambulance service employers. The Governing Council of the College firmly believe that this document provides the best available advice for those delivering paramedic education and training and that adherence to it by education providers and employers of new registrants will enhance the quality of paramedical services; throughout the UK. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, this guidance can give service users wherever they are in the country, the information they need to ensure that paramedics have been prepared for practice through an effective collaboration that has involved education providers, employers, and the paramedics’ professional body.