NewStats: 3,262,159 , 8,176,273 topics. Date: Sunday, 01 June 2025 at 03:46 AM ghr

*International Paramedics Day 2023_ Defining “WHAT PARAMEDICS DO*

It is true that the term "paramedic" can sometimes be misunderstood or interpreted differently by individuals based on their understanding or the information they find online, and this can to a great extent be attributed to the historical context of paramedics and the evolving nature of their work which has in no small way contributed to varying definitions.

In the past, paramedics were primarily associated with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who provided basic life (BLS) care and transportation to the hospital. However, over time, the role of paramedics has expanded and evolved significantly.

In modern healthcare systems, paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who possess advanced skills and knowledge in prehospital emergency care. They undergo extensive education and certification programs that equip them to provide comprehensive and advanced life interventions, such as istering medications, performing advanced airway management, interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), and conducting critical assessments.

Today's paramedics work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, including physicians and nurses, to deliver timely and effective medical care in emergency situations. They often function as part of a multidisciplinary team and are integral to the continuum of care from the scene of an emergency to the hospital.

It is important to recognize and understand the modern definition and capabilities of paramedics. While historical definitions may still exist, they may not accurately represent the full scope and capabilities of modern paramedics. Seeking reliable sources, such as professional healthcare organizations or reputable educational institutions, can provide a more accurate understanding of the role and responsibilities of paramedics in contemporary healthcare practice.

By acknowledging the advancements and complexities of the modern paramedic profession, we can appreciate the valuable contributions they make in providing critical prehospital care and improving patient outcomes.

The range of work that paramedics can undertake extends far beyond clinical practice. While clinical care remains a core aspect of their role, paramedics also contribute to various other areas within the healthcare field viz;

Research: Paramedics can engage in research activities, conducting studies, participating in clinical trials, and contributing to evidence-based practices. Their frontline experience allows them to gather valuable insights and contribute to advancements in prehospital care and emergency medicine.

Education: Many paramedics play a crucial role in educating future healthcare professionals, including paramedic students, EMTs, and other healthcare providers. They may serve as instructors, clinical preceptors, or faculty in educational institutions, sharing their expertise and training the next generation of paramedics.

Leadership and Management: Paramedics can pursue leadership and management roles, such as EMS supervisors, operations managers, or directors. In these positions, they oversee the delivery of prehospital care services, coordinate resources, develop protocols, and contribute to the strategic direction of EMS systems.

Specialized Roles: Paramedics can specialize in specific areas of practice, such as critical care transport, flight paramedicine, tactical paramedicine, community paramedicine, or disaster response. These specialized roles require additional training and expertise to address unique patient populations or specific operational needs.

Community Engagement: Paramedics often engage with their communities beyond emergency response. They may participate in public health initiatives, community outreach programs, and health promotion campaigns to enhance community resilience, educate the public on emergency preparedness, and address public health concerns.

The evolving roles and opportunities for paramedics reflect the growing recognition of their diverse skill set and the valuable contributions they can make beyond clinical practice. It is important to appreciate and highlight the breadth of work paramedics undertake in research, education, leadership, and other areas that contribute to the advancement of prehospital care and overall healthcare systems.

While historical definitions may not fully capture the scope of modern paramedic practice, it is essential to recognize that the core role of paramedics still revolves around providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages in various emergency situations.

Paramedics are trained to be versatile and adaptable practitioners capable of managing a wide range of medical emergencies, traumatic injuries, and critical conditions. They possess the knowledge and skills to assess and treat patients across the lifespan, from infants to older adults. This ability to provide care across diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios is a fundamental aspect of their role.

Defining paramedics solely by what they are not can indeed be limiting and less informative. It is more valuable to emphasize what paramedics are, such as highly skilled healthcare professionals specializing in prehospital emergency care. Their unique training and expertise allow them to perform critical interventions, deliver life-saving treatments, and provide essential during high-stress situations.

To better capture the essence of modern paramedic practice, definitions should focus on the comprehensive and the specialized care they deliver, their role within the healthcare system, and the impact they have on patient outcomes. Acknowledging the breadth of their responsibilities, from clinical care to leadership, education, research, and community engagement, helps paint a more accurate and informative picture of their contributions to healthcare.

As paramedic roles continue to evolve and expand, it is crucial for definitions and perceptions to align with the multifaceted nature of their work. This recognition ensures a better understanding of the vital role paramedics play in emergency medical services and the broader healthcare landscape.

While today’s colloquial definition of the term “paramedic” creates a conflation of paramedic professional titles across different countries. It's however important to recognize that the term "paramedic" can have variations in its meaning and professional requirements depending on the specific jurisdiction.

In some countries, such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and certain states within the US, the term "paramedic" is indeed a protected title. This means that individuals must meet specific educational and certification requirements to legally use the title and practice as a paramedic. Unlike nigeria where some unknown persons with no traceable source of paramedical training are beginning to give themselves the title of paramedics.

It is worth noting that while the term "paramedic" may have variations across countries, the underlying objective of paramedics remains consistent: to provide skilled emergency medical care in prehospital settings. By recognizing and clarifying these variations, we can enhance public awareness and understanding of the paramedic profession as it exists within different jurisdictions.

As paramedicine continues to progress and adapt to changing healthcare needs, it is crucial that the profession is defined by the individuals actively practising within it hence, the need for those within the profession to have a say in defining it.

Paramedics themselves possess unique insights into the breadth and depth of their roles, the challenges they face, and the skills and knowledge required to provide effective prehospital care. Their firsthand experiences and expertise should be considered when shaping the definition and understanding of paramedicine.

By involving paramedics in defining the profession, we can capture the full spectrum of their capabilities, which go beyond historical definitions that focused solely on the setting of practice. This includes not only the varied clinical responsibilities but also the leadership, research, education, and community engagement aspects that paramedics contribute to.

Defining paramedicine based on the input of those who practice it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the profession's scope and impact. It ensures that the definition aligns with the realities of the field and accurately represents the multifaceted nature of paramedics' work.

By empowering paramedics to contribute to the definition of their own profession, we can foster a sense of ownership and pride within the paramedic community. It also enables ongoing discussions and refinements that reflect the dynamic nature of paramedicine and its continuous growth and advancement.

Incorporating the perspectives and expertise of paramedics in defining the profession can contribute to a more accurate, meaningful, and inclusive representation of paramedicine, ultimately benefiting both the profession and the patients they serve.

When one considers the definition of a ‘paramedic’ as derived from the Paramedicine Delphi Study 2021, one gleans of a definition that captures the evolving nature of paramedicine and acknowledges the diverse range of settings in which paramedics practice. It recognizes that paramedicine extends beyond emergency care and encomes various clinical and non-clinical roles.

The inclusion of settings like emergency medical services, ambulance services, hospitals, clinics, and non-clinical roles such as education, leadership, public health, and research highlights the expanding scope of paramedicine. It acknowledges the multifaceted nature of paramedic practice and the diverse contributions paramedics make within the healthcare field.

This comprehensive definition reflects the evolving responsibilities and capabilities of paramedics, recognizing their role as healthcare professionals across a range of clinical and non-clinical contexts. It provides a more accurate representation of the profession's scope and aligns with the dynamic nature of paramedicine as it continues to evolve and adapt to changing healthcare needs.

Having a consensus-based definition as derived from the Delphi study signifies that multiple experts and stakeholders within the paramedicine field have come to a shared understanding. Such an inclusive and collaborative approach adds credibility and validity to the definition, ensuring that it reflects the perspectives and insights of those actively involved in the profession.

The Paramedicine Delphi Study 2021's definition provides a valuable reference point for understanding the profession's scope and can serve as a foundation for discussions, research, policy development, and educational curricula related to paramedicine. It contributes to enhancing clarity, promoting professional identity, and ing the ongoing advancement of the paramedicine field internationally.

Understanding the complex knowledge and skills possessed by paramedics, as well as their broad scope of practice and essential role in the healthcare system coupled with the ability of paramedics to work in unscheduled, unpredictable, and dynamic settings showcases their adaptability and capacity to provide timely and critical care.

The generation and provision of a consensus definition for paramedicine are indeed crucial for the ongoing development and maturation of the discipline. A well-defined and universally accepted definition provides clarity and establishes a common understanding of the profession's scope and purpose. It enables effective communication among healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and the public.

A consensus definition also facilitates the establishment of professional standards, regulatory frameworks, and guidelines that the continued growth and advancement of paramedicine. It ensures that the profession is recognized and valued for the specialized knowledge, skills, and contributions paramedics bring to the healthcare system.

Furthermore, a consensus definition helps to shape education and training programs, ensuring that they align with the evolving demands and expectations of the profession. It aids in the development of competency frameworks and professional development pathways, fostering continuous improvement and ensuring high-quality care delivery.

The provision of a consensus definition reflects the collective expertise and perspectives of paramedics, researchers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the discipline. It demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing paramedicine as a distinct and respected healthcare profession.

Overall, a consensus definition is instrumental in providing a solid foundation for the ongoing development, recognition, and maturation of paramedicine. It serves as a guiding framework that s the profession's growth, enhances patient care, and strengthens the professional identity and autonomy of paramedics.

As a learned Colleague @george amolo clearly pointed out, there are four pillars within paramedicine: clinical practice, education, leadership, and research. These pillars reflect the multifaceted nature of the paramedic profession and highlight the diverse roles and responsibilities that paramedics undertake beyond clinical care.

Consequently, while historical definitions may not encom the full scope of paramedic work, it is crucial to recognize and define the profession in a way that reflects the comprehensive contributions paramedics make across these four pillars.

Defining the paramedic profession with a broader perspective acknowledges that paramedics are involved in clinical practice, providing emergency medical care and interventions. However, it also recognizes their roles in education, where they contribute to training and mentoring future paramedics, as well as leadership positions where they guide and shape the direction of paramedicine as a discipline. Additionally, research involvement enables paramedics to contribute to advancing knowledge and evidence-based practices within their field.

By highlighting these four pillars of paramedicine, the definition can encom the full range of activities and responsibilities that paramedics undertake. This broader definition enables patients, of the public, and other healthcare professionals to understand and appreciate the diverse expertise and contributions of paramedics.

It is important to emphasize that paramedicine is not solely defined by the presence of an ambulance, blue lights, and red lights. While these visual elements may be associated with the profession, the true essence of paramedicine lies in the specialized knowledge, skills, and dedication of paramedics across clinical practice, education, leadership, and research.

By recognizing and promoting the four pillars of paramedicine in the definition, we can foster a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation for the profession among all stakeholders. This inclusive definition allows for a more accurate representation of the paramedic profession, ensuring that the public and healthcare community have a holistic view of the vital contributions paramedics make beyond the emergency response context.

Yours Sincerely

Olaiyatunnex:
Do you know that there is an update on police clearance certificate in Nigeria that involves paying 30k online before you proceed for capturing at Alagbon? This thread is to give information and share experiences on the process.

What if you are not in the country again what can I do

This man is not a pastor he is a false man of God no man of God will ever mention any ungodly words. We are in the last days so am not surprised. I pity his followers and those listening to him. Tinubu will not die but rather he will see the truth and know the truth.

Students' doctors are not even in session as we speak and student doctors are not even allowed to do a procedure on their own the man lied from a to z you don't tarnish peoples image because you lost some one we know it's painful but lying wasn't an option and spoiling the image if the hospital. We know what that hospital did during end sars how they managed cases without collecting a penny from any body learn to say the truth no matter what. Thanks

Bobloco:


https://www./774078196815183/permalink/1223574125198919/

https://www./774078196815183/permalink/1223548401868158/

Them dark her eye na him good for her thief.

I like the font cause that white one they blind eyes for night

I just love this. I think he has learnt a huge lesson papa when suffer for you. Your own friend when no know one know two you be one use am

This is pure politics I am a civil servant not a dime was paid to my salary as increment he just bluff as usual for the second time.

Am a medic though I see dead patients almost every week sha and I even assess them and certify most

No emergency medical service with paramedics..... Nigerians are still joking with their lives. Our government do not mean we'll for.us o mad country go abroad and see how things work.

Check it out no signal.. Reporting live from Edo

It's heart aching that since 7am i haven't been able to get calls on my line and haven't been able to reach client who is experience same on glo mobile

Paramedics working with the lagos rescue unit

More pics

Paramedics are trained healthcare professionals whose primary role is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergency patients who access the emergency medical system. They are often the first on the scene of an emergency with the required training and expertise to help prevent disability and death.


This is important, especially in Nigeria. Many of our ambulance drivers are just drivers without any skills in life saving techniques. There in lies our shame and lack of understanding of the role of a paramedic. Many hospitals including that of yours truly have just ambulance drivers and rely on other of the healthcare team especially nurses to render emergency care, as necessary.

We do have paramedics in Nigeria, and I understand that the training takes place mostly at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). But there are also training centres in Delta, Ogun and Rivers States of Nigeria.

The program was set up in 2008 and designed to churn out graduates every three years. In 2014, the Federal government increased the period of paramedics training program to 5 years. This starts with 2 years to obtain a national diploma, a year of field internship and then another two years to obtain a higher national diploma (HND). Nigeria just recently graduated the first set of HND paramedics (30 in number)



Since inception in 2008, UBTH has graduated about 130 paramedics.



Unfortunately, most of them remain in the hospital working in the emergency room and involved in in-hospital patient transfer services. The paramedics triage patients, help with resuscitation procedures, move patients out for investigations, and when the need arises, go out to rescue people and get them to the hospital. However, they are underutilized as Edo State does not have an emergency medical service (EMS).

Well, Lagos State has an EMS and so some graduates work in Lagos and in Ogun States. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and Ogun State ambulance service recognizes and utilize the expertise of these practitioners. Some also work in private hospitals and ambulance services in Lagos State. One can point to some examples like Ambulance Nigeria, Ambulance Company and Brain Grace Ambulance Service.

A lot of advocacy is required to explain the worth of paramedics to the Ministry of Health, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). There is an urgent need for paramedics and the establishment of EMS in all the states of the federation. They will facilitate and compliment the work of NEMA and FRSC.



We need to rethink the strategies we have in saving Nigerian lives and develop the system to ensure that every life matter in Nigeria. The paramedics already trained are a much-needed manpower resource waiting to be deployed. There are also teeming numbers of unemployed youth in Nigeria begging to be employed. Many would gladly take up positions that empowers them to save lives.

Can you imagine having trained paramedics helping in the transfer of critically ill patients from one hospital to another? Can you see the benefit of such especially during this period of a worldwide pandemic? Can you imagine having trained paramedics helping in the safe transfer of critically injured patients from our roads to hospitals? Would you not be happy to see a paramedic appear to help save the lives of your loved ones?

We have youth.

We need paramedics.

What’s the hold-up?



(This piece was written by Dr Biodun Ogungbo and Medic Micah Iduitua T. N.)

Iny3:
Hello bro.. Are you in turkey already? How much does it cost to process visa and flight tickets? How about accommodation? How much should I have at hand? I really want to make the move before June. Awaiting your response

I would love to do same. Any please let me know

DSoj:
Very weak watery lazy rap.

This guy has become a Desperate Clout chaser

You are very very stupid for this comment.

Edo state nor be lagos

NigerianSage:
Aeromedical Evacuation to airlift wounded soldiers from various theatres of operation to treatment facilities, the NAF has conducted a training for some of its flight nurses

https://airforce.mil.ng/news/capacity-building:-naf-trains-flight-nurses, -configures-c-130h-for-effective-aeromedical-evacuation712592660

Stupid country are nurses suppose to be the ones there or Paramedics daft country with daft minds

Location

Location am in Edo.state how do I get it

I do love the course i studied in school but Nigerian do not value my course which is Paramedics. They rather employ quacks than professionals who are trained for the job.

Adelekesaka:


Yes bro did they reason that those action of theirs could effect their economy?

They didn't know.i saw this coming the xenophobic attack was something else so other countries started living their county

iCauseTrouble:
That's so barbaric. They went extreme by burning her.

Modified
Everybody quoting me, please let's be guilded. Am not justifying the allegation against of her using mortuary water to cook. The fact still remains its a mere allegation and it hasn't been confirmed.
Even if confirmed, why not allow the law to take its course?

God bless you my brother you just spoke.my mind. Was burning her the solution. So what happens to does giving her the water are they not guilty of the same crime?

Why burn the woman when they are not the one who created her.

ExAngel007:
Nigerians have been warned by National
Agency for Food and Drug istration
Control not to use this type of material for
packed food.

So what do we use?

They constitute a whole bulk of our RTA's why shouldn't it reduce. It will always reduce.

Adaowerri111:
Using money that should have gone to Oshiomole for Edo people, is this a wise decision?

A very wise decision of cause

Respect to you my legend. Rest in peace

Nice

Atouke:
The construction of the 17,000 all seater all covered Eket stadium in Akwa ibom state which started a while ago by the Government of Mr udom emmanuel has reached roofing levels.
This month all the 17000 plastic seats for the stadium has arrived uyo the state capital where it is stored.
The artificial pitch has and the tartan tracks material has also arrived.

The ministry of sports akwa ibom state recieved 27 container of materials for installation in the new stadium January 2020.

Mr udom Emmanuel is not just building a stadium in Eket, eket is the second biggest city in Akwa ibom state after uyo, the state capital and ikot Ekpene the Northern district capitals.
Eket has a variety of roads that are being dualize, drainages, city park, modern yiwu Chinese market, the biggest Chinese market in Nigeria is currently under construction in Eket and many more, this project are aimed at repositioning the oil capital of Akwa ibom state to a new level that's befitting of other oil cities in the world.

The commissioner of sports in the state also intimated that the old 5000 capacity uyo township stadium is also simultaneously upgraded to a 10,000 seater sports stadium to complement the 30,000 seats Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.

Akwa ibom state is the only state in the country with 2 teams in the Nigerian premier league.
AKWA UNITED AND DAKKADA FC.

The state also has several teams in the Nigerian National league which is Nigeria division 2:

Those teams include the ibom youth FC, vandrezzer FC, coffine fC etc and a host of female clubsides.

This stadium's will serve as befitting homes for some of this teams.

All this without two things won't last!!

1. Maintenance culture
2. Electricity

Quote me any where

Badoo sneah

Mike aremu didn't perform or what?