A new team of specialist paramedics have been drafted in by EMAS to cut down on patients making unnecessary trips to hospital.
The Specialist Practitioners have been in place since October last year and they were recruited after completing a rigorous selection process and undergoing advanced clinical training.
In the first few months of operation, the new paramedics have attended more than 1,000 patients with only 35% of those having to be taken to hospital.
Dr Leon Roberts, MBE, executive medical director at EMAS, said: “This role is fantastic news for our staff, patients and the wider health system.
“It means more and more patients will be able to receive treatment in the most appropriate setting for them, reducing unnecessary trips to hospital and ensuring they get the care they really need.
“At the same time this frees up our crews to attend the most seriously-ill patients who really do need to attend the Emergency Department.
“We’ve had some great feedback from colleagues across the health system in the first few months of operation and we’re looking forward to being able to expand the service further this year.”
You can still apply to be a Specialist Practitioner until Wednesday, January 13, by visiting their vacancies page by clicking here.
Due to their advanced clinical skills, the Specialist Practitioners can deal with more patients on the scene, getting them the right help in the right place, referring them on to appropriate services where necessary.
These new roles were created in response to staff and patient feedback and EMAS hopes that it will also provide an exciting career progression for their staff.
