THE 'next generation paramedic' came a step closer to reality for Cheshire and Merseyside as ambulance crews made a bid to become emergency care practitioners (ECPs).
As part of a national development programme, 13 paramedics from Mersey Regional Ambulance Service have been awarded places on the first ECP course in the region.
They will join other state registered health professionals including nurses, physiotherapists and radiographers on the course, which is being run in partnership with John Moores University.
The 15-week programme will introduce the paramedics to new skills and equip them with a higher medical knowledge.
They will be trained in injury assessment, diagnostic skills and advanced wound care. That means they will be able to make sound clinical decisions and either treat or refer patients to the most appropriate treat-ment outlets.
Specifically, they will be able to undertake physical examinations, treat minor illness and minor injury and order further medical investigations including X-rays. They will also be able to administer and supply a variety of medications to treat specific conditions.
MRAS says patients will benefit from a better experience of the NHS through reductions in the time taken to diagnose illness and administer treatment.
They will also benefit from a system to fast-track them through clinical pathways, a reduction in the number of 999 calls transferred to accident and emergency and reduced waiting times for home visits in primary care.
By becoming ECPs, paramedics will also gain alternative career options, such as in accident and emergency units, GPs' clinics and walk-in centres.
Mike Jackson, director of clinical care and chief paramedic at MRAS, said: 'We are breaking down professional boundaries and raising the clinical skills of our frontline emergency service staff.
'Ultimately, this will lead to new ways of working, closer partnerships with other NHS and health-related organisations, as well as better outcomes for patients. I can't remember a more significant development or exciting time for our profession.'