I am fully supportive of Cliff's observations of the value of Paramedics
working within the ED.
I think it would also be useful for all ED staff to spend time with our
ambulance service colleagues on front line vehicles so that not only the
realities of prehospital care can be understood but skill mix can be shared
and appreciated by all.
John Black
-----Original Message-----
From: Cliff Reid [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 18 August 2002 23:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Paramedic practitioners in the ED
Sounds like a great idea.
Possible benefits:
improved working relationships between pre-hospital and hospital personnel
adds variety to paramedic career - improved staff retention / motivation
(currently a BIG problem in some areas)
high volume exposure to procedures normally performed - cannulation,
splintage, airway adjuncts
educationally rewarding in terms of understanding ED diagnostic processes
and medical care of emergencies
feedback on ED consequences and perception of field interventions
possibility of 'extended role' skills acquisition - wound care, 12 lead ECG,
tet tox, minor HI advice, minor soft tissue injury care (ready for possible
pre-hospital 'practitioning')
NB I think RSI is unlikely in most EDs - you'd be at the back of a long
queue!
I don't think it's unreasonable to examine the role of paramedic assessment
and discharge at the scene. There's enough data from the UK to show that the
majority of 999 callers do not require hospital admission, and a significant
proportion don't even wait to be seen once they get to hospital. The current
emergency care system is failing in many ways, and novel approaches and
lateral thinking are required. I don't disagree that ED resources should be
optimised, but the Emergency Department is only one link in the chain.
Cheers
Cliff Reid
(BTW if any aussie/nz EPs have any last minute tips on technique for the
written part of the Fellowship exam, please e-mail me off list this week!)
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