From trade to profession-the professionalisation of the paramedic workforce

Abstract

How do we achieve professionalisation of the paramedic? The Trait theory identifies profession as having 1. An exclusive body of knowledge 2. Self regulation and 3. Registration. Becoming a profession leads to improved remuneration and greater respect and knowledge, but this does not lead to a change in personal conduct. Professionalism however, is connected to behaviour, attitudes, accountability and responsibility. The behavioural changes and attitudes required of a ‘professional’ are brought about through the combination of higher education and clinical leadership. Academic input integrates clinical leadership with the career structure and all staff at all levels. Clinical leaders are at the coal face, accessible during and after the event, for training and clinical supervision and are therefore transforming practice at every level.However, clinical leadership is ineffective with an uneducated workforce and an uneducated workforce is ineffective without clinical leadership, thetwo go hand in hand So... What is the way forward for the ambulance service? What are paramedics doing to develop and maintain the profession and professional

An exploration of the views of paramedics regarding airway management

“…In our study this view was justified by perceived clinical need, and the challenges of delivering excellent care in the out-of-hospital environment, and is consistent with previous research from North America looking at the skills most highly ranked by paramedics, where tracheal intubation was deemed the most important [ 12 ]. However tracheal intubation may also be viewed as part of the “exclusive body of knowledge” that defines a profession, such that a threat to intubation is a threat to the profession itself [ 18 ]. Although the paramedics in our study recognised that other airway management methods are often adequate there was a lack of trust or belief in the utility of supraglottic devices in difficult situations, when airways are soiled or patient extrication is difficult.…”

Professionalism and Professionalisation in the Discipline of Paramedicine

“…As well as these theses, several papers focus on the role of education in the professionalisation of paramedics. These explore the increasing 'academisation' of paramedicine and the increasing role that education will play in legitimising the profession, creating the body of knowledge, and forming the basis for future practice (22)(23)(24). Tertiary education is now common in many countries such as Australia (24) and the UK (25), and is emerging in the United States (US) and Canada.…”

Cultural change and perpetuation in organisations: evidence from an English emergency ambulance service

“…This has given rise to calls for organisational change, particularly in the role, education and training of paramedics so that they may carry out a wider range of activities, such as referrals, giving advice and treatment at the scene. Calls for professionalization of the work force (First et al 2012) have resulted in paramedic training moving into the universities (College of Paramedics 2015) with a range of advanced specialist paramedic roles being developed. Staffs with specialist roles (such as critical care paramedics or emergency care practitioners) are now equipped with enhanced knowledge and skills needed to make complex decisions about patient care.…”