Introduction
Paramedicine evolved from the discipline of medicine. As paramedicine emerges out of its pre-hospital silo and integrates more broadly into healthcare systems, paramedicine once again looks to collaborate with medicine and other health professionals. It is for this reason that the Australian Institute of Paramedic Practitioners (AIPP) has established this Community Paramedic Practice Framework where we decribe paramedic integration and articulation into primary healthcare. The Community Paramedic is the initial clinical tier in the evolution for paramedic integration in primary healthcare.
Paramedics are primarily educated to respond to medical emergencies. In that context they assess, diagnose and initiate treatment for patients in a community setting. Community Paramedics build upon this existing knowledge, skill and experience and have completed additional primary healthcare education at Graduate Certificate level (or an AIPP approved equivalent). This additional education creates a clinician who can conduct holistic biopsychosocial assessments, apply clinical reasoning, make evidence-based decisions, provide acute and long-term care, and assist others with treatment planning.
Integral to the Community Paramedic model is a nuanced mix of clinical autonomy and collaboration. Essential to practice is, knowledge of limitations, inclusion in a multidisciplinary team, professional integrity, reflective practice, and continual professional development. These essential professional capabilities result in a clinician that is committed to patient centred, safe and collaborative healthcare.
This Community Paramedic Practice Framework has been developed to describe a range of capabilities that Community Paramedics are capable of and adhere to. The Framework sets standards for the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required to be a Community Paramedic.
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