PARAMEDICAL SERVICES IN MODERN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Abstract

A paramedic or health care provider is a health professional that provides rapid response, emergency medical assessment, treatment and care to critically ill patients¹. The word Paramedic is a combination of two words; para means "along the side of" and medic means "physician", so a paramedic works as an extender of the physician. He works under the direct supervision of a medical expert and is considered a “delegated practitioner”.

Paramedical service is crucial for the effective running of the modern health care system and is the lifeline of the health sector². Paramedics are trained, equipped and required to give emergency services not just in form of first aids, but may also include medical attention that may not warrant taking the patients to the hospital³.  Over the past decade, paramedic scope of practice and clinical responsibilities has expanded significantly. Advanced clinical interventions previously carried out by physicians such as ultrasound, thoracotomy and endotracheal intubation are now becoming part of the health care professional. This concentrated experience in the use of highly technical, mechanical and electronic equipment and their availability to the patient make such personnel indispensable as assistants to physicians⁴.

The dynamic nature of paramedics in terms of clinical practice demands continuous recognition and evaluation of the literature. Active research is essential for the translation of evidence into practice and education and is an integral part of the modern paramedic programs offered within higher education institutions. Thus there is an urgent need to launch a peer review journal in the field of paramedics that will publish high standard scientific articles and will be available to researchers and institutes. The scope of this journal includes both basic and clinical research including original articles, reviews, clinical case presentations and case reports. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of the disease and provide a reference for health professionals and researchers.