Changing times

As the year rolls on changes are a foot. Paramedics nationally have moved in to pay band six with all that entails. All paramedics in band six are going to be expected to act as mentors and carry out station duties, many of which have been carried out locally by Lead Paramedics.

One of the biggest changes will be for our graduate paramedics who will now be classed as newly qualified Paramedics and will be in band five for 24 months. This will build on the current preceptorship period that our new graduates already undergo. During this period they will receive additional support, be expected to complete a portfolio to prove their competencies and also have certain of their clinical decisions for high risk patients, who they wish to discharge at home verified by a senior clinician. Also as part of the changes our current Advance Technicians will formally take rota positions as  lead clinicians.

All of the above are national initiatives and guidance to ensure Paramedics are recognised for the high degree of clinical skills and expertise in the pre- hospital and unplanned care environment. As the Paramedic role continue to develop the vital role we play will continue to be recognised. Another operations officer and myself were talking this week and when we both joined the Paramedic role was restricted to the ambulance service with very few opportunities out side of the service. Now days Paramedics are in high demand across the whole of the health care environment and we are seen as having transferable skills.

This week will see three of my colleagues attending Operational and  Tactical command training in Exeter further developing their skills and competency.

Today is April first, the clocks have gone forward giving lighter evenings and the sun is shining. All of this combined means lots of people out and about. Around the harbour there is a frenzy of activity getting boats ready for the summer season. This time of year also sees more motorcycles out and about. Many riders may not have ridden over the winter months and may be a little rusty. With this in mind guys take your time and maybe even think about some additional training, there are lots of options out there IAM, ROSPA, Bikesafe all offer training and ride outs. Go on your never to old to learn.

Stay safe