The advanced paramedic internship: an important clinical learning opportunity

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Medical Education
• Paramedic Training

Background:

• Ireland established accredited paramedic training in 2005.
• The 11-month program includes distance learning, taught phases, and a 6-week supervised internship.
• Limited international data exists on paramedic training's clinical practice impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To audit the clinical care activity of the first 30 paramedic internship candidates.
• To analyze patient demographics, clinical problems, and interventions performed during the internship.

Main Methods:

• A detailed audit of clinical care data from 30 paramedic interns.
• Data collected on patient descriptors, clinical issues, and advanced interventions under Clinical Practice Guideline-Advanced (CPG-A).

Main Results:

• 30 interns managed 1237 patients over 6 weeks, with 46.3% receiving advanced interventions.
• Intravenous cannulation was the most frequent advanced procedure.
• 55 cardiac arrests were managed, alongside airway management and other critical care interventions.

Conclusions:

• Supervised clinical training effectively supports the transition to autonomous paramedic practice.
• Interns demonstrated competence in assessments, decisions, and interventions under supervision.
• The program prepares candidates for responsible and safe paramedic practice.