Martyn
I know that, at least the St John Ambulance is making noises about having technicians qualified to IHCD criteria. This has to be a good idea, in that I think that anything that improves training and self- development in ANY profession / organisation is always good idea. I just wonder whether actual IHCD targets are attainable, though. Specifically, most learning is done on-the-job: I wonder about the number of "patient contact hours" available to a volunteer with the best will in the world. So, I think the "voluntary" distinction suggested is no bad idea.
Minds, the public won't understand anyway ;o)
Whilst it's true that cannulation (to quote the example you give) is nothing but a motor skill, what's the point in being licensed to do it as a volunteer if you can't give drugs anyway? It'll probably be blocked by the time you get to hospital, and so the small but real risks associated with the procedure would be for nothing. And, once again, a motor skill is all very well if you keep doing it. I don't know what the skill erosion is for cannulation, but how many patients needing it would a typical volunteer see in a year?
I don't know if those are fair points. Comments?
Ari
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