1. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Paramedic Care: Principles & Practice Volume 1 Introduction to Advanced Prehospital Care

2. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Chapter 1 Introduction to Advanced Prehospital Care

3. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Topics Introduction Role of the Paramedic Traits of a Paramedic Paramedicine as a Profession Scope of Practice

4. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Introduction EMS has made significant advances over the last 30 years. The role of the paramedic has advanced accordingly. Congratulations on your decision to become an EMT-Paramedic!

5. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The paramedic of today provides comprehensive, compassionate, and efficient prehospital emergency care.

6. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Description of the Profession The paramedic is the highest level of prehospital care provider. The primary task of a paramedic is to provide emergency medical services in an out-of-hospital setting. All paramedics must be licensed, registered, or otherwise credentialed.

7. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The paramedic of the 21st century is a highly trained health care professional.

8. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Paramedics must possess knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the profession.

9. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The paramedic must ALWAYS be an advocate for the patient.

10. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Roles Paramedics will continue to fill the well-defined and traditional role of 911 response. Emerging roles include public education, health promotion, and participation in illness prevention programs.

11. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The ability to make independent judgments in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

12. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Paramedic Characteristics As a paramedic you should: Have excellent judgment. Be able to prioritize decisions. Be a confident leader. Be able to function independently.

13. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Paramedic: A True Health Professional EMS is young as a profession. Paramedics are a respected part of the health care system. Consider the completion of your paramedic course as the beginning.

14. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Special Note: You must always strive to earn your status as a health care professional!

15. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Public education is also an important part of the paramedic’s job.

16. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The current paramedic curriculum provides for a much improved understanding of illness and injury processes.

17. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ An essential aspect of a health professional is acceptance and adherence to a code of ethics and etiquette.

18. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Expanded Scope of Practice Paramedics are now stepping into non-traditional roles such as: –Critical Care Transport –Primary Care –Industrial Medicine –Sports Medicine

19. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The modern critical-care transport vehicle provides virtually all of the capabilities of a hospital intensive care unit.

20. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Critical-care transport provides for the safe transfer of critically ill or injured patients between health care facilities.

21. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Primary Care Many patients receive primary care outside the hospital at far less cost. In some cases, paramedics, in close contact with medical direction, can provide care at the scene without transport to the hospital.

22. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Industrial Medicine The industrial paramedic provides several important services in addition to emergency care.

23. Bledsoe et al., Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 1: Introduction © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Summary Role of the Paramedic Traits of a Paramedic Paramedicine as a Profession Scope of Practice