The role of a paramedic is constantly changing and growing, because of this it is hard to define all areas of paramedicine in one definition (Bowels, 2017). As stated by Paramedics Australasia the definition of a Paramedic is “A health professional who provides rapid response, emergency medical assessment, treatment and care in the out-of-hospital environment” (Paramedics Australasia, 2016, p. 3). This essay will explore what the role of a paramedic is and what is expected professionally and legally across all varied paramedic roles.
The role of a paramedic has evolved rapidly over the years (Gerber, n.d Para 6) with the first of paramedicine emerging in the 1960’s (Edgerly, 2013) Paramedics were initated with the intention to prevent injuries and serious health issues. Since then paramedicine has grown and branched into many different directions resulting in the definition not being valid for all current paramedic job
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This is to protect all people and ensure everyone gets the same treatment without discrimination. Confidentiality is necessary to encourage true information that may be of significants in the situation. “The provider-patient relationship is protected and confidential for a number of reasons, but one of the most important is the ensure that patients feel comfortable communicating honestly and openly with medical professionals.” (Jillian Knowles, 2016, Para. 6). It is the paramedics own responsibility to ensure that they are keeping up to date with medical updates and discoveries. This is to ensure that paramedics are always giving the best possible care. Maintaining fitness to practice does not just refer to knowledge. It also refers to physical wellbeing, maintaining a nonrestrictive drivers licence and an up to date first aid