Foundations For Paramedic Practice: A Theoretical Perspective: A Theoretical Perspective

"This book is definitely worth a read for newcomers to the paramedic profession. As for the more experienced practitioner, the book provides useful infortamtion on 'capacity to consent' issues and the contemporary topic of Continuous Professional Development is relevant to all experience levels ... In a nutshell, this is well written and easily digestible - a good introductory text."
Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol 2 No5

"This book is a timely and significant contribution to the discipline of paramedic healthcare practice. Topical and comprehensive, lucid and clear, its ‘user friendly’ style and use of ‘stop and think’ sections will allow the reader to make application to practice."
Geoffrey Watts, University of Chester, UK

"This is a thoroughly readable text which is specifically tailored to the needs of student paramedics and would be of great benefit to any pre-hospital or emergency care students. The chapters provide theoretical perspectives, encourage the student to assimilate information, relate to their practice experience and future role development. It will support them in becoming evidence based, fit for purpose practitioners of the future. An excellent text for paramedic science students, highly recommended reading."
Paul Bates, Higher Education Programme Manager, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, UK

"It is a fantastic resource for any university paramedic and will provide a comprehensive guide when writing assignments as well as support the student with information relevant to on the road experiences... With reflective practice now a vital role to both student paramedics and those registered, the book teaches the student the importance of reflective practice and how to adopt a reflective style in your writing. It guides the student through the key principles of reflection and provides a selection of models most appropriate to pre-hospital care."
Ruth Lambert, Student Paramedic, University of Northampton, UK

"Having just started as a practice placement educator of student paramedics who are being trained jointly with Swansea University and the Welsh Ambulance service, I found this book very helpful in helping me understand the needs of my students and what they are looking to learn. The chapters are short, concise and with good references for further reading, it covers all the topics I believe are relevant to the students course and cannot fail to stand them in good stead if they put into practice what they read and learn from this book."
Lyn Evans, Registered Paramedic, UK

Written by leading paramedics and academic subject experts, with a foreword by Paul Bates, this is the first foundation level text to introduce the main theoretical subjects studied on the new higher education paramedic science programmes. It underpins practice and links ways of working to the crucial theory base.

The numerous examples and case studies focus specifically on pre-hospital and emergency care. Key topics covered include:

• NHS and ambulance service history
• Ethics and law for the paramedic
• Communication and reflective practice
• Professional issues, including evidence-based practice, anti-discriminatory practice, clinical governance and clinical audit
• Psychological perspectives on health and ill health
• Safeguarding children
• Sociological perspectives on health and ill health and social policy
• Managing change and leadership theory
• Continuing professional development

The text prompts you to stop and think about what you have just read and relate this to your role. Throughout the book, the author carefully considers how the theory being discussed relates to the role of the ambulance clinician.

Foundations for Paramedic Practice: A Theoretical Perspective is a core text for students of paramedic science and will also provide a valuable resource for students of allied health professions. This text provides a stepping stone to further reading and investigation.

Amanda Blaber is Principal Lecturer and University Teaching Fellow in the Department of Acute and Continuing Care, School of Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich, UK.