Doctors and the ambulance services

Ambulance officers are now highly trained professionals with a detailed knowledge of emergency medical conditions and trauma. The medical practitioner, however, should still be seen as the leader of the medical team, both in the field and in the supervision and development of an effective ambulance service. Patient care will be improved through the development of team work, which is a function of mutual respect dependent on understanding the other person's skills, abilities and responsibilities. This article contains an overview of the ambulance officer's skills and responsibilities.