Assessment Skills For Paramedics

A concise and accessible text designed for paramedics and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to key assessment skills

This 2nd edition is the ideal resource for paramedics and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to help develop or refresh their assessment skills with up to date knowledge. This handy pocket sized book can be used by students for exam revision, by paramedics and emergency care staff en route to a call, or clinicians who are working in other clinical environments, such as urgent care centres to revisit key points and further refine their skills. Divided into body systems, the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation. The book also: • Takes an approach that mirrors current UK and international practice • Features a cardiovascular chapter which includes sepsis, red flag sepsis and The UK Sepsis Trust Pre-hospital Sepsis Screening and Action Tool • Uses red flags to highlight where immediate action may be needed and identifies appropriate actions to be taken • Has been updated where applicable against the current Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines • Considers the social, ethical and legal factors that might impact on care • Includes specific chapters in the specialist fields of paediatric assessment and neonatal assessment and care • Has been updated for this 2nd edition with new chapters on the assessment of minor injuries and minor ailments • Features extra web links for further reading at the end of chapters and a new book glossary • Uses mnemonics, cases and diagrams to demonstrate and reinforce key points, with many new diagrams for this edition Written by experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enhance knowledge and encourage accurate, timely and thorough assessment of patients across the lifespan. “…This book clearly sets out and balances the critical, unscheduled and urgent care assessment priorities for paramedic students and those who are looking to refresh their skills. The content, depth of discussion and signposting within the book clearly highlight and discuss critical points for the reader which are supported with appropriate supporting evidence …We recommend this book to all of our paramedic students, and it should be an ‘essential’ purchase for all discerning paramedic students whether they are embarking on their studies or refreshing and updating their skills…” Mark Nevins, Programme Leader, Paramedic Practice Programme, Teesside University, UK “This second edition draws on additional guidelines and best practice to elegantly illustrate the fundamental knowledge and skills required to undertake a comprehensive, evidence based approach to patient assessment. The book builds on the plethora of knowledge and understanding of patient assessment, from common presentations through to complex specialisms which require a focused and often prompt response from the out-of-hospital care provider. This book is ideally suited to the undergraduate paramedic student, along with experienced paramedics wishing to review their assessment techniques.” John Donaghy, Principal Lecturer and Professional Lead, Paramedic Science, University of Hertfordshire, UK

Now in its third edition, this highly acclaimed resource is the ideal guide for student and practicing paramedics looking to refresh and consolidate their assessment skills. Assessment Skills for Paramedics has been thoroughly revised with fresh, up-to-date knowledge and national guidance. Divided into body systems and presented in a clear, accessible format the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation. New to this edition: •Histories, assessments and scenarios across multiple chapters. •Content covering the well-being of the paramedic. •Chapters including the review of systems (RoS) approach. •A systematic format of primary and secondary survey in each chapter that relates to current practice. •Reflects updates to Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines, and The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee guidelines. Packed full of practical, contemporary advice for all paramedics featuring: •An approach that mirrors current UK and international practice. •Consideration of the social, ethical and legal factors that might impact on care. •Specific chapters in the specialist fields of paediatric assessment and neonatal assessment and care. Written by experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enable readers to enhance their practical knowledge and to make accurate, timely and thorough assessment of patients across the lifespan. “From those developing as students in the pre-registration period to those in the post-registration phase of their career this book is valuable asset to all.” Mark Willis, Programme Lead – BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care, University of Sunderland, UK “This timely, thoughtful, well-conceived and systematic text is the perfect companion to paramedic practise.” Andy Newton, Immediate Past Chair College of Paramedics, UK “The writing is concise and to the point whilst at the same time covering all that is needed for safe and competent practice. I would recommend this text for student paramedics and experienced practitioners alike.” Dr Simon Butler, Senior Lecturer, Course Leader for DipHE Paramedic Studies, Anglia Ruskin University, UK Amanda Blaber is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Sport and Health Sciences University of Brighton, for the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course and an Honorary Fellow of the College of Paramedics Graham Harris is a Paramedic Consultant Educationalist. He is a Fellow of the College of Paramedics and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and formerly the National Education Lead for the College of Paramedics.

Written by Dianne Inglis and Jeffrey Kenneally, the workbook includes more than 70 paramedic-focused clinical skills that link underpinning theory and knowledge with expectations for contemporary clinical practice. To ensure the skills are performed correctly and to standard, the resource is further strengthened with a ready-made assessment tool, ideal for both self-directed learning and instructor use. The text is designed for practising skill development, and preparation for assessment and clinical placement. Clinical Skills for Paramedic Practice 1e includes two key components: practical skill instruction and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessment checklist. The skills sections contain clear step-by-step written and photographic instruction in basic to advanced clinical skills, with rationales provided to enhance knowledge acquisition and clinical decision-making. The OSCE checklists allow students and instructors to easily track and assess progress in skill development. Step-by-step skill instruction combined with an OSCE assessment checklist Structured reflection and end-of-chapter questions to assist with deeper understanding of key concepts and application to practice Designed specifically for use by Australian and New Zealand paramedics An eBook and downloadable skill and assessment sheets are included with purchase of the print book Additional resources on Evolve: • An eBook on VitalSource Student and Instructor Resources on Evolve: Clinical skill work instructions Formative Clinical Skill Assessment (F-CSAT) Summative Clinical Skill Assessment (S-CSAT) Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Formative Clinical Skill Assessment (F-CSAT) key Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)

This concise and accessible book is designed for practicing and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to key assessment skills. Divided into body systems, the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation. Using bullet lists, mnemonics, cases and diagrams this is an ideal resource to use for exam and OSCE revision, as well as on the road for those in training or under supervision. Written by a range of expert paramedics working across the UK this is essential reading for new and aspiring paramedics.

This important new book is the first specific text for paramedic students focusing on leadership as a key educational need for all NHS health care practitioners.

An essential text for the aspiring student paramedic, Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice makes paramedic science and pre-hospital care accessible, straightforward and exciting. It assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, presenting the must-have information that students need about both the theory and practice of what it means to be a paramedic. With extensive full-colour illustrations throughout, as well as activities and scenarios, this user-friendly textbook will support paramedic students throughout their course.

The Student Paramedic Survival Guide gives information and advice to help you succeed in your education and become a registered paramedic. The book supports you from the start of your journey as you choose a programme, through study and practice placements, to the final stages of registration and applying for work. Finally, the book prepares you to make the transition into your first paramedic job. To equip you with insights into what studying to be a paramedic is really like, the book is packed full of comments from students, paramedics, mentors, paramedic educators and academics. Their expertise and experience will be invaluable as you study and prepare for practice. Other useful tools are included, such as web links for suggested further reading. The book will answer questions such as:  Is this the right career for me?  What do I need to consider when choosing a university and programme of study? What will I be studying? How can I make the most of the simulations that are part of my course? Who is there to support me on placements? What is it like caring for patients and their families? How can I adjust to shift work? What can I do to prepare for registration and securing my first job? The book also includes advice on making the most of your preferred learning style and guidance on how to look after yourself when you encounter traumatic events.Written by a bestselling author with the help of students, practice staff and academics from a variety of higher education institutions, this guide for prospective and current student paramedics is the essential resource to support your journey through the excitement, challenges and realities of being a student paramedic on a higher education programme. "This is a must buy for any student from school leaver to the mature candidate who is thinking of studying to be a Paramedic. The book comprehensively addresses everything from where and how to apply, unpicking the complex picture of fees and funding to the realities of what to expect when you get to University and what it''s like on placement. With valuable contributions from current students, academics and educators this book explains everything you need to know and might not have thought you needed to know before you apply." Mark Nevins, Senior Lecturer, Teeside University, UK, and NMC Registered Adult Nurse and HCPC Registered Paramedic "I would consider this book as required reading for anyone considering embarking on a career as a paramedic. It is honest, informative and true to life. I liked the way that all aspects of student life were covered, from applications, to studying and placements and finally being out in the world. This job isn''t what a lot of people seem to think it is but Amanda has gone to great lengths to myth bust. This book shows a depth and consideration that all prospective paramedic students should appreciate. It is clear that a great deal of effort has gone into this survival guide." Mark Young, Paramedic & Practice Placement Educator, South East Coast Ambulance Service, UK "I liked the way that the book utilises a cross-section of students, practitioners and academics when providing opinions on the student paramedic journey, as this provides the triangulation required to ensure the views presented are representative of the student paramedic arena. It will provide a useful guide to the mysteries of the student journey. It is also useful that it illustrates the differences across the whole of the UK and considers the different approaches and how they can change the coping mechanisms that need to be used, and that are in place. The 4 sections provide an excellent overview of the 4 areas that most student paramedics want to, and need to, know, and answers a number of the questions (if not all) asked very effectively. The sections also support the needs of the profession, as well as the students own professional journey; covering a number of areas that are part of the institutional and ambulance Trusts inductions. It is useful to note that the Survival Guide also recognises the differences the student paramedic experiences when compared to other students in universities. This means that the Survival Guide can act as an ''aide memoire'' that is available when those difficult questions come up that need an immediate answer that can allay fears and anxieties and signpost the students to the places they can get support. This aspect is helped by the shared experiences from past and present students and practitioners, who act as mentors and paramedic educators to the students. This book has been a long time coming and will, based on my experience, help the student to have a better transition towards their future professional role." Lizzie Ryan, Education Business Manager and Clinical Training Manager (East) at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, UK, also Lecturer at Bournemouth University, UK and Plymouth University, UK and the Open University, UK