Community paramedicine: Higher education as an enabling factor

The aim of this case study was to describe one rural community paramedic model and identify enablers related to the implementation of the model. It was undertaken in the County of Renfrew, Ontario, Canada where a community paramedicine role has emerged in response to demographic changes and broader health system reform. Qualitative data was collected through direct observation of practice, informal discussions, interviews and focus groups.

The crucial role of education in the effective and sustainable implementation of the community paramedicine model was identified as one of four enablers. Traditional paramedicine education programs are narrowly focused on emergency response, with limited education in health promotion, aged care and chronic disease management. Educational programs hoping to include a wider range of topics face the twin challenges of an already crowded curriculum and predominately young students who fail to see the relevance of community primary care content.

A closer match between the paramedicine curriculum and the emerging roles of paramedics, whether they are community paramedics, extended care paramedics, or as yet unformed roles is needed if paramedics are to become valued members of the health care team.