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  A qualitative analysis of stressors affecting 999 ambulance call handlers’ mental health and well-being

  Powell, Catherine; Fylan, Beth; Lord, Kathryn; Bell, Fiona; Breen, Liz (2022-09-28)
• One patient at a time

  Costello, Barry (2022-11-02)

  When I was a student paramedic, my mentor had a steady string of little pearls of wisdom like this, always hidden behind a wall of dark humour and cynicism, but that were equally endearing towards my untainted, and unhinged enthusiasm for all things paramedic. And while I did not fully know what he meant at the time, after 3 years as a student, and now 2 as an NQP, I am finally starting to understand it. Abstract published with permission.
• Advancing practice through the lens of patient care

  Eaton, Georgette (2022-11)

  Just over a decade ago, when I first registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (then the Health Professions Council), I did not picture a career outside of the back of an ambulance—unless I ceased to be a paramedic entirely. Yet, over the last 10 years, one of the main components that has catalysed the development of the profession is the idea that paramedics could capitalise their generalist unique selling point (USP) to work to an enhanced clinical level. The development of the paramedic profession itself is not new—we have continuously developed since our inception from working clinically within the constraints of providing life support under the supervision of cardiologists, to being autonomous clinicians in our own right. However, the progression to working within advanced practice has been something new—and I think we have the changing model of care delivery within the ambulance service to thank for this. Abstract published with permission.
• A mass distribution letter as an early intervention for potential frequent callers

  McDonnell, Aidan Joseph; McLaughlin, Russell; O'Neill, Ronan; Wolfe, Julia; Sinclair, Neil; Ruddell, Nigel (2022-11-02)

  Intensive engagement with frequent callers (FCs) has been shown to be effective at reducing call volumes and producing positive outcomes for service users. Aims: This study aimed to examine the impact of sending a mass distribution letter to potential frequent callers (PFCs) on emergency call volumes. Methods: A standardised letter containing advice and information for newly identified PFCs was introduced in an attempt to signpost service users to more appropriate care providers before they met the FC criteria. In total, 96 letters were distributed to PFCs and their impact on emergency call volumes was assessed. Findings: Emergency calls decreased from 439 to 187 in the 10 weeks following letter distribution, equating to an average reduction of 57.5%. Conclusion: An association was found between letter distribution and a reduction in emergency calls. Future opportunities for development include an emphasis on feedback from recipients and determination of specific causality. Abstract published with permission.
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  Where to look: sources of research in paramedicine

  Holland, Matt; Dutton, Michelle; Glover, Steve (2021-08)

  This article explains how to approach searching for paramedicine research, and the order in which you should consider types of sources, from synthesised sources to individual studies. Databases and sources for literature are covered and common issues about the search process are addressed, including when a search is complete and finding a gap in the literature. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/jpar.2021.13.8.316 This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2021.13.8.316

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