Leadership within the ambulance service: rhetoric or reality?

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. Just as part 1 of this article (Armitage and Taylor, 2012) introduced the concept of management and leadership, specifically within the context of the ambulance service, part 2 will stimulate further discussion in connection with the development of leadership related knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours among paramedics. Throughout the piece, the need for leadership development at an organisational and professional level will be promoted, and the authors will explore why leadership and leadership development is a key component to paramedic practice, as well as considering how ‘human factors’ and ‘non-technical’ skills are central to a sucessful process of leadership. The NHS Leadership Framework will be reviewed and the authors will consider how it can be used by individuals, organisations and the paramedic profession as a whole to drive leadership development in the future.