Clinical Skills
Clinical practice carried out by paramedics is supported by established Protocols, Pharmacology and Clinical Procedures. Ambulance protocols, pharmacology and clinical procedures provide a clear indication of how treatment should be provided by paramedics for each clinical condition – cardiac, other medical and trauma - likely to be encountered in the pre-hospital care environment. They are treatment focused and are regularly reviewed. Changes are made by the Clinical Advisory Committee on the basis of evidence based medicine, experience, and input from paramedics in the field.
Ambulance Protocols and Pharmacologies
Ambulance protocols and supporting pharmacology were established with the introduction of paramedics in NSW in 1976. Since their introduction, specialist physicians and ambulance officers have regularly reviewed them. Today, they guide clinical practice across all approved skill levels.
They are overviewed by the Protocol Committee and approved by the Ambulance Medical Director and the Clinical Advisory Committee. The latter comprises senior physicians from rural and metropolitan areas specialising in a variety of disciplines.
The Clinical Development arm of the Ambulance Service plans and implements programs to meet the needs of communities and advancements in the skills and knowledge of paramedics as well as evaluating the quality of clinical services we provide to consumers.